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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Wildfire Season Arrives: Thunder Creek Closures, Fire Safety Tips
Jun 11, 2015
Learn which trails are currently closed and how you can help prevent additional fires from starting.
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Fireside Circle Members Go to Work for Trails
Jun 11, 2015
Last Sunday, several enthusiastic members of WTA's Fireside Circle gathered to participate in a work party on the Pratt Connector Trail, located in the newly-expanded Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Already popular, trails in this area are expected to see increasing use in the coming years once paving of the Middle Fork Road is complete.
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Trail Runners Pay Tribute to Trails
Jun 09, 2015
In its 11th year, the "Tribute to the Trails" Calendar Project was established as a fundraiser for the Washington Trails Association (WTA).
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Help King County Forge the Future for Squak & Cougar Mountain
May 27, 2015
New trails are in the works in the valley between Squak and Cougar Mountains. Help shape the future of this developing Issaquah Alps trail system: share your input with King County.
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Trending: Kids and Teens Fix Up Trails
May 26, 2015
In April and May, WTA supported a record number of 449 trail maintenance experiences with kids and teens! In addition, we worked with a total of 15 school and community groups, some more than once.
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Memorial Day Weekend in Trip Reports: Wildlife, Waterfalls and Wildflowers
May 26, 2015
Trip reports from Memorial Day weekend include dramatic sunsets, foggy ridge traverses, and roaming wildlife. Check out a sampling of trip reports to learn more about how other hikers spent their weekends.
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Advocacy Update: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Schedules Roads Meetings
May 26, 2015
Rough forest roads can make it challenging to reach trails. The Gifford-Pinchot National Forest is preparing to share a management plan that will prioritize road infrastructure.
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Celebrate Memorial Day at Washington's Coastal Forts
May 22, 2015
Hike through military history. What better way to celebrate Memorial Day than on a stroll at Fort Casey State Park or Fort Flagler State Park. Fort Ebey or Fort Worden State Park also have their fair share of history and hiking to enjoy.
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Hiking and Camping Tips for Memorial Day Weekend
May 21, 2015
Are you getting outside this Memorial Day weekend? Whether you've had your plans for weeks or are thinking a spontaneous camping trip is just the ticket, Washington Trails Association can help. Below are a few tips for staying safe and ideas of where to hike, backpack and camp.
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Taking Steps to Repair a Popular Peninsula Trail
May 20, 2015
After a volunteer work party on the Lena Lake Trail, it became apparent that popular trails need some extra maintenance help. Whether you're hiking or volunteering, here's what you can do to keep these trails in great shape.
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Summer School: WTA's Crew Leader College
May 20, 2015
How do the people you volunteer with know so much about trail maintenance? They went to college -- Crew Leader College, hosted annually by WTA.
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Volunteer Twice, Earn a Free Pass
May 20, 2015
When you participate in two work parties on National Forest land, you'll earn an annual Northwest Forest Pass—the $30 pass that you need to park at many trailheads in the state.
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Trail Work as Quality Family Time
May 20, 2015
Volunteering with your kids on trail can be a very rewarding experience. It instills in them a sense of responsibility, and helps them take pride in a job well done. WTA Board member Joe Gregg periodically volunteers with his kids and offered a few words of wisdom about the value of getting young ones into volunteering at a young age.
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Was Your Favorite Trail Protected by This Little-Known Program?
May 15, 2015
Treasured places like Antoine Peak and Iller Creek in Spokane, the Duwamish Greenbelt in King County and more will remain in the public trust thanks to the Conservation Futures program.
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Spending a Day with Inspirational Educators on a Hiking Workshop
May 15, 2015
The Outdoor Leadership Training program offers hiking and camping workshops for youth group leaders. On a hiking workshop at Tiger Mountain, participants with a variety of backgrounds came together to share experiences and learn how to safely plan and lead outdoor activities with youth groups.
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Road to Artist Point Opens
May 14, 2015
The road to Artist Point has been cleared of snow and is now open. It is the earliest date the Mount Baker Hwy section of road has ever been cleared.
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Victory in Olympia! Bringing the Outdoors Into the Governor's Office
May 13, 2015
A new law signed by the Governor today creates the first-ever senior policy advisor on recreation in Washington. It also funds the No Child Left Inside program.
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Trailhead Congestion Prompts Pilot Shuttle Program in Snoqualmie Valley
May 13, 2015
As more hikers hit trails, it is vital that we invest in our state's recreation infrastructure—providing trails and facilities that can support the growing demand. In North Bend, a city nestled at the base of Mount Si—arguably the most popular trail in the state—local businesses are piloting a shuttle program to try and address the issue of trailhead parking.
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New Guidebook, Map for Hiking Mount St. Helens
May 12, 2015
Explore the trails and changing landscape of trails around Mount St. Helens using a new guidebook: Day Hiking Mount St. Helens, published by Mountaineers Books.
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Sharing the Trail: Wildlife Sightings (Slideshow)
May 08, 2015
Spotting a bird, mountain goat or bear along the trail always adds excitement to a hike. Check out some a small sampling of images captured by the hiking photographers who participated in our Northwest Exposure Photo Contest in 2014
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Four Trails That Need Your Help in May
May 07, 2015
This month WTA is working in several locations that need some special attention, and we'd love to have your help! Join us for a day full of safety, fun, and work, and make your mark on the trails you love. No experience is needed to join a work party, and anyone is welcome. We'll teach you what you need to know and find the right job for you. For more information on what to expect when you join us on trail, check out our FAQ page.
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