Signpost Blog
"This little newsletter has been an experiment so far, testing a hunch I've had that such a means of communication among walkers is needed." — Signpost magazine, 1966.
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Mining Threatens Trail on Goat Mountain (Again)
Sep 20, 2017
Gifford Pinchot National Forest gave the green light for exploratory drilling on Goat Mountain. This decision is the latest action in part of an 11 year attempt to mine in this area. Act now to learn more and submit comments to the Forest Service before the October 9 deadline.
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Ellensburg Meeting a Chance to Shape the Manastash Ridge Trail System
Sep 19, 2017
Attend a Sept. 26 meeting to preview early plans for a trail system on Manastash Ridge, and give feedback.
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Capturing the Moment
Sep 19, 2017
Every year, WTA invites photographers to share their favorite photos for our annual contest. Photographer and avid hiker Michael Moore shared this shot at Colchuck Lake during last year's contest.
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OLT Program Provides New Skills for International Students
Sep 18, 2017
Every August, WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training (OLT) program treks down to Green River College in Auburn for a workshop that gives WTA the chance to work with international students and gives those students the skills they need to lead outdoor trips. Our team is joined by six students from the International Student Ambassador (ISA) program, along with Green River staff.
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1,100 Miles, 40 Days and 30 Pounds of Trash: Meet Gretchen Matt
Sep 13, 2017
Gretchen Matt has thru-hiked several trails, but none were quite like the Florida Trail. On a mission to complete the trail in 40 days and pick up garbage, we got a chance to ask her some questions about her experience.
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Two WTA Grants Help Support Trailwork in the Southwest and Olympics
Sep 12, 2017
The National Forest Foundation and the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance support WTA's work in parts of the state where trails need the most love.
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Berries, Fall Foliage and Pink Sunsets: Trip Reporters Document Fall's Early Arrival
Sep 11, 2017
After a long and dry summer, fall is taking no time to grace the trails. Here are a few trip reporters who recently witnessed some early signs of fall.
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WTA's Gear Library Grows to Meet Increasing Demand for Outdoor Experiences
Sep 08, 2017
We are excited to share that our gear library now has a new home in a larger space, which will better accommodate the growing community of program partners and the ever-increasing amount of items available to borrow.
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Lake Serene Trail Closure Sept. 25
Sep 06, 2017
The Lake Serene Trail will be closed for timber-harvesting purposes, starting on September 25. Here are the details, and some alternative, winter lake-hikes in the Cascades.
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Know Before You Go: Fires Spread, Burn Bans in Effect for Labor Day Weekend
Aug 31, 2017
It's hot and dry out there, and, at least through the Labor Day weekend, there's no reprieve in sight. A lot of fires have expanded or started in the last couple of days, closing areas that are popular for hiking and backpacking. Find out if your Labor Day plans need some last minute adjustments.
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Bridging the Gap on Tiger Mountain
Aug 31, 2017
Tiger Mountain’s Section Line Trail sports a new bridge, thanks to the collaboration of Department of Natural Resources, Washington Trails Association, and the support of two WTA members who just wanted to help other hikers enjoy one of their favorite trails.
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Budgets for U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service Up in the Air
Aug 31, 2017
Congress has made some progress toward determining the budgets for the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service for the next fiscal year, which begins on October 1. However, they still have a lot of work to do. Here's what we know so far and what to expect in the months ahead.
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Whitebark Pine: A Subalpine Keystone Struggles to Survive
Aug 31, 2017
High up in the mountains, a tree called whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) shows us just how interconnected our natural world is. This tree is vital to our subalpine ecosystems and much of the life that exists below them.
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Survey Says: We Asked, You Answered
Aug 28, 2017
We asked hikers where and why they hike. Here are your responses.
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People-Powered Science Opportunities: Two Trailhead Parking Studies
Aug 24, 2017
Help collect data for scientific research on how hikers use Washington's trails on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
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2017 State Legislative Session: How Did Trails and Recreation Do?
Aug 23, 2017
When the state legislature adjourned without passing a complete capital budget, it left a number of trail projects in the lurch. In one bright spot, No Child Left Inside was funded through the operating budget.
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Crescent-Shaped Views from Lakes, Ridges and Ledges: Eclipse Trip Reports
Aug 23, 2017
Hikers across the state documented their eclipse experience this past weekend in their trip reports. Here are five reporters who gave exciting coverage on the total solar eclipse.
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Volunteer Profile: Maridee BonaDea
Aug 18, 2017
Meet Maridee—recently retired and heading to Bangkok to pursue her Master's degree, she wanted to spend a little time volunteering with WTA before heading out.
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How to Watch the Eclipse (and Meteor Showers) Responsibly
Aug 15, 2017
Whether it's the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21 or a meteor shower, learn how to be a responsible star viewer by following these tips, provided by the Department of the Interior.
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Seeking a Spot to Watch the Eclipse in Washington
Aug 15, 2017
If you're hoping to escape the hustle and bustle to watch the eclipse in Washington, skip the commute south and head for a nearby trailhead or park instead. You'll probably still be rewarded with up a 96% total eclipse.
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Latina Youth Trail Crew Building Trails, Looking to the Future at Mount Rainier
Aug 15, 2017
Nine young women recently spent a week improving Mount Rainier trails, contemplating equity in the outdoors and stoking a passion for adventure, with a little help from Latino Outdoors, WTA and many others.
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