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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Mount Ellinor Stays Closed While Goats Retrained to Avoid People

Aug 31, 2012

Forest service officials are keeping Olympic National Forest’s Mount Ellinor Trail closed while they continue to monitor and address mountain goat-human interactions.

When You Help a Hike-a-Thoner, You Help Trails

Aug 31, 2012

At the start of this month, about 200 incredible hikers laced up their hiking boots and hit the trail to help raise funds in support of WTA and trails. Now, you can help those intrepid hikers with a surprise sponsorship.

Governor Gregoire Supports Trail Funding

Aug 28, 2012

In a major victory for Washington trails this month, Governor Gregoire determined that Washington would use important Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funds focused where they belong: on trails.

Volunteers Needed! Join One of Four Featured Trips

Aug 24, 2012

Four special volunteer trips. Join an overnight at Glacier View Trail, a volunteer vacation along the PCT at Deep Lake, or a backcountry response team on the Hidden Lakes Trail or the Sauk Lake Trail.

My Backpack: Save Hikes, Trip Reports, Photos

Aug 23, 2012

My Backpack is a brand new feature of the wta.org that allows you to collect your Trip Reports, hikes and your photo gallery submissions all in one place.

Washington Wildfires: Tips for Campers, Hikers

Aug 17, 2012

With two large wildfires burning, burn bans, poor air quality, hazy views and a forecast of hot weather all have the potential to impact hikers and campers this weekend. Learn why you may want to avoid hiking the Teanaway area and refresh your fire prevention skills.

Gear-Palooza 2012: Part I

Aug 15, 2012

Washington Trails review of Outdoor Retailer Summer Marketplace 2012; top picks from BioLite, Big Agnes, Sierra Designs, Mountain Hardwear, Vasque, Scarpa, Gregory, Deuter, SteriPEN, Revivex, Rab, Therm-a-Rest and more.

Introducing the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan

Aug 14, 2012

For decades, water storage for domestic and and agricultural uses has been a challenge in the Yakima Valley. A group of stakeholders have come together from state and local governments, agriculture interests, tribes and non-profits to develop new strategies for increasing water supply in and protecting the Yakima Basin Watershed. Last month, WTA's board of directors took action to support these strategies, known as the Yakima Basin Integrated Water Plan.

Huckleberry Study: Pick Their Future

Aug 14, 2012

Do you pick or harvest big huckleberry on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest? Then take the survey to ensure they'll always be there for you.

Easy Weekday Hikes

Aug 08, 2012

Try these close-to-home hikes and trail runs before or after work or school. No need to wait until the weekend to get your hiking fix.

August on the Trail: Where We're Working

Aug 08, 2012

From the Colville to the Colonel Bob wilderness, from the Columbia River Gorge to Mount Baker (and everywhere in between) — we've got our work cut out for us in the coming weeks. This August, join us on a work party near you, or explore a part of the state you've never been to by volunteering on trail with WTA!

Hike-a-Thon: Putting the Fun in Fundraising

Aug 03, 2012

Whether you're already signed up or are just getting going, we've pulled together a few tips from Hike-a-Thon veterans to help you win prizes and make your month a success for trails. What's your Hike-a-Thon strategy?

Mountain Goat Basics: Give the Goat the Trail

Aug 02, 2012

Earlier this month, several aggressive mountain goat encounters prompted the closure of the popular Mount Ellinor Trail in Olympic National Park. Find out what to do if you encounter a mountain goat on any trail.

Into the Woods: Hike-a-Thon is On

Aug 01, 2012

Hikers hit the trail early on August 1 to get a head start on Hike-a-Thon. The month-long hiking event to benefit WTA and trails began August 1 and will run all month. Lace up your boots and join us.

Your Next Backpacking Trail Maintenance Destination

Jul 31, 2012

Ever wonder how trails miles from the nearest road, like some sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, stay in good shape? One way is through WTA Backcountry Response Teams, or BCRTs. Check out some of our featured trips coming up this month.

National Forest Urges Safety after Glissading Accident

Jul 27, 2012

After two recent injuries, one to a climber glissading (intentionally sliding down a snow chute) on Mount St. Helens, Gifford Pinchot National Forest has issued a warning urging climbers to exercise caution on their descents.

Take the Reader's Choice Survey and Win a Tent

Jul 26, 2012

Take Washington Trails' Reader's Choice Survey and enter to win a Kelty Grand Mesa 2 backpacking tent. Chime in on all that's great and wonderful about hiking and backpacking in Washington state, from the best dayhiking destinations and the prettiest waterfall hikes, to your favorite wildlife sightings and the tastiest post-hike chow

Welcome to Michael and Loren

Jul 26, 2012

This summer, Washington Trails Association has welcomed two important new members to our staff. Michael Stubblefield is WTA's new Trail Program Director, leading our trail maintenance program, and Loren Drummond is the new Digital Content Manager, managing WTA's website, social media and e-newsletter.

Take Action to Stop Goat Mountain Mine

Jul 25, 2012

The threat of exploratory drilling has returned to Goat Mountain, just north of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Add your voice to help protect one of SW Washington’s cherished recreation areas by sending a letter or email.

Duckabush Trail Opens To Hikers

Jul 24, 2012

Yesterday the Olympic National Forest re-opened the Duckabush River trail to hikers after almost a year of closure. (The trail remains closed to stock for now.) The trail has been closed since last September because of severe hazards after the Big Hump fire. Washington Trails Association and other volunteer organizations have been hard at work repairing the popular trail.

North Fork Sauk Road Opening Tomorrow

Jul 19, 2012

After being closed for more than a year, Forest Road 49 on the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest's Darrington Ranger District is scheduled to reopen Friday, July 20. This will restore access to the North Fork Sauk, Pilot Ridge and Round Lake trails on the west side of Glacier Peak.