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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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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Five Trails That Need Your Help in June
Jun 04, 2014
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.
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Borrow Free Gear to Take Youth Groups Camping
Jun 03, 2014
Sign up for an overnight, entry-level course that covers the knowledge and skills to lead an overnight camping experience with a youth group. When you attend a workshop this summer, you’ll get access to high-quality camping and hiking gear through our free gear lending library. Workshop graduates can apply for $250 mini-grants to support outdoor youth experiences.
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IslandWood CEO: Your Couch Is Far More Dangerous Than You Think
Jun 03, 2014
Do parents really need to fear animal attacks, abduction and accidents? After looking more deeply into the facts and figures of these perceived threats, IslandWood's president and CEO Ben Klasky raises the question of whether we do children more harm than good in trying to keep kids "safely" indoors.
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Instagram Weekly Roundup: #washingtontrails
May 30, 2014
Take a trip through Washington's wild places through the eyes of hikers and explorers on Instagram. From Mount St. Helens to Lake Chelan, get inspired by some of our favorite shots from the week, and tag #washingtontrails when you're out adventuring this summer!
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Destination Darrington: Hike and Visit This Mountain Loop Hub
May 30, 2014
If you've been itching to get out on the gorgeous trails along the Mountain Loop Highway, now is the time to visit. A coalition of outdoor and recreation partners have made visiting the area around Darrington easy with a map guide to outdoor destinations and local businesses.
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Hacking Your Tortillas for the Trail
May 29, 2014
From sweet potatoes to smoked trout, pinto beans to hommous, you blew us away with filling ideas and alternatives to the tortilla (waffles are a revelation). Get the recipes and try out some the kid-friendly filling ideas on your next family picnic.
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Backpack Review: Ten Pack Picks from Hydration to Trekking
May 24, 2014
From hydration pack to day pack to ultralight and backpacking, WTA's gear team field-tested and rated ten new packs: the Osprey Rev 12, Outdoor Research Levitator 16, Outdoor Products Amphibian 20, Osprey Stratos 34, Gregory Z40, REI Crestrail 48, Gregory J53, GoLite Quest 65, Granite Gear Nimbus Trace Access 70.
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Tent Review: Six Top 2-3 Person Tents
May 24, 2014
Looking to invest in your first tent or replace an old one? WTA gives you the low-down on six great tents for 2-3 people: The Mountain Hardwear Optic 2.5, NEMO Galaxi 2, Big Agnes Fishhook UL2, Sierra Designs Flashlight 2UL, MSR Hubba Hubba NX (redesigned), The North Face Talus 3.
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Hike, Backpack and Camp: Tips for Memorial Day Weekend
May 22, 2014
With Memorial Day weekend coming early this year, you might still be nailing down your hiking, camping and backpacking plans. Read out tips for exploring snow-free destinations and scoring last-minute camping spots.
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Spring Onto a New Trail, Meet a New Crew Member
May 21, 2014
What a spring we've had! Our trail maintenance program has been hard at work opening trails, building bridges, and improving trails in new areas.
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Lend a Hand on National Trails Day
May 21, 2014
Mark your calendars; June 7th is National Trails Day! This year is the 22nd anniversary of this nationwide effort, when volunteers across America rally together to celebrate this single day reserved for trails everywhere.
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Take Better Nighttime Photos
May 16, 2014
Learn how to take better nighttime photos with this new photography guide from Mountaineers Books.
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Now Open: North Cascade Hwy, Mount St. Helens
May 12, 2014
In sure signs of spring, the North Cascades Highway and Mount St. Helen's visitors centers are now open. Spring runoff has also caused the closure of Twisp River Road.
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Climbers Honor Mother's Day on Slopes of Mount St. Helens
May 06, 2014
Each year on Mother's Day, at 6 a.m., sleepy mountaineers begin making their way up the normally imposing, often snow-covered volcano for the annual Mount St. Helens Mother's Day Climb in honor of moms everywhere.
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Lyle Community Trails Plan Moves Forward
May 05, 2014
A draft plan for a system of non-motorized trails adjacent to the town of Lyle will be presented at a public meeting from 6-8 pm on May 7th. WTA looks forward to engaging volunteers in helping to build and maintain this new trail system, but we need your support to help make it the best trail plan it can be.
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Scottish Lakes High Camp for Sale
Apr 30, 2014
One of Washington's iconic backcountry retreats is for sale. Scottish Lakes High Camp, snuggled up near the Alpine Lakes Wilderness about 17 miles west of Leavenworth, is on the market for the first time in more than 20 years.It includes 20 acres of property plus a day lodge and 9 cabins, as well as vehicles and other amenities.
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Help Plan Whatcom County’s Newest Park, Speak Up for Trails
Apr 28, 2014
Help Whatcom County plan the future of Lake Whatcom Park, including a robust trail system that could include more than 50 miles of new trails for hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners and equestrians.
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Cape Disappointment Is No Disappointment
Apr 27, 2014
Mid-winter break brings adventure and exploration on the southwest Washington coast to one family.
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How Do You Hike and Camp on Gifford Pinchot National Forest?
Apr 24, 2014
Two great opportunities to shape the future of roads in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Join us at our annual Vancouver Hiker Potluck and fill out a short questionnaire before the Apr. 30 deadline.
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Larrabee's New Rock Trail: Grand Views, Loop Options
Apr 22, 2014
Join Larrabee State Park officials, Washington Trails Association and the Chuckanut Conservancy in celebrating the official opening of the Rock Trail. The new trail in the Chuckanuts connects the Overlook to Lost Lake and provides a great workout, gorgeous views and fascinating geology.
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