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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Avalanche Conditions Severe this Weekend

Feb 26, 2011

Obama's Budget: Long on Acquisition, Short on Maintenance

Feb 24, 2011

President Obama's budget calls for full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund but proposes to slice $206 million from the Forest Service Capital Improvement budget.

Changes to Enchantments Permits Ahead

Feb 23, 2011

Enchantment lottery applications will now be available online, starting February 28, 2011, and running through March 20, 2011. Overnight visitors must obtain one of these permits to camp in the basin from June 15 - October 15.

America's Great Outdoors Initiative Report Released

Feb 18, 2011

America weighed in; read the America's Great Outdoors Initiative Report now.

Carbon River Road to become a trail

Feb 17, 2011

On February 11, Mount Rainier National Park announced its final decision to convert the Carbon River Road into a trail for hikers and bicyclists.

Lobby Day Wrap-up

Feb 15, 2011

Thank you to all of our Hiker Lobby Day activists, both on-the-ground and virtual. You Rocked!

Ten Places to Go for Presidents Day

Feb 14, 2011

From the Methow Valley and Leavenworth to the Olympic Coast and Columbia Gorge, ten places to go this Presidents Day Weekend.

New Boardwalk at Nisqually

Feb 11, 2011

The new four-mile Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail has officially opened in Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge offering visitors the opportunity to watch the tides change the landscape and see a vast array of birds and wildlife.

Southwest tools find new home

Feb 10, 2011

The southwest tool locker is moving to a bigger, better location to accommodate all the additional gear that has been added as the program has grown.

Hikers in Olympia Today, Lobbying to Keep State Lands Open

Feb 09, 2011

Nearly one hundred hikers are in the state capitol for Hiker Lobby Day, organized by Washington Trails Association. After a morning issue briefing and training session, hikers will spend the afternoon meeting with their state representatives and senators, urging their support for state recreation lands.

Backpacking + Trail Work = BCRT

Feb 05, 2011

Do you enjoy backpacking and would like to give back to the trails you hike? If so, a WTA Backcountry Response Team (BCRT) is the way to go. Preview the schedule now. Sign-ups begin Monday, February 7 at 10am.

Spend Spring Break with WTA

Feb 03, 2011

Youth have several opportunities to get on trail with WTA over spring break.

Opportunities for teens to get outside

Feb 02, 2011

Teen volunteer opportunities this summer

Multi-Agency User Fee Bill is Now Official

Feb 01, 2011

Proposed legislation would establish a recreation pass that would cover State Park, DNR and Department of Fish and Wildlife recreation lands. Users would be subject to $10/car day pass or a $30 annual pass.

Preview WTA's Volunteer Vacations

Jan 31, 2011

We have 29 Volunteer Vacations scheduled for 2011 and is now ready to preview. Sign ups begin Monday, February 7th at 10am. Veterans will tell you that you should be in front of your computer at that time to guarantee a spot on your desired trip.

Making Progress, Thanks to You

Jan 28, 2011

Olympia is listening! A new proposal being floated would establish a combined DNR-DFW-State Parks recreation pass that would be on a per car (not per person) basis.

Registration for 2011 Trail Skills College is open!

Jan 25, 2011

WTA is helping to sponsor the Columbia Cascades Trail Skills College in partnership with the Pacific Crest Trail Association and the U.S. Forest Service. The free event provides hands-on-training for volunteers in all aspects of trail maintenance and construction.

Put a Spring in Our Step. Suggest a Hike.

Jan 19, 2011

Suggest a hike for WTA's March/April magazine.

Klickitat Trail gets vital link

Jan 13, 2011

Washington State Parks has completed decking on the Klickitat Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, giving hikers one more reason to take this excellent winter hike.

WTA is hiring seasonal field staff

Jan 12, 2011

Spend the summer with WTA trail crews

No Fees for National Parks on Seventeen Days in 2011

Jan 11, 2011

The National Park Service will waive admission fees on 17 dates in 2011. That savings is $15 per carload for folks visiting Mount Rainier of Olympic National Parks on these days.