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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Free Military Pass Now Available

Jun 05, 2012

The men and women on active duty are now eligible for a Military Pass for Free Access to National Parks and other public lands.

National Forests Free Next Two Saturdays

Jun 01, 2012

National forest have waived recreation fees the next two Saturdays (June 2 and 9) in recognition of National Trails Day and National Get Outdoors Day. National parks and Washington state parks are free on June 9 only. WTA suggests six excellent trails that will be free both Saturdays.

Celebrate Trails on National Trails Day

May 29, 2012

While many hikers are still thinking about their Memorial Day weekend, at Washington Trails Association we are looking forward to National Trails Day. This year's annual event is being held on Saturday, June 2. It's coordinated by the American Hiking Society as a celebration of hiking trails and the hard work that goes into creating and maintaining them.

Memorial Day weekend destinations

May 24, 2012

Memorial Day planning is always a scramble for day hikers, backpackers, and car campers. The criteria of a crowd-free location given early-season snow levels and road & trail conditions stymies many - and those who have found a destination are as tight-lipped about it as a fisherman is about a favorite fishin’ hole.

New trails, campgrounds envisioned for Mount St. Helens

May 23, 2012

Last fall the Gifford Pinchot National Forest unveiled a 5-year strategic investment plan that includes a call for more recreation facilities including campsites and trails. Besides adding options for camping and new trails, the new strategic plan aims to address other important recommendations in the Advisory Committee's final report including improved roads, better funding for education and interpretive activities, reinvestment in the Coldwater Visitor Center, and a continued commitment to scientific research.

Changes on wta.org

May 22, 2012

The Washington Trails Association website has a new look! After five years, we've ushered in a new dynamic homepage, fresh colors, and a streamlined navigation. What's more, we're now mobile-friendly. Check out the changes at wta.org.

Permits in Olympic National Park

May 17, 2012

If you're considering backpacking in several high-use areas of Olympic National Park this summer, you will need to procure a permit up to 30 days in advance.

A Big Result for Trails

May 16, 2012

The results are in! WTA expects to take home $48,000 for trails thanks to your generous donations during GiveBIG on May 2. Our grand total includes gifts from more than 300 hikers, a "stretch" match of $4,400 and a special $2,500 match from the Eleanor Trask Fund at The Seattle Foundation.

Bear canisters not yet required in North Cascades

May 16, 2012

The requirement for bear canisters to be used at various destinations in North Cascades National Park has been put on hold for 2012, pending more studies and tests that might expand food storage choices, such as the the aluminum-lined Ursack.

Hiking Safety for Spring

May 15, 2012

Spring hiking evokes images of delicate woodland trillium, gushing waterfalls and hikers trying to locate the most compelling destination that they can reach. It's a time of giddy anticipation as we eagerly make plans to visit our favorite trails. With sunny skies and soaring temperatures over Mother's Day, hikers were out in force - many for their first hike of the year. Hikers posted more than 100 trip reports over a three-day time period. WTA has put together some Spring Hiking Safety Tips that are important for even the most seasoned hiker to review - what to wear, what to have in your backpack, how to choose a hike, and how to handle the hazards of hiking in the spring.

Backpacking in Wolf Country

May 14, 2012

Last summer the public first heard official news of a resident wolf pack in the Teanaway, one of five wolf packs in the state and the furthest south. Advocacy Director Jonathan Guzzo grew up in wolf country and shares his experience and advice for sharing territory with this big bushy predator.

Weekend Avalanche Warnings

May 11, 2012

Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center (NWAC), which is closed for the season, felt it necessary to issue special warning reports advising that snow and weather conditions this weekend are not favorable for snow travel.

Mountain Passes Open

May 10, 2012

Hikers traveling around the state now have more options with popular mountain passes opening this week. Cayuse Pass opened Tuesday and the North Cascades Highway opened at noon today. Chinook Pass will open before Memorial Day.

Open House for Accessible Trails

May 08, 2012

To better inform people with disabilities about what to expect of a trail in Oregon and in SW Washington, a committee called Access Recreation is in the process of developing guidelines so that land managers can provide useful information to users with disabilities to better decide if a particular trail or a portion of that is suitable for them.

Getting to Work at Catherine Creek

May 07, 2012

The past two weekends, Washington Trails Association kicked off the first of what promises to be many trail work parties at Catherine Creek in the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area.

Lauren's Legacy

May 03, 2012

After nine years as WTA's Communications and Outreach Director Lauren Braden is leaving to focus on the work that she most loves: communications and digital strategy, along with travel writing. Without a doubt, Lauren is leaving her mark on WTA. From the day of her arrival in 2003, she has transformed WTA's presence and reach in the hiking community.

Midnight Deadline to GiveBIG for Trails

May 01, 2012

Washington Trails Wants You!

Apr 28, 2012

How to contribute stories and photography to Washington Trails magazine.

Backpacking for the Marmots

Apr 25, 2012

Get up close and personal with your marmot friends. Olympic National Park is looking for volunteers to help study marmot populations in the park this summer.

North Bend Trail Warning

Apr 24, 2012

Chasing Sun on Desert Hikes

Apr 23, 2012