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.
______________________________________________________
National Public Lands Day (Sept. 28) a Fee-Free Day
Sep 26, 2013
This Saturday, Sept. 28, marks National Public Lands Day, a national day honoring public lands across the country. Coming at the very end of summer, it's the perfect day for hikers, climbers, trail runners, birders, and nature photographers to get outside and play, for free, in National Parks, State Parks, and on National Forests and BLM land.
Read More
How To Get Your Disney Princess-Obsessed Kid Out Hiking
Sep 25, 2013
Do princesses hike? In Washington, they do. From Tiana to Merida, Ariel to Princess Leia, if your kid can't get enough of Disney princesses, then use our princess guide to Washington trails to get your little one out hiking.
Read More
Take a Scavenger Hunt
Sep 23, 2013
How do you keep kids connected to nature when school and sports activities compete for attention? Launch a scavenger hunt between soccer games in a city park! WTA's Hiker Scavenger hunt allows kids to look, listen, touch and explore their local environment - all in an hour.
Read More
Nature On Trail: Great Horned Owl, Western Toad, Chanterelle Mushroom
Sep 19, 2013
Northwest forests are teeming with life—much of which may go overlooked or unseen. On your next hike, look out for the little things and discover something new on your favorite trails.
Read More
A Fungus Right Out of 'A Game of Thrones'
Sep 17, 2013
The Red Juice Tooth Fungus, recently spotted on the Silver Falls Loop, is a spectacularly creepy specimen that seems like it might be related to the fictional Weirwood tree in A Game of Thrones series. When you're hiking this fall, keep your eyes peeled for mushrooms and cool fungi.
Read More
Video Tour: North Cascades Wilderness
Sep 12, 2013
Whether you already love the North Cascades or haven't made it there yet, take five minutes for seasonal ranger Masyih Ford to take you on a tour of his North Cascades.
Read More
Get a Grip: Trekking Poles Worth Trying
Sep 12, 2013
Walking sticks may be a retro way to hike, but modern trekking poles offer so much more in the way of comfort and support for hikers. Take a look at which ones our gear reviewers can't get enough of.
Read More
Spaces Still Open on 20th Anniversary Work Parties
Sep 11, 2013
This Saturday is WTA's 20th anniversary of trail work, and we're celebrating all over the state. If you haven't had a chance to sign up yet, never fear - there are still spaces on these work parties and we would love to see you there!
Read More
Volunteer and Earn Your Northwest Forest Pass
Sep 11, 2013
Volunteers join WTA work parties for many reasons, but here's a great one that many people may be unaware of. When you attend two work parties on National Forest land, you earn an annual Northwest Forest Pass - you know, the $30 one that you need at most trailheads in the state!
Read More
Shooting the Land of Landscapes
Sep 09, 2013
Tips on how to capture Washington's stunning landscapes, whether you’re shooting with an iPhone or an expensive DSLR. The key: remember the “F” words.
Read More
Mudslides Close Hwy 20 (N. Cascades Hwy) and SR 410
Sep 06, 2013
For the second time this summer, heavy rains caused mudslides that closed the North Cascades Highway (SR 20). Mudslides also closed sections of the SR 410 west of Naches and Icicle Road outside of Leavenworth.
Read More
Fix Your Favorite Trail on National Public Lands Day
Sep 04, 2013
WTA volunteers give back to trails all year round, but National Public Lands Day is a national opportunity to come together with volunteers all across America and give back to trails! Join WTA on trail September 28, and help keep Washington's trails hikable and safe.
Read More
Join the Party to Celebrate 20 Years of Trail Work!
Sep 04, 2013
Sept. 14 marks twenty years of WTA's work maintaining, creating, and preserving trails all over our beautiful state, and we want to celebrate with you! Join us at one of our anniversary trail work parties on Sept. 14 to mark this milestone in WTA's history. See you at the trailhead!
Read More
Suiattle River Rd. to Close to Foot, Bike Traffic for Repairs
Aug 29, 2013
The Suiattle River Road will be closed to all human visitation from milepost 11.6 to the end between September 6 and October 10 for long awaited repairs.
Read More
The Buzz on a Bumper Crop of Yellow Jackets
Aug 29, 2013
Why there have been so many wasps this year, the latest trails to watch out for wasps, and tips to keep from getting stung.
Read More
Hiker Destinations from August's Hike-a-Thon
Aug 29, 2013
Check out a slideshow of Hike-a-Thoners in action this August, and see where they've been hiking. You might just find your Labor Day hike in the list.
Read More
How to Poop in the Woods
Aug 21, 2013
Just because you’re miles away from the modern conveniences of indoor plumbing does not mean that doing your duty has to be a chore. Learn the right way to go to the bathroom in the woods. When do you need to pack it out? When and where should you bury your business following Leave No Trace principles?
Read More
Help Hikers Reach Their Goals
Aug 21, 2013
Hike-a-Thoners have already logged more than 2,525 hiking miles in 21 days of hiking, and they are making each mike count for trails with sponsorship dollars. With still a full week to go, these hikers need your help to reach their fundraising goals.
Read More
Cascade River Road and North Cascades Hwy Open
Aug 21, 2013
The Cascade River Road is now open to the Cascade Pass trailhead. The North Cascades Highway also reopened this week, after crews cleared mudslides and repaired damage from mudslides.
Read More
Backpacking with Baby: 15 Days 'Round Rainier
Aug 20, 2013
One family spends 15 days and 14 nights on the Wonderland Trail -- with a 9-month-old baby. For families who are wondering if they should backpack with baby, WTA trip reporter MikeOnAHike answers four of the most common questions they get along the trail. Check them out, and get inspired by their adventure.
Read More
Get Away with WTA this Labor Day Weekend
Aug 20, 2013
Everyone loves three day weekends. That's the problem - everyone gets that extra day and suddenly the solitude and quiet you were so looking forward to is nowhere to be found. What to do? How to escape the crowds? Join us on a Backcountry Response Team trip in the beautiful, secluded, 14,000 acre Salmo-Priest Wilderness, the only wilderness in the northeast part of Washington.
Read More