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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Enchantments Backpacking Lottery Dates, Permits for 2015
Feb 12, 2015
Your step-by-step guide to the permit process for backpacking in Washington's Enchantments Basin between June 14 and October 16.
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Supporting More Women in Outdoor Leadership Roles
Feb 11, 2015
REI, the Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition and other companies are working to build the ranks of women in their companies. Learn how WTA continues to forge a larger place for women leaders on the trails of Washington and beyond.
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Our Call to State Legislators: Invest in Trails & Public Lands
Feb 10, 2015
Ninety percent of Washingtonians walk, hike, climb and mountaineer each year. The majority do so by utilizing trails on public lands. Yet over the past few decades, funding for parks, trails and other open spaces has been drastically reduced. The 2015 state legislative session started on January 12th. WTA has had a regular presence at the state’s capitol in Olympia, ensuring that hikers’ voices are heard loud and clear, and calling for support and sustainable funding of outdoor recreation.
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On King County Trails, Keep Dogs On Leash
Feb 07, 2015
There are many great reasons to obey the leash laws in effect on King County Parks trails, from avoiding steep fines to keeping your dog safe to creating a trail culture that welcomes dogs. Also: tips for wearing out your pup without breaking leash laws.
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Does Your Favorite Summer Trail Sport a Seasonal Avalanche Chute? How to Know and Where to Go
Feb 06, 2015
Temperature, snow conditions and hazards can fluctuate dramatically in our never-boring northwest climate. Get some tips for checking mountain conditions and picking a fun, safe hike, every single time.
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Early Season Maintenance on the Olympic Peninsula
Feb 02, 2015
With a positively balmy January on the books, Washington's trails have seen more traffic than normal for midwinter. You can help WTA provide repairs and improvements to those trails, as hikers tromp the tread. The Olympic Peninsula in particular has plenty of opportunities for you to come help out. Take a look at our upcoming work parties in February and see when you can step up and pitch in for trails.
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Four Trails That Need Your Help in February
Feb 02, 2015
This month we're 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.
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Wandering the Wonderland Trails: One Hiker's First Volunteer Vacation Experience
Feb 02, 2015
Read about Archana Bhat's first volunteer vacation experience, where she spent seven days in the wilderness, maintaining trails and hiking in the shadow of the iconic Mount Rainier.
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Plan Your Summer: Backcountry Volunteer Trip Preview
Jan 30, 2015
WTA’s Volunteer Vacations and Backcountry Response Teams (BCRTs) are a great way to give back to the trails that take you into the heart of Washington’s gorgeous wilderness. Get a look at some of the best locations, and make your plans before sign ups begin
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Seahawks Have the Kind of Fans Who Climb Mountains and Fix Trails for Their Team
Jan 28, 2015
In a state as beautiful as Washington, it should come as no surprise that the 12th man takes to the trails to show his or her Seahawks pride. We've rounded up a gallery of photos from recent trip reporters who have been capturing their dedication on trails around the state.
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Advice for Outdoor Families
Jan 28, 2015
Erin Kirkland, outdoor parent and editor of the new Outdoor Families Magazine, shares tips keeping kids warm and happy on trail.
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Help Build Two New Miles of Trail at Grand Ridge
Jan 27, 2015
This week, WTA is beginning work on a new 2-mile loop that will wind through a sweet stretch of hemlock and fir forest, and we could use your help to make it happen.
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Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road Closed
Jan 23, 2015
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest closed the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Road (Forest Service road 56) for public safety until further notice. Recent, heavy storms caused enough damage to the road to make it impassable to vehicles.
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New Trail Opens on Badger Mountain
Jan 16, 2015
Hikers at the Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve, a 650-acre park in Richland, will be able to enjoy a new trail at the preserve as of noon today.
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Inspiration and Advice from WTA's 2014 Photo Contest Winners
Jan 13, 2015
16 hiking photographers share what inspires them and how they captured their winning shots for WTA's 2014 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest winners with you.
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Timelapse: Moving a Thousand Pound Boulder by Hand
Jan 09, 2015
Yesterday on a brand new trail project on Squak Mountain, first time volunteer and trail runner Matt Hagen captured a timelapse showing how the crew used pulleys and ingenuity to shift a massive boulder into just the right place.
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New Study: The Economic Benefits of Our Outdoor Adventures
Jan 08, 2015
Your outdoor adventures have serious benefits for the state, too. A new study out today shows that outdoor recreation is a vital economic driver in Washington, generating $21.6 billion a year and almost 200,000 jobs.
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Hikers Start 2015 Off On the Right Foot
Jan 08, 2015
New Years Day 2015 brought cold and clear conditions all over the state, so plenty of people headed outside for a tromp on the first day of the new year. We got lots of trip reports from hikers who found snow, sunshine and views. Thanks for sharing your photos with us, and here's to many more memorable hikes in the year ahead.
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Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road Closed at Valley Camp
Jan 07, 2015
Stormy weather last week brought flooding to various parts of the state, including along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road. The road has been closed to vehicle traffic at Valley Camp. Repairs are estimated to take between two and three weeks.
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Four Trails that Need Your Help in January
Jan 01, 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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Ice Caves Are Dangerous, So Keep Your Distance
Dec 29, 2014
Ice caves, like those at Big Four Ice Caves, pose a very real threat to anyone venturing in or near them. No matter how well-compacted or safe the snow may seem, always err on the side of caution and stay out of ice caves.
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