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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Hike Safely on Snow
May 26, 2017
Springtime and early summer can be a tempting time for hikers. The mountains may be calling, but high temperatures and sunny skies at the trailhead are no promise for perfect conditions higher up. Snow sticks around at high elevations, sometimes all year round.
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Bring on the Bugs: A Key to Identifying 10 Common Washington Insects
May 25, 2017
Although they are small, insects control much of our natural environment! They pollinate flowers, decompose organic material into soil, and provide food to many other species. The next time you and your family are out hiking, try to spot one of these ten common Washington insects.
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Volunteers Clear Forest Roads, Making WTA Work Parties Possible
May 23, 2017
Thanks for Citizens for Forest Roads, WTA will be able to work on the Ridley Creek Trail in the Mount Baker area.
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A Pig, T-Rex and Darth Thaddeus Go Hiking
May 17, 2017
It sounds like the start to a joke, but it's actually just another great week in WTA trip reports.
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First BCRT? We've Got a List You'll Want To Read
May 17, 2017
Courtesy of seasoned volunteer Al Mashburn who's got 15 BCRTs under his boots, here's a short list of items that help make WTA's most physically taxing trips a little more comfortable.
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Roads Report: Seasonal Roads Open, Others Close for Repairs
May 17, 2017
Roads and passes open in the North Cascades and Mount Rainier. Mora Road (and access to Rialto Beach) in Olympic National Park will also be closed for 6 weeks during repairs.
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A Second Life For Old Tools
May 16, 2017
WTA staffer finds more than good bargains on gear in thrift stores. She finds high-quality trail tools to rehab and give a new life.
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3 Reasons To Join WTA for Vacation
May 16, 2017
Are you looking for more ways to fill your summer with outdoor adventures? How about signing up for one of WTA’s backcountry trips?
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What a Difference Two Days Make: Closing A Trail Loop in Puyallup
May 16, 2017
WTA helped the City of Puyallup complete a 5.5 mile trail loop in just two days this spring!
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Adventure: Mothers Make It Happen
May 12, 2017
Mothers (grandmothers, aunts and cousins) have opened the doors for so many of us to the outdoors. In honor of Mother's Day, we bring you four stories of mothers leading the charge on trails.
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Hiking With Kids: It's All About the Cupcakes
May 12, 2017
A hiking-obsessed mom gets her reluctant 6-year-old out on trail. And, amazingly, everyone has fun.
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Young WILD Leaders Get a Lift from Outdoor Leadership Training
May 12, 2017
Normally, our Outdoor Leadership Training program trains adults who work with youth. But last month, we were joined by a group of exceptional youth leaders who will use their new skills in their community.
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Book Review: The Nature Fix
May 12, 2017
When you step out on a favorite trail, you know, on some level, that the experience is good for you. With journalistic vigor and wry humor, Florence Williams tackles the science behind these feelings in “The Nature Fix.” (And, it turns out, you've been right all along.)
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Build Strong Family Bonds While Giving Back to Trails
May 09, 2017
On a recent rainy weekend, a group of WTA volunteers ranging in age from 9 to 60+ came together for a common goal: to give back to trails. We wanted to know what inspired them to spend a cold and wet Saturday digging in the dirt.
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Rehab Your Used Gear
May 05, 2017
Navigating the world of used gear can be tricky. After tireless searching for your diamond in the rough, there may still be lingering odors, holes, or wear. Luckily, there area few simple ways to make your less-than-perfect thrift store find feel like a million bucks.
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5 Tips for Navigating the Online Gear World
May 05, 2017
Gear, glorious wonderful gear! From seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to those just beginning to dip their toes into the great outdoors, we all need gear. And gear can be expensive. The world of online discount gear offers a ray of hope to those on a budget.
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Get Inspired and Give Back: 4 Events at Riverside State Park
May 03, 2017
Help fix up the Knothead Trail or hear from Washington's own record-setting thru-hiker, Heather "Anish" Anderson.
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Silver Falls, Upper Entiat Set to Reopen this Spring
May 02, 2017
After years of wildfires sweeping through the area, the iconic Silver Falls area of the Upper Entiat is set to reopen to the public this spring, regaining access to dozens of popular campsites and over 40 miles of trail.
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Leave No Trace Level 2.0
May 02, 2017
Some things you can do to reduce your impact on the outdoors may be less obvious than others. Here are some that WTA staffers came up with.
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Beware out There -- it's Tick Season
Apr 28, 2017
Ticks are showing up on trails. Don't let it keep you from hiking, but be prepared so you don't end up with an unwanted hitchhiker.
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Your Comments Needed on National Monument Review
Apr 26, 2017
See what the latest executive order means for national monuments and how you can speak up for trails.
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