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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Matching Deadline: Midnight Sunday

Dec 29, 2012

Looking for a final hiking challenge of 2012? Here's one that doesn't even require rain gear or snowshoes. Make a gift to Washington Trails Association by midnight Sunday, December 30 -- and every dollar you give online will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000. That's right, your gift will be DOUBLED for trails thanks to a group of generous donors.

Website Back Up; Ready for Hikers!

Dec 28, 2012

The WTA website is back online. Everything is working properly again and Google has removed the warning from the website.

Trip Reports, Hiking Guide currently down

Dec 28, 2012

Mount Rainier: Open for Winter Play

Dec 27, 2012

Want to play in some powder? Look no further than Mount Rainier National Park, where you can ski, snowshoe, sled and camp in the deep and fluffy snow.

Highest Charity Rating for WTA (Again!)

Dec 21, 2012

Charity Navigator, the nation's leading charity evaluator, released a new rating for Washington Trails Association yesterday. What did we earn? A 4-star rating—again! That's their highest possible rating. WTA earns top marks for sound fiscal management and for our commitment to accountability and transparency.

By the Numbers: Trails Worked, Miles Hiked and More

Dec 19, 2012

Explore WTA's work in 2012 by the numbers, and help us reach our goal to accomplish even more next year.

Senators Murray and Cantwell Introduce Green Mountain Lookout Legislation

Dec 19, 2012

On December 14, Washington Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate that would protect the Green Mountain Lookout in the Glacier Peak Wilderness.

Hobbit Hikes: Washington's Middle-earth

Dec 13, 2012

When you come out of the movie theater after seeing The Hobbit, which opens in theaters at midnight tonight, you may have the urge to go on an epic adventure of your very own. Let WTA help you bring out your inner Bilbo Baggins with a few seasonal hikes that bring the book and movie to life.

Former Gov. Dan Evans Talks Trails with WTA

Dec 13, 2012

This week, former Governor and Senator Dan Evans, a lifelong hiker who was instrumental in the creation of Alpine Lakes Wilderness and North Cascades National Park—dropped into Washington Trails Association offices to spend an hour talking trails and telling stories with the staff.

Protect Public Lands, Preserve Washington's Economy

Dec 10, 2012

A new report from Headwaters Economics focuses on the critical role that the West's public lands base plays in supporting Washington's economy. The report provides new evidence that outdoor recreation opportunities play an important role in job growth. In short, Washington's incredible recreation opportunities make it a great place to live and work.

Exploratory Drilling Approved On Goat Mountain

Dec 06, 2012

This week, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest gave the go-ahead for a Canadian mining company to begin exploratory drilling on Goat Mountain, a setback in the ongoing fight to protect Goat Mountain Trail (#217) and Mount St. Helens Monument from mining threats.

Fee Free Days for 2013

Dec 05, 2012

Federal and state public lands agencies have recently announced their fee free days for 2013. These are dates where you can park at trailheads or recreation facilities without hanging a Northwest Forest Pass or Discover Pass or paying an entrance fee. WTA has compiled all 19 of the dates, along with which agencies are recognizing them.

Guided Winter Hikes, Snowshoes at Snoqualmie

Dec 04, 2012

The Snoqualmie Pass Forest Service Visitor Information Center will open and begin offering guided hikes and snowshoe tours Dec. 20. The guided walks are a great way for hikers to learn more about the wildlife, ecology and features of Washington's winter landscapes.

Trail Running Calendar Inspires, Benefits WTA

Dec 03, 2012

The 2013 Tribute for the Trails calendar features amazing photos of runners on local trails and dates for trail running events throughout the country. All proceeds from sales benefit Washington Trails Association, and, even better, the calendar comes with the chance of winning a race entry.

Discover Pass Now Has "Choose Your Date" Option

Dec 03, 2012

The Discover Pass just got more flexible. When you order a Discover Pass online, you can now specify the day you want it to start within the next year. This added "choose your date" option is the result of legislation that Washington Trails Association and hiker advocates helped pass earlier this year.

Suiattle Road 'No Impact' Finding a Big Impact on Hikers

Nov 29, 2012

Repairs to the Suiattle River Road may finally become a reality after a new finding from the Federal Highways Administration Western Federal Lands Division. WTA and hikers have been advocating for repairs to the Suiattle River Road since flooding and landslides closed it in 2003.

Two Teens Advocate for Getting Outside, WTA

Nov 28, 2012

Meet two high school seniors (and long-term volunteers) who will be adding their voices to the Youth Committee at Washington Trails Association. In the coming gear, Helen Miller and Tzuria Falkenberg will work with WTA board members and staff to develop and improve WTA’s youth programs for families, teens, and young adults.

Snow Closes Mountain Passes for Winter

Nov 21, 2012

Heading into Thanksgiving weekend, most of Washington's seasonal mountain passes have closed for the winter.

Chasing Ice: Editor's Choice Film Pick

Nov 20, 2012

In the new documentary, Chasing Ice, National Geographic photographer James Balog photographs the shrinking glaciers and icefields of the arctic over a period of three years. Through the use of high-tech time-lapse photography, Balog and crew were able to witness a very real, and very sobering, environmental epidemic.

Hiking Couple Files 100 Trip Reports (So Far) in 2012

Nov 16, 2012

All of the hikers who write Trip Reports provide an incredible resource for Washington's outdoor community. Bob and Barb, a couple who hikes all over the state, recently filed their 100th Trip Report of 2012.

Recreation in Washington: Three Ways to Have a Say

Nov 13, 2012

Raise your voice in three ways to have a say in the future of Washington's recreation planning. Weigh in on how visitors value the Olympic Peninsula, on the future of Mount St. Helens and on broader issues of recreation in Washington state, like the commercialization of parks.