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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Summer Backcountry Trips Unveiled

Jan 27, 2012

Washington Trails Association's 2012 backcountry schedule is revealed. On the agenda for 2012 are 28 adult Volunteer Vacations, 16 Youth Vacations and 39 Backcountry Response Team (BCRT) trips. Sign-ups begin February 6 at 10am sharp.

SB 5977 Passes Senate!

Jan 27, 2012

SP 5977, the bill that would allow two license plates to share a Discover Pass, passed the Washington State Senate by a vote of 44-0 on January 27, 2012.

Storms Take Toll on Trails

Jan 25, 2012

The past week of snow, ice and wind have taken their toll on a number of trails throughout the state, and particularly in King County where WTA trail crews and hikers have reported many downed trees and debris.

Mount St. Helens Permits Available Feb. 1

Jan 23, 2012

Permits for climbing Mount St. Helens from April 1 through Oct. 31 go on sale on a first-come, first-served basis starting Feb. 1.

Bear in the Backyard

Jan 20, 2012

washington trails jan+feb 2012 nature on trail feature, "bear in mind" by tami asars. rehabilitating bears using karelian bear dogs.

Wedding Ring Found - Four Months Later

Jan 19, 2012

In one of the best lost and found stories of the year, a 12-year old boy finds a wedding ring lost four months before at Wallace Falls and reunites it with its owner on Christmas Eve.

Where to Go Snowshoeing

Jan 18, 2012

Now that there is plenty of snow, get outside and enjoy it! WTA provides tips on how to choose a destination, get to the trailhead and stay safe on your snowshoeing adventure.

WTA's Open House

Jan 17, 2012

Join WTA January 26 for an Open House.

Check Out These Boots!

Jan 13, 2012

hiking boot reviews by the washington trails gear team. includes lowa, la sportiva, the north face, montrail, keen, scarpa, ahnu, salomon, vasque, and garmont.

The Impacts of Ranger Layoffs

Jan 12, 2012

In the week between Christmas and New Year's, 83 Washington State Parks rangers were handed pink slips in the first wave of layoffs spurred by agency revenue shortfalls. Maintaining and patrolling State Parks in the absence of full-time rangers will be a major challenge in the coming year.

MLK Weekend First of State Park Free Days for 2012

Jan 11, 2012

This coming three-day Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend is the first of ten fee-free days at Washington State Parks in 2012. These are days when visitors will not need to have a Discover Pass at State Parks.

Planning For The Future Of Recreation in the Snoqualmie Corridor

Jan 10, 2012

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is launching a planning process that will culminate in a plan to manage DNR recreation, conservation and trust lands. This is a great opportunity to get involved the long-term outlook for some of our most prized hiking lands!

An Evening on the Elwha River

Jan 09, 2012

The National Parks Conservation Association and other community partners will be hosting an event on Wednesday evening at the Seattle REI flagship store called An Evening on the Elwha River - Dam Removal and Restoration.

State Legislative Session Kicks off Today

Jan 09, 2012

Washington Trails Wants You!

Jan 06, 2012

Washington Trails magazine is recruiting regional correspondents to write and photograph articles for our Take-a-Hike guide and editorial and feature content. Assignments may also be offered.

Thank YOU!

Jan 05, 2012

I want to take a moment to say thanks to the more than 650 individuals who made a special year-end contribution - and helped us surpass our $50,000 year-end goal.

Where We Hiked: Dec 26 - Jan 1

Jan 04, 2012

A summary of Trip Reports posted the last week of 2011 and New Year's Day, including visits from rare wildlife.

Mt. Rainier National Park Ranger Shot and Killed

Jan 01, 2012

A federal law-enforcement park ranger was shot and killed at Mount Rainier National Park earlier today. The gunman remains at large. He is on foot and armed with a long rifle.

WTA's Top Ten

Dec 31, 2011

For the past two weeks on Facebook, we have been celebrating the Top Ten reasons to make a year-end donation to Washington Trails Association. They are too good not to compile here on the Signpost Blog - as a compilation of 2011 and what hikers have done for trails in the past year.

A Final Challenge

Dec 29, 2011

Donate to WTA by midnight on Thursday, December 29, and your gift will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $9,000.

Take a "First Day Hike"

Dec 28, 2011

Washington State Parks is offering three guided "First Day Hikes" on New Year's Day this year. It's part of a nationwide effort to connect individuals and families with the outdoors while supporting healthy lifestyle habits.