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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Hart's Pass Road Repairs Begin Aug. 14
Aug 11, 2017
Construction work on Hart's Pass Road begins August 14. Expect delays and closures in some areas.
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Hikers Turn Out for Trail Funding on Washington Trails Day
Aug 10, 2017
Last weekend, WTA talked to a thousand hikers at trailheads across the state. Most of them were excited to speak up for trails and trail funding.
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Teanaway Trails Planning Committee Needs to Hear From Hikers
Aug 09, 2017
The Teanaway Community Forest Advisory Committee is seeking public input about the future of recreation in the Teanaway. Take the official survey to shape the future of hiking trails in the Teanaway.
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Logging Could Close Lake Serene Trail for 8 Months
Aug 08, 2017
A portion of the popular trail to Lake Serene travels through private timber land, and a scheduled logging project may close the trail from September through July 2018. Learn about the proposal and submit a comment about how to reduce hiker impacts on this beloved trail.
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Ride a Bus to Issaquah Area Trails: Trips Free First Weekend
Aug 04, 2017
A new bus route will serve trails in the Issaquah area. The pilot program kicks off this weekend with free rides. The new bus routes will help address overcrowding at trailheads and give hikers an affordable way to get to trails.
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Want a Simpler Pass System? Take This Survey
Jul 28, 2017
We're working to help improve the recreation pass system in Washington, and we need hikers to share your thoughts. Help make the pass system simpler and more equitable.
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A Pack-Sized Guide to Our Mountains
Jul 26, 2017
In the "Natural History of the Pacific Northwest Mountains", you’ll find photos and descriptions of plants, birds, mammals, fungi, fish, lichens, rocks and more. The new edition of the book features an additional 132 species, updated scientific information and an expanded focus on how climate change could affect the Pacific Northwest.
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We're a State of Hikers, and That's Good News for Our Economy
Jul 26, 2017
A new study from the Outdoor Industry Association has some impressive new statistics on the recreation economy in the state and the country. Your time spent on the trail generates more revenue than you might think!
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Ready to Explore
Jul 25, 2017
WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training program provides resources to youth groups looking to expand their horizons in the outdoors. From planning and facilitating to outfitting these outdoor adventures, WTA resources for youth groups can be critical in breaking down barriers to getting outside.
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Youth Involvement Leads to Improved Trail Resources
Jul 24, 2017
Ingrid Phillips, an avid hiker, backpacker, and sea kayaker, is a sophomore at Stanwood high school, and member of WTA’s 2016-2017 Youth Ambassador cohort. This winter, she worked with an elementary school class to improve trail visibility on Camano Island.
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It's Wildfire Season: Closures, Conditions and Air Quality
Jul 24, 2017
Read the latest on wildfires in Washington and the health risks associated with them, as well as resources on how to stay safe during wildfire season.
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Bree Loewen: 20 Years in Search and Rescue
Jul 20, 2017
Meet Bree, a 20-year vet of search-and-rescue and author of Found: A Life in Mountain Rescue.
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Local Farmers Fuel WTA Trail Work
Jul 19, 2017
It takes a lot of food to power WTA’s Volunteer Vacations. Thanks to the Snoqualmie Valley Farmers Cooperative, we're able to feed our crews sustainably grown produce while reducing our environmental footprint a little in the process.
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A Transformative Experience
Jul 19, 2017
Every spring, a group of eighth grade students from Licton Springs K-8 School in Seattle embark on a week-long backpacking trip in one of Washington’s iconic locations. This June, the students headed out on a six night trip along Ross Lake in the North Cascades. To help make that trip possible, the students borrowed tents, packs, shoes and sleeping bags from WTA’s gear library.
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Good Roads, No Snow: New Trip Report Search Filters
Jul 18, 2017
You can already search trip reports by month, activity or seasonal wonders like wildflowers or fall colors. Now, you can search reports by trail and road conditions, snow level reports and even bugs.
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Hiking with New Eyes: A First-Timer's Experience on a BCRT
Jul 13, 2017
Amy Redmond was inspired by her friend and assistant crew leader, Joni Johnson to try out a BCRT. Here's her telling of the experience out on the Olympic Peninsula.
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Free Webinar: Understanding Mountain Weather and Staying Safe in the Backcountry
Jul 13, 2017
Learn how to read clouds, storms, and weather with a free webinar on July 19 at 7 p.m.
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National Park Service Lifetime Senior Pass Prices are Increasing
Jul 11, 2017
Starting on Aug. 28, 2017, lifetime senior passes for the National Park Services will go up from $10 to $80. Here's what you need to know.
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Hike-a-Thon for Everyone!
Jul 06, 2017
The 14th Annual Hike-a-Thon is WTA's annual fundraiser that allows you to make your miles count for trails while you hike in the month of August.
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Gear Review: Backpacks
Jul 06, 2017
The WTA gear team has been hard at work getting ready for prime hiking season. Here are four packs that we’ve tried out recently, to fit a wide range of hiking needs.
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Facing Your Fears
Jul 06, 2017
How to stop the things that scare you from keeping you inside.
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