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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Guided Snowshoe Walks

Dec 27, 2011

New to snowshoeing? Consider a guided walk on Snoqualmie or Stevens Pass this winter.

Holiday Season Hikes

Dec 22, 2011

This holiday season give your family a healthy, environmentally-friendly present: a day of enjoyment on a Washington State trail.

Highest charity rating for WTA (again!)

Dec 20, 2011

Washington Trails Association has received the highest possible rating from Charity Navigator.

Special Session Adjourns

Dec 15, 2011

The Washington State legislature adjourned its special session during the hearing that was taking up vehicle transferability for the Discover Pass. We expect that this bill will move in 2012.

Microsoft Employees Walk for WTA

Dec 14, 2011

Microsoft employees raised more than $16,000 for trails during their 5K Run/Walk in October. Thank you!

Legislation Would Make Discover Pass Transferable Between Vehicles

Dec 09, 2011

Senator Kevin Ranker has introduced a bill that would allow each purchaser of a Discover Pass to use it on two vehicles, effective immediately. The legislation applies to current pass holders as well as future ones.

State Parks To Cut 161 Jobs

Dec 07, 2011

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission voted yesterday on a budget proposal that would result in the loss of 161 jobs at the agency. WTA explores what that would mean for hikers.

December Decisions

Dec 06, 2011

A summary of trip reports posted the weekend of December 3rd and 4th, 2011.

2012 Calendar to Benefit WTA

Dec 01, 2011

Need a gift for the trail runners in your life (or yourself)? Look no further than the 2012 Tribute for the Trails calendar. Proceeds from the seventh annual calendar, produced by WTA members Glenn Tachiyama and Wendy Wheeler-Jacobs, benefit Washington Trails Association's work to protect and maintain trails.

Hiking Resolutions

Nov 28, 2011

What's the hike that got away from you in 2011? Which wilderness area is on your bucket list to visit? What outdoor skills class do you hope to take? Who in your life do you want to take on a hike?

A Thanksgiving Thank You

Nov 22, 2011

Thank you from Washington Trails Association

WTA Presented Groundwire Connector Award

Nov 18, 2011

Washington Trails Association has been presented the first-ever Groundwire Connector Award for its groundbreaking work using online tools to get people offline, outdoors, and connected to nature.

A "Transferable" Discover Pass?

Nov 17, 2011

Agencies that manage the state Discover Pass are very likely to deliver a transferable pass in 2012. There are several forms this could take, which will depend on administrative challenges and revenue impacts inherent in each proposal..

ABCs of Avalanche Awareness

Nov 14, 2011

Avalanche awareness clinics and courses in WAshington are set to begin for the 2011-2012 winter season.

Looking for the Next Leader of the Trails Program

Nov 12, 2011

Karen Daubert's first week on the job took her to two volunteer appreciation events on opposite sides of the state. She saw first-hand the commitment and love for trails that WTA's volunteers have. Now she is appealing to you to help find the next leader of WTA's trails program.

New Trail Near Sammamish

Nov 09, 2011

During 2011, WTA volunteers helped build a new trail in the Evans Creek Preserve in Sammamish. The trail was officially dedicated on October 22 and offers families, dog walkers, birdwatchers and others a wonderful public space to connect with nature.

WTA Recognizes the Work of Volunteers

Nov 08, 2011

Volunteers crowded into the REI conference room Friday evening to hear stories of how much their hard work has impacted trails this year.

Use Caution When Hiking in the Mountains

Nov 04, 2011

With the first major snow storm of the season the complexion of hiking in the mountains has changed. Hikers need to be prepared and use common sense. WTA has several late fall hiking tips to share.

Farewell to Lace Thornberg

Nov 02, 2011

The arrival in mailboxes of the November-December Washington Trails magazine also marks the end of an era at WTA for its editor and our longtime colleague, Lace Thornberg. After nine years (and four job titles) she is heading to the Phillipines on a Fulbright scholarship.

You Be the Judge

Nov 01, 2011

You be the judge! From Nov. 1-8, you can vote for your favorite of ten Offbeat Outdoors semifinalists for WTA's Northwest Exposure Photo Contest. "Like" the one photo you'd like to see in the Jan-Feb 2012 Washington Trails magazine.

Fee Free Days for 2012

Oct 26, 2011

Fee-Free Days for 2012 have been announced for national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges and Bureau of Land Managment areas.