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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Join Zachary, WTA's New Seattle-Area Blue Hat, on Trail

Apr 09, 2013

Meet Zachary McBride, an experienced crew leader who will be leading most day trips in the Puget Sound area all year long. When you end up on trail with Zachary, you're guaranteed to have fun while you get the work done.

New Hiking Guidebook for Eastern Washington

Apr 05, 2013

With 125 hikes in the brand new Day Hiking Eastern Washington guidebook, you can hike your way to wildflowers, hidden waterfalls and marshes full of birdsong; sweeping vistas of mountains and rolling hills; intimate canyons with steep basalt cliffs; lush forests and golden woodlands. Order or download your copy today.

First Volunteer Vacation: Sun, Fun on Second Beach Trail

Apr 03, 2013

The first WTA Volunteer Vacation of the season set out this week, working under blue skies to rebuild a trail on Second Beach. Read about the trip and check out the featured Volunteer Vacations that still have a few spots available.

Nature on Trail: Cliff Swallow, Black-Tailed Deer, Sword Fern

Mar 29, 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. Cliff swallows make a trip to Dry Falls Lake in Sun Lakes State Park worth a visit.

Speak Up for State Parks on their 100th Birthday

Mar 28, 2013

Washington State Parks turn 100 this year, and they're showing their age. Please call your state senator and ask them to reinvest in our state parks.

Hike the New San Juan Islands National Monument

Mar 25, 2013

Today, President Obama announced the establishment of five new national monuments, one of which encompasses 1,000 acres in the San Juan Islands National Monument. The new national treasures include more than 60 uninhabited islands, headlands and lighthouse properties—plus some great hiking trails.

Trailblazers: Village Theatre Debuts Hiking Musical

Mar 25, 2013

Catch Issaquah’s Village Theatre's newest musical, Trails, which follows the journey of two childhood friends who reconnect in their early thirties and undertake the adventure of hiking the 2,180- mile Appalachian Trail.

Make the Most of REI's Dividend While Helping Trails

Mar 22, 2013

For REI co-op members, it's dividend season. Did you know that by shopping with your dividend on REI.com using this link you can help trails? When you do, WTA earns a percentage of your total purchase that we'll put to great use in our trail programs, from maintaining wilderness trails to saving state lands from closing.

Crew Leader Mike Owens Retires

Mar 21, 2013

After 13 years of crew leading day trips in the Puget Sound area, Mike Owens is finally retiring from Washington Trails Association. What's next for this trail work legend? Volunteering on trail, of course.

Then and Now: 100 Years at Kayak Point Park

Mar 19, 2013

With short beach strolls, evergreen forest, views of picturesque Port Susan and yurt camping, Kayak Point Park has attracted fun and families for more than a century. Explore a slideshow of scenes from the park in the early 1900's, and then sign up for a volunteer work party to take part in shaping the modern day trails on Kayak Point.

Snowshoe Walks, Avalanche Safety Talks

Mar 18, 2013

Learn the basics of avalanche safety while meandering in the Commonwealth Basin at Snoqualmie Pass on one of two upcoming guided snowshoe walks. Snowshoes are provided, and the walks will be led by avalanche safety instructors from Friends of the Avalanche Center and the U.S. Forest Service Snow Rangers.

A Trail Is ... Made by You

Mar 14, 2013

A trail is made with laughter, with family and with friends. A trail is made by hikers, by climbers, by runners, by students and grandparents. A trail is made by all of us, together. A trail is made by you.

Whatcom Welcomes New Forested Park

Mar 13, 2013

In great news for hikers, Whatcom County Council approved a new park for the county with a vote of 5-2 last night. The new Lake Whatcom Forest Preserve Park, at almost 8,844 acres, will be one of the largest local parks in the nation.

Photos: A Spring Weekend on Washington's Trails

Mar 11, 2013

Every Monday morning, we sip coffee and read about your adventures on trail in your weekend Trip Reports. With great weather over the weekend, you could almost smell the sunshine and spring in the Trip Reports that have already rolled in.

Expert Advice: Tami Asars on the Wonderland Trail

Mar 08, 2013

Want to hike part or all of the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park this year? We've got three great ways to learn about the Wonderland Trail from guidebook author and WTA correspondent, Tami Asars, who literally wrote the book on the 93-mile trail.

What Sequestration Means for Hikers

Mar 06, 2013

Last week, when our elected officials in Washington, DC decided not to act on a "sequestration" deadline, they set in motion a set of fiscal cutbacks that could dramatically impact hiking and other recreation on federal lands. Seasonal hiring for the backcountry, trail work, reduced hours and even closures are a stake in this latest showdown.

Spring Skills: Tips for Hiking on Snow

Mar 06, 2013

Traveling safely across snow is an essential skill for many hikers and climbers—even in the spring and early summer months. Use the following tips from author and mountaineering educator Mike Zawaski to kick steps and travel more safety across snow fields in Washington.

Remembering Don Hanson

Mar 04, 2013

On Saturday, the hiking community lost one of its stalwart ambassadors. Don Hanson, owner and proprietor of Scottish Lakes High Camp, died when a tree dropped a giant load of snow on him while he was working outside the lodge.

The Legislature: What's In, What's Out, What's Next

Feb 28, 2013

WTA runs down the status of bills in Olympia pertaining to the Discover Pass and hikers.

Cold Weather Photography Tips

Feb 27, 2013

There is still plenty of time to take out the winter gear—snowshoes, cross-country skis, winter jacket, snow pants and, of course, your camera. But before you head out, here are a few tips from photographer Paul Raymaker that can help take the chill out of capturing a winter wonderland-scape.

Volunteer for Two New Trail Projects in Local Parks

Feb 26, 2013

Be the first to leave your mark on two new-for-WTA projects. Both Cedar Creek and Kayak Point are day trips working in small neighborhood parks, and both trails are in critical need of your help to make them accessible to local trail users. Read more about each of these project below to figure out which one to tackle this March!