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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Roads & Rainier: What a bridge closure, construction and timed-entry permits mean for hikers, backpackers and campers this summer

Apr 30, 2025

A bridge closure, road work, timed-entry permits and short staffing in Mount Rainier National Park mean hikers will need to pack plenty of patience and flexibility this summer.

WTA and partners celebrate opening of Glendale Forest

Apr 30, 2025

Over the weekend, WTA, King County Parks, Earth Corps and members of the community celebrated the opening of Glendale Forest. The 5-acre parcel of land was acquired by King County in 2020 to create trail accessibility for the historically underserved neighborhood.

Hiker Headlines: Highway 20 is open; Heather Lake, High Rock closures; Chuckanut Drive rockslide

Apr 24, 2025

Highway 20 — North Cascades Highway — has reopened for the 2025 season! Heather Lake, Lake 22 and High Rock trails have upcoming closures and Chuckanut Drive is closed due to a rockslide.

Seeing the forest for the trees: A Midwestern transplant reminds me of the splendor of Washington’s old growth

Apr 23, 2025

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest. My partner is from rural Iowa. His excitement about our old-growth trees reminds me how lucky we are to have them.

Trip report round up: Spreading joy through trip reports

Apr 21, 2025

Beyond valuable intel on trail conditions, your trip reports spread the joy and kindness you experience when you hike in Washington. So we're highlighting recent trip reports that brought their own unique joy to our days.

Hiker Headlines: Bridge closed to Mowich Lake and Carbon River roads, Mountain Loop Highway partial reopening

Apr 17, 2025

The Fairfax Bridge near Carbonado, just outside of Mount Rainier National Park, is closed, blocking access to Mowich Lake Road and Carbon River Road. The Mountain Loop Highway has reopened between Deer Creek and Barlow Pass! And some fun hiker events and fee-free days are coming up.

How youth are fighting climate grief with action

Apr 14, 2025

Time outside helps the youth with Climate Action Families in their work to advance climate justice. By Emory Ranes

Hiker Headlines: Now hiring, Olympic National Park summer camping permits, Olympic National Forest going primarily cashless

Apr 10, 2025

WTA is hiring for our seasonal Lost Trails Found professional trail crews! Olympic National Park summer season backcountry camping permits are available starting April 15, and most Olympic National Forest fees will now be cashless. There’s a road closure on Forest Road 25 in the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District. And Mount Rainier National Park is asking folks to be careful when they’re recreating on the mountain.

A case for hiking near home

Apr 07, 2025

Hiking is a great way to de-stress, but there’s nothing like traffic to instantly evaporate joy felt while on during your time on trail. Here is our case for considering a hike near you.

Hiker Headlines: WTA is hiring, new Riverside State Park trailhead, coastal cleanup

Apr 03, 2025

WTA is hiring a summer trail crew leader for our work at Mount Rainier National Park. Work is starting on a new trailhead at Riverside State Park! An Olympic National Park coastal cleanup is coming up soon. And the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife wants your input to help them build a plan for the Olympic-Willapa Hills Wildlife Area Complex.

Helping youth find hope in the face of climate change

Apr 02, 2025

“I am motivated to confront the climate crisis today because it’s really not fair that a bunch of people, animals and environments are suffering and being destroyed without a care in the world.”

Backpackers, here's the deal for the Chelan Lakeshore trail this year

Mar 28, 2025

What's closed, what's open, and what to bring to camp on this popular trail this summer.

Hiker Headlines: Icicle Road traffic delays; state park same-day camping reservations, Riverside State Park closures

Mar 27, 2025

Repair work starts on Icicle Road on April 14 — expect delays and closures! Washington State Parks now accept same-day campsite bookings. And several trails at Riverside State Park will be closed for a few months for a forest health treatment project.

When big damage requires heavy duty trail cleanup

Mar 25, 2025

In November 2024, the Pacific Northwest was hit by a bomb cyclone, and many of our trails were damaged by fallen trees and debris. For the last several months, WTA has been working with land managers and other organizations to get trails in the Issaquah Alps back open again.

Music and Nature: An evening of stunning images accompanied by a symphony orchestra

Mar 24, 2025

Join WTA on April 25 at Benaroya Hall for a celebration of Washington landscapes.

Hiker Rally Day: Meet the hikers who spoke up for trails

Mar 21, 2025

153 hikers from 39 legislative districts across the state rallied in Olympia on Tuesday to advocate for trails and public lands.

Hiker Headlines: Historic Columbia River Highway closure, upcoming car-free hiking workshop and symphony concert

Mar 20, 2025

Happy spring equinox! We have some fun hiker events coming up, including a car-free adventuring workshop and a nature-inspired symphony concert. The Historic Columbia River Highway has an extended closure. And some agencies are getting ready for wildfire season, which might affect your hiking plans.

Miles, smiles and community with Miles Hike Club

Mar 17, 2025

Miles Hike Club gets out on trail with hikers of all ages — and WTA helped them get there. By Joseph Gonzalez

Hiker Headlines: Update on Forest Service firings, repairs for Hoh Road, Dog Mountain permits

Mar 13, 2025

U.S. Forest Service probationary employees who were fired will be rehired on a temporary basis — the longer term status of those positions is still uncertain. Dog Mountain parking permits will be available on March 15 and the North Cascades backcountry permit lottery is closing soon. And the Upper Hoh Road is slated to be repaired.

Trip Report Roundup: Greenery, snow melt and early-season blooms

Mar 11, 2025

While there's still snow at high elevations and most wildflowers are still a ways off, folks have been getting out on trail and seeing a lot of that soothing, lovely green that our state is known for. Check out some trip reports of the green hikes folks have been going on these last couple of weeks.

Help WTA save vital funding for public lands

Mar 10, 2025

The 2025 state legislative session runs from Jan. 13 to April 27. This year, like every year, WTA will show up to work with elected officials, land management agencies and conservation partners to secure — and maintain — funding for our public lands. By Melani Baker.