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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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.

WTA Celebrates Volunteers in 2012

Nov 12, 2012

Washington Trails Association celebrates the 2,600 volunteers who worked to keep 170 trails passable this year at events around the state. In 2012, WTA saw a record number of 1,700 first-time volunteers. After venturing out on five work parties, more than 300 volunteers earned their hard hats this year. Check out the volunteer hall of fame and upcoming events.

Snoqualmie Survey: Hiking Most Popular Activity

Nov 07, 2012

Hiking is the most popular recreational activity on lands in the Snoqualmie Corridor, according to the results of a new survey conducted by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Headlines: St. Helens Science Center, Klosche Nanitch Lookout Removed

Nov 01, 2012

From a new Science and Learning Center at Mount St Helens to yurt camping at Coho and the closure of the Kloshe Nanitch Lookout, catch up on the latest hiker headlines

Workplace Giving: Turn 9-5 Into Support for Trails

Oct 29, 2012

When you donate through an employer workplace giving program, like the ones at Microsoft, Boeing or any local, state or federal government office, it's kind of like you're in two places at once: in a meeting and on a mountain, typing an email and taking care of your favorite trail. When you give at work, you can feel good knowing that every moment you spend sitting at your desk is ultimately helping protect the wilderness you love.

Get Spooked: Haunted Hikes and Campfire Stories

Oct 26, 2012

Snow's falling in the high country, the days are getting darker and Halloween is closing in. It's the time of year when some folks seek out a corn maze or haunted house for their thrills. For hikers who don't mind adding on the layers and want to get into the season with a hike or two, we've got ten hikes to try and a set of scary stories to take along with you.

Readers' Choice 2012: Trails, Gear, Gifts

Oct 25, 2012

Highlights of Washington Trails November+December 2012 issue. Includes trail maintenance recap, North Cascades' Monte Cristo Mine cleanup, spotlight on Northwest gear companies, Washington Trails' year-end gear gift guide and the biggest readers' choice feature we've ever done!

Discover the Appeal of Trail Running

Oct 24, 2012

Running on trails is not just for the super-fit. Just like many things, the sky’s the limit, but for most of us, trail running is just another way to have fun, move on trail, and experience the natural landscape.Whether you’re sprinkling in some running on a regular hike, or challenging yourself to run long distances on trail, you might just be a trail runner.