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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Your Daily Dose of Cute Wildlife
Aug 31, 2020
You're welcome.
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Hiker Headlines: Photo Contest, Leading by Example, Hike-a-Thon
Aug 27, 2020
It's Aug. 27. Our annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is now open. We're excited to see how many hikers are leading by example on trail. And our Hike-a-Thon has less than a week to go — there's still time to support WTA and help participants meet their goals.
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Photos We Love: WTA Staff Picks From Northwest Exposure Contest
Aug 24, 2020
See some staff favorite photos from recent years — and get inspired to enter your own photos.
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Masks, Trash & Parking: 3 Easy Ways to Lead by Example on Every Hike
Aug 22, 2020
Every time you lace up your hiking shoes and head out on trail, it's an opportunity to help keep the outdoors a refuge during tough times. Here are some easy ways to lead by example, keep it positive and create the outdoor community of your dreams.
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Q&A: Camping Responsibly Outside Campgrounds During a Pandemic
Aug 21, 2020
How to find a great campsite for some physically distanced camping — while staying safe and protecting the landscape.
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Finding Connections — With Nature and Each Other — During a Pandemic
Aug 21, 2020
Although in-person trips aren't possible right now, Wild Grief is finding a way to fulfil their mission.
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Hiker Headlines: Baby Wolverines, Closures, Forestland for the Community, Free State Parks Day
Aug 20, 2020
It's Aug. 20. Scientists in Mount Rainier made an exciting discovery recently. Folks in Kittitas County can help shape the future of nearby forestland. An upcoming closure at Olympic National Park may impact your hiking plans. And on Tuesday, you won't need a Discover Pass to explore state parks. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trails this week.
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The Great American Outdoors Act was, Indeed, Great - Now, What’s Next?
Aug 18, 2020
The outdoor recreation world is buzzing after the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) passed and was signed by the president recently. With billions of additional dollars now invested in public lands, we've all been wondering: What’s next? Where might these investments go? And how might the government take on the hefty task of addressing their maintenance backlogs?
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Masks On, Hands Off (My Tools): Trail Work in the Time of COVID-19
Aug 13, 2020
COVID messed everything up. But despite the whirlwind of changing safety requirements, WTA has adapted our work parties so our volunteer crews can continue to do the work public land managers rely on to keep trails clear and safe for hikers.
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Problem-Solving in a Pandemic: Connecting Youth to the Outdoors in the Time of COVID
Aug 13, 2020
Navigating a pandemic has forced all of us to approach work in a new way. If you can do your job online, tech makes it relatively easy, but in-person work is a puzzle: how do you offer quality connections and complete trail projects when physical distance is the number one way to support public health right now?
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Hiker Headlines: Hiking Helps the Economy, Fire Safety, Hunting Season, Meteors
Aug 13, 2020
It's Aug. 13. A new report show how much outdoor recreation boosts the state's economy. We have a few safety reminders for you this week about fire season and hunting season. It's a great week to go look for shooting stars. And a few Seattle parks need new names and you can help. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.
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New Report Shows Outdoor Recreation Economy Stronger Than Ever
Aug 13, 2020
A new report about the outdoor recreation economy in Washington shows just how important hikers' contributions are to making our state thrive. From money added to the overall economy to the 264,000 people employed by recreation, it's clear that we need to continue to advocate for increased investment in the outdoor community.
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How Powerful Partnerships Help WTA Build a Better Future for Trails
Aug 13, 2020
WTA has been bringing people together for years. By building connections, finding middle ground and creating shared goals, we are moving toward our vision of trails for everyone, forever. Here are a few recent examples of how, when we come together, we can do more for trails and the hiking community.
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Finding Balance as A Parent
Aug 11, 2020
"My life at home and work are much different than what I’d planned for 2020 — but I’m finding ways to make peace with that."
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Hiker Headlines: Input For Trails, Fire Season, GAOA Signed Into Law
Aug 05, 2020
It’s August 6. With the celebration of Washington Trails Day and the Great American Outdoors Act being signed into law, trails have been in the spotlight this week. Land managers across the state are looking for community input on a variety of proposed projects. And it’s the season of fires and road construction, so check conditions and plan ahead to avoid inconvenient delays.
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We Need Trails, on Washington Trails Day and Every Day!
Aug 05, 2020
This Washington Trails Day — our state's official holiday for trails — we asked our community why they need trails. Here's what you told us.
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Inspiration and Advice for Getting Out on Trail with Kids
Jul 31, 2020
Time on trail with kids can create magical memories that last a lifetime. Here are some tips from members of our community on how to get out with your own kids.
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Hiker Headlines: We Want to Hear From You, Trails Rebooted, SOAR Act
Jul 30, 2020
It’s July 30. We’d like to hear your thoughts on a couple things. We’re celebrating some Trails Rebooted wins this year. And we’re excited to see the SOAR act moving ahead in Congress. Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.
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Nature on Trail: River Otter and Mountain Bog Gentian
Jul 29, 2020
Washington's wild places are teeming with life. Learn a bit more about two local species, the river otter and mountain bog gentian, and where you can find them.
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Tell Us About It: What Do You Think of the Mountain Loop Highway?
Jul 28, 2020
The Mountain Loop Highway has a ton of recreation options but needs investment to improve visitor experience and environmental help. Tell us what you like about hiking here and help shape the future of this gorgeous place.
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Excited to be Back to Work on Trails Rebooted
Jul 27, 2020
WTA staff and volunteers have begun a gradual return to the field under new guidelines for COVID-19. Work parties are small affairs these days, and we still have restrictions on experience required to participate (under normal circumstances we love to welcome new volunteers on our trips!). But we're continuing to work with our agency partners to assess additional projects and an expanded schedule.
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