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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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.
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Break Out the S'mores, North Cascades Roads Update
Aug 16, 2013
The campfire ban on state lands is lifted west of the crest, but you'll have to celebrate National S'mores Day over a backpacking stove in most of the state. A section of the North Cascades Highway (Hwy 20) remains closed as crews work to clear massive mudslides. Cascade River Road closed to cars, open to foot traffic.
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Keep Hiking News from Getting Lost in Your New Gmail Inbox
Aug 15, 2013
If you use Gmail, the new inbox tabs may mean you're missing hiking and volunteering information from WTA. If your love of hiking and the outdoors is primary to your life, then take these two simple steps to make it primary to your Gmail inbox, too.
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Great Trails for Volunteering and Camping with WTA
Aug 14, 2013
Looking for a way to spend one of your last summer weekends? Gather some close friends or family and join WTA on an overnight trip! Volunteering on weekend work parties is a great way to give back to trails, have a fun camping experience and get to know other people who love being outdoors, all at the same time.
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Mudslides Close Two Major North Cascades Roads
Aug 12, 2013
Thunderstorms with intense rains caused wash-outs of two very popular roads this past weekend in North Cascades National Park. Highway 20, the major east-west route through the park, is closed for further notice due to a series of at least eight mudslides between mileposts 150 and 155. Heavy rains also caused the Cascade River Road to wash out at milepost 18, affecting the popular Cascade Pass trailhead.
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Spotlight on the Suiattle, Action on Trail Access
Aug 09, 2013
As repairs to the Suiattle River Road slowly begin to approach reality, Ron Judd, a staff writer for The Seattle Times, has written thoughtful article in examining the challenges that hikers are facing in accessing some of the wild places hikers love. Find out how you can get involved in access issues.
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BINGO! A Hike-a-Thoner Game Gives Back
Aug 09, 2013
Hike-a-Thoner Holly Weiler is the first hiking BINGO winner in this year's Hike-a-Thon. Check out the five hikes in Eastern Washington that she hiked to win, or sign up to make your bid for more cool prizes in one of Hike-a-Thon's fun prize categories.
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Fire Closes Trails in Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Aug 07, 2013
Two trails in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness have closed due to a small, lightning-caused fire that started over the weekend. A burn ban on state lands and other campfire restrictions remain in place across the state to prevent new fires from starting.
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People (and Especially Hikers) Are Awesome
Aug 05, 2013
Here at Washington Trails Association, we see a generosity of spirit in hikers and volunteers every single day. We're constantly blown away by hikers' highly developed sense of kindness, adventure and fun. So, we're sharing four little stories that prove, once again, that people are awesome.
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Governor's Proclamation: August 3 is Washington Trails Day
Aug 01, 2013
Today, Governor Jay Inslee declared this coming Saturday, August 3 as Washington Trails Day. The inaugural Washington Trails Day is a day for Washington to get out and hike!
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Wildfire Season: Mount Si Closed, Fire Danger High
Jul 29, 2013
From Mount Si to Klickitat County, the North Cascades to Wentachee, the first of the season's wildfires have already started burning in Washington. Burn bans, poor air quality, hazy views and lightning storms in the forecast all have the potential to impact hikers and campers in the coming weeks. Stay informed about current wildfire threats and help prevent additional wildfires from starting.
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Take Someone Hiking on Washington Trails Day (Aug 3)
Jul 27, 2013
WTA is celebrating Washington Trails Day on August 3 by getting hikers new and old out on trail. Spread your love of hiking by taking a friend or family member for their first hike.
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Alpine Lakes Protection Bill Gets A House Hearing
Jul 25, 2013
The Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions bill continues to show momentum for passage in 2013. After having passed the U.S. Senate on June 19, its companion bill, H.R. 361, received a hearing in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation on July 23.
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Homemade Bars: Three Ways
Jul 24, 2013
On your next hike, stay fueled up on trail with quick, easy and heart-healthy bar recipes made with all-natural ingredients.
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Nature on Trail: Rufous Hummingbird, Northwestern Salamander, Elephant´s Head
Jul 22, 2013
Northwest forests are teeming with life. On your next hike, look out for the Rufous Hummingbird, Northwestern Salamander, and Elephant´s Head.
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Taking Kids Camping for the First Time
Jul 19, 2013
Get tips for camping with kids and ideas for kid-friendly hikes near Mount Rainier from Youth Programs Manager Krista Dooley as she shares her experience taking her nephew camping and hiking for the first time.
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Support the King County Parks Levy on Aug. 6
Jul 17, 2013
If you live in King County, please take a moment to vote Yes on the King County Parks Levy by Aug. 6. This levy is essential to maintaining and improving the vital trail systems throughout the King County Park system.
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Hike-a-Thon: 4-6 Weeks of Hiking for Health, Fitness and Fun
Jul 17, 2013
Does fitness factor into your reasons for hiking? Thinking of registering for Hike-a-Thon to kick-start your summer fitness program? Use the tips, recommendations and sample training programs below to get started.
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Greenway Seeks National Heritage Area Status
Jul 15, 2013
The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust is leading a bipartisan campaign to have the U.S. Congress designate the Mountains to Sound Greenway as a national heritage area. Learn more about how to help.
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Volunteer: Spot Butterflies on Blooming Alpine Trails
Jul 12, 2013
Look for butterflies while you hike some of Washington's most stunning alpine country by volunteering for the Cascades Butterfly Project. Learn how to volunteer Sunday, July 14.
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Ten Tips for a Great Night's Rest in the Backcountry
Jul 11, 2013
From hot water bottles to white noise, aromatherapy to special socks, here are 10 great ways to sleep better when you're camping or backpacking.
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