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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Which National Forest Roads Mattered Most to Hikers
Jul 16, 2014
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, WTA and a coalition of groups have been working with hikers and other forest users to create a sustainable road strategy for the future. The data about which roads you used most is in, and are hosting a series of meetings to share their findings. The next meeting is on July 17 in Monroe.
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Sleeping Bag Review: 4 Bags, 1 Pad
Jul 15, 2014
A good night’s sleep is not as elusive as it seems—the key is a good sleeping bag. We review a few new and notable offerings from Sierra Designs, Selk'bag, Therm-a-Rest, NEMO and Klymit.
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Washington Wildfires: Tips for Hikers, Campers
Jul 11, 2014
Several wildfires are burning in Central and Eastern Washington, the largest of which is the Mills Canyon fire burning on about 20K acres near Wenatchee and the Entiat Mountains. The fire has prompted evacuations and closed roads that lead to trails in the area.
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Instagram Weekly Roundup: Summer Hiking
Jul 04, 2014
With the summer hiking season officially underway, this week's shots and stories on our Instagram roundup revolve around everything that makes summer in Washington so amazing.
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Artist Point, Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier Roads Open to Hikers
Jul 03, 2014
Roads leading into three great recreation areas—Artist Point, Mount Rainier, and the east side of Mount St. Helens—have opened in time for the Fourth of July weekend. Get the details and remember: just because a road may be open, it doesn't mean hiking trails will be clear or snow-free.
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Drones Banned (for Now) in Washington's National Parks
Jul 02, 2014
The National Park Service has banned drones on National Park lands, including Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park and North Cascades National Park. Do you think drones have a place on Washington's hiking trails?
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Instagram Weekly Roundup: Portrait of a Hiker
Jun 27, 2014
This week's shots and stories on our Instagram roundup revolve around you. From family camping snapshots to dramatic selfies, we love seeing you making memories on Washington's trails.
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Camp Before a Work Party, Shorten Your Time to the Trailhead
Jun 26, 2014
As the snow melts, WTA's work parties move up into the mountains. This can add a bit of driving time the trailhead in the morning, making for an early start to the day in order to meet the crew at 8:30 a.m. Fortunately, for some of our summer locations, you are welcome to camp at the trailhead, either the evening before the work party, or stay and sleep after we've stashed the tools for the day. Whether you are an early-riser of a night owl you can still join a WTA work party, enjoy your beauty sleep and be on time.
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Four Trails That Need Your Help in July
Jun 25, 2014
Monthly Trail Work Picks: We're working in several locations that need some special attention this month 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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Remembering Hiker, Writer Karen Sykes
Jun 22, 2014
The Washington hiking community lost an inspiration with the sad death of Karen Sykes, a local hiking guidebook author and columnist.
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Will Trails Be Built in the Teanaway Community Forest?
Jun 20, 2014
The first in a series of public open houses for the Teanaway Community Forest has been scheduled for Thursday, June 26. Come show your support for a designated trail system for hikers and other recreationists.
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A Running Calendar, Community Dedicated to Protecting Trails
Jun 20, 2014
From regulars of Cougar Mountain and Mount Spokane to the ultra-runners who seek out the remote corners of the state, runners are among Washington state’s most dedicated and enthusiastic trail supporters. This month, WTA received a generous gift of more than $27,000 from the Tribute to the Trails calendar fundraiser—a new record!
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Instagram Weekly Roundup: Water in the Wild
Jun 14, 2014
This week on Instagram: water in the wild. From frozen glaciers to wild stretches of coastline to the rivers that run between them, check out Washington's water along the trail.
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Visit WTA at Upcoming Vancouver & Spokane Events
Jun 13, 2014
You'll find WTA booths all over the state. In the next couple of days, we'll be at two fun events in Vancouver and Spokane. Drop by and see us at National Get Outdoors Day in Vancouver or Summer Parkways in Spokane
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First on the Scene: A Young Hiker's Death, How to Help in Trail Emergencies
Jun 12, 2014
A tragic death at Lake 22 has prompted a conversation about how hikers can help when they encounter an emergency in the backcountry.
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Video: Citizen Scientists in Search of Olympic Pine Marten
Jun 11, 2014
This winter, adventure science volunteers donated three months of their time to help Olympic National Forest biologists study pine marten. Watch the video and hear from WTA volunteers about what its like to become citizen scientists.
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Outdoor Recreation: Tell Governor's Task Force Your Ideas for Washington
Jun 09, 2014
This year, Governor Inslee formed a Blue Ribbon Task Force to boost the state recreation economy. Attend a meeting or answer a few questions online to make sure that the task force hears what matters most to you as they chart the future of recreation in Washington.
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Instagram Weekly Roundup: From Cave to Summit
Jun 06, 2014
This week on Instagram, summit Red Mountain, go inside Ape Caves, and enjoy views of light, clouds and water through the eyes of hikers in Washington. On Instagram? Follow us @washingtontrails and tag #washingtontrails when you're out adventuring this summer!
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Finally! Suiattle River Road to Reopen in Late Fall
Jun 06, 2014
Repairs on the Suiattle River Road is scheduled to be completed by late fall. Here's what hikers who want to access the corridor during construction need to know, and a glimpse of what you have to look forward to next year.
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Olympic National Park Proposes Temporary Move of Enchanted Valley Chalet
Jun 05, 2014
Teetering on the bank of the East Fork Quinault River in Olympic National Park, the Enchanted Valley Chalet likely cannot withstand another harsh Olympic winter. Park officials want to temporarily move the chalet away from the river, a plan that WTA supports. Share your thoughts on the proposed move by midnight June 5.
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Learn, Lead & Inspire: WTA's New Outdoor Leadership Program
Jun 04, 2014
WTA’s new Outdoor Leadership Training Program (OLT) will be offering four resources to adults interested in leading trips on their own: workshops on a variety of trip-leading topics, a free gear-lending library, mini-grants for transportation and trip costs and ongoing community support to foster connections and crowdsource solutions to common problems.
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