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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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.

Play in 100+ State Parks This Winter

Oct 16, 2012

Washington State Parks just released their winter schedule, and more than 60 state parks will be open daily. More than 100 will be partially open during the winter. Get your Discover Pass, download the schedule and visit one of 9 lesser known state parks this winter.

Heavy Weekend Rains Bring Possibility of Landslides

Oct 12, 2012

Heavy rains are predicted around the state this weekend. While the break in the dry weather may be good news for putting an end to more than a month of wildfires around the state, National Forest officials say the rainstorms could also set the stage for landslides.

Areas Closed by Wildfires Begin to Open

Oct 09, 2012

After almost a full month of fighting fires sparked by a lightning storm on Sept. 8, forest officials and fire managers have contained a majority of the wildfires and are reducing some area closures.

Volunteers Tackle Ten Trails on National Public Lands Day

Oct 08, 2012

About 140 volunteers recently joined WTA trail work parties in celebration of National Public Lands Day. Working on 10 trails across the state, volunteers put in 1,226 hours building and repairing hiking trails in one single day.

Fun and Games on Trail: Getting Kids Outside in Fall

Oct 05, 2012

How do you keep kids active and engaged with the natural world during autumn? We put the same question to our Facebook community, and heard great ideas from educators, parents, and other people who hike with kids.

Breaking Ground on a New Trail at Ape Caves

Oct 04, 2012

Last weekend, Washington Trails Association broke ground on a brand new trail near the popular Ape Cave trail. The focus of the new trail will be a viewpoint of the Mount St Helens.

Interactive: Fire Perimeters on Topographic Map

Sep 27, 2012

Check the status of hundreds of fires burning in Washington state with an interactive topographic showing the latest fire permitters.

Top Gear Picks at REI

Sep 21, 2012

Looking to replace some gear as the season's drawing to a close? Still got some dividend you need to spend up before the next one comes in? Or how about just getting a jump on some holiday shopping? If so, we've gathered up a list of top trail-tested items that will be sure to please any hiker.

Spend National Public Lands Day on Trail with WTA

Sep 19, 2012

On Saturday, September 29 join Washington Trails Association as a volunteer on one of seven trails we will be maintaining that weekend in celebration of National Public Lands Day.

Wildfires and Trails: Q&A with WTA Field Programs Manager

Sep 19, 2012

Until the wildfires burning across Washington are out and the Forest Service begins to assess their damage, we won't know the impact to hikers' favorite trails. But WTA has a lot of experience helping reestablish trails in burned forests. So, we sat down for five minutes with Alan Carter Mortimer, WTA's Field Programs Manager, to ask about the impact fires can have on trails and what helping a trail recover involves.

Thank You for Protecting Our Trails

Sep 14, 2012

Every volunteer, member, and person who uses and values our trails is absolutely essential to the mission of Washington Trails Association. Thank you for protecting our trails.

Know Before You Go: Wildfires, Hunting Seasons

Sep 13, 2012

With crisp air, ripe berries and fall foliage starting to turn, late summer/early autumn is one of the best times to hike in Washington. But with wildfires burning in several parts of the state and hunting season gearing up, it's important to check more than the weather forecast as you plan your hiking, backpacking, climbing or trailrunning adventures.

NW Exposure Photo Contest Tips

Sep 11, 2012

Here are some tips to help your best summer photos become winners of WTA's Northwest Exposure photo contest.

Fire Near Mount Adams Closes Trails, Prompts Evacuations

Sep 10, 2012

The Cascade Creek Fire on the south side of Mount Adams prompted the evacuation of more than 50 hikers, climbers and hunters. It has also closed roads and trails. Lightning started the fire late on Sept. 8.