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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Hikers' Amazing GiveBIG Show of Support for Trails
May 20, 2013
Thanks to each and every hiker -- 446 in all -- who joined her in making a gift to trails during The Seattle Foundation's GiveBIG event on May 15. Your amazing outpouring of support truly will help stretch our impact this year, starting with work on 35+ trails in the next 30 days.
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Volunteer on National Trails Day (Jun 1)
May 17, 2013
This June 1, rally together with hikers across the nation to celebrate National Trails Day by volunteering on a work party with WTA on a number of great trails from Ape Cave to Beckler Peak.
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Washout Closes Glacier Creek Rd to Heliotrope Ridge Trail
May 16, 2013
On Tuesday, May 14, the Forest Service closed Glacier Creek Road (Forest Service road 39) due to a washout. The road leads to the Heliotope Ridge Trail, a popular Mount Baker hike which WTA crews have worked on the last three years.
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WTA Endorses Funding For King County Parks
May 16, 2013
A King County Parks levy will be going to voters in August. This property tax levy will fund ongoing maintenance on recreation facilities in King County Parks, as well as planning and implementation of potential new trail connections in the South Sound. WTA has endorsed this levy and encourages its supporters to vote yes in August.
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How to Choose and Plan a Backpacking Trip
May 14, 2013
Planning a backpacking trip is often the hardest part. Here are four tips for setting up your hike.
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Tell Legislators: Please Fund State Parks
May 14, 2013
The Washington State Legislature is in extra innings, and funding for Washington State Parks is at stake. Here's how you can help.
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Washington's Volcanoes: Know Your Sleeping Giants
May 14, 2013
With Washington being the home of multiple volcanoes, here is some information for observing volcano awareness month.
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Take Your Mom Hiking (in 3 Easy Steps)
May 10, 2013
Moms are the best. So, plan to take her hiking using our 3-step guide: pick a great hike, pack a picnic, capture the moment.
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Three Can't Miss Snacks for the Trail
May 10, 2013
Tired of PBJs, GORP and freeze-dried dinners on trail? Need some culinary inspiration to liven up your trailside snacks and backcountry meals? Try These: Nut butter tortillas, Hiker hummus and Chewy granola bars.
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How to Hike in Rattlesnake Country
May 10, 2013
Encountering a rattlesnake on trail can be a little scary, but with good preparation and awareness it doesn't have to detract from the wonders of desert hiking.
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Put Trails on the Map -- Plan to GiveBIG on May 15
May 09, 2013
Last year, YOU helped raise more than $48,000 from The Seattle Foundation's extraordinary one-day GiveBIG campaign for WTA and trails. Help break records again and GiveBIG on May 15.
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Five Reasons to Join WTA
May 08, 2013
Five reasons to become a member of Washington Trails Association today.
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Now Hiring: Information Systems Manager
May 02, 2013
Washington Trails Association is now hiring for its first Information Systems Manager. Apply by May 31.
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Low Tides Bring Outdoor Opportunities
Apr 25, 2013
Low tides in Puget Sound and along the Pacific Coast bring opportunities to discover an ecosystem usually inaccessible to those who like to keep their feet on solid ground. Tide pooling is a great way to get outside and explore nature in springtime, whether you choose a city beach or a hiking trail along the coast.
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Lopez Island Locals Trained in the Art of Trail Maintenance
Apr 23, 2013
The San Juan Islands are a treasure trove of hiking trails and natural wonders. But it can be a logistical challenge to get regular trail maintenance volunteers onto the San Juan Islands, so Washington Trails Association recently traveled to Lopez Island to train the Lopez Community Trails Network (LCTN) in leadership and trail skills.
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A Hiker's Guide to National Park Week
Apr 22, 2013
Today marks the start of National Park Week, and to celebrate, the parks haved waived entrance fees Apr. 22-26. With three amazing National Parks here in Washington and a week of gorgeous weather predicted, it's the perfect time to check out these great spots fee-free.
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Giving Back to Trails: A First Time Volunteer Experience
Apr 19, 2013
Sara Kiesler recently signed up to volunteer for her first day of trail maintenance, and then she blogged about the experience. From carpooling to learning about a cross-cut saw, read what it's like the first time you put on a green hat with Washington Trails Association.
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Find a Safe, Snow-Free Trail to Hike
Apr 17, 2013
Spring is a tricky season for hikers and snowshoers in the Northwest. Because temperatures fluctuate so widely, dangers from avalanches can actually increase around this time. Get tips on trails to avoid and ideas for a fun safe hike. Plus: strategies for navigating the common hazards of springtime hiking.
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North Cascades Highway Opens
Apr 16, 2013
After clearing snow, rock slides, and releasing avalanche chutes, Washington State DOT crews opened the North Cascade Highway today, which will make it easier for hikers to explore the Methow Valley.
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Budget Proposals Contrast On State Park Funding
Apr 11, 2013
The Washington State House released its operating budget yesterday, allocating $23.7 million for Washington State Parks - $7.2 million more than what was allocated in the Senate's budget.
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Camping and Hiking on Bainbridge Island by Bike
Apr 10, 2013
From views of a distant Mount Rainier to closeups of some of the small wonders found in wilderness, you can't help but want to get outside when you watch this video portrait of a bike camping adventure from central Seattle to Bainbridge Island by Daniel Penner. Watch it, and learn more about camping and hiking on Bainbridge Island.
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