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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Hiker Headlines: Rainier Backpacking, Two Surveys and Bipartisan Chats
Jun 25, 2020
It's June 25. You can apply for backcountry permits at Mount Rainier. Two surveys give you a chance to share your opinions. And REI's CEO and two senators recently spoke about the bipartisan support for public lands. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail recently.
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Hiker Headlines: Standing Against Racism, Juneteenth, Enchantments Delays, Public Lands Bill
Jun 18, 2020
It's June 18. WTA commits to standing against racism. Juneteenth is tomorrow, here are a few ways to honor the day. Expect major delays if you're hiking the Enchantments soon. And funding for public lands is making progress in Congress.
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Using Science to Make Getting Outside Easier
Jun 15, 2020
What keeps people from getting outside? What are the barriers that make it hard to spend time on trail? Those are the questions that social scientists from the USDA Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Research Station are trying to answer.
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Apps WTA is Loving Right Now
Jun 14, 2020
Apps on our phone are not only a way to connect to each other, they’re also a way to connect to nature. Right now, our phones are a lifeline for many to the broader world and the people we love. They can also serve as a bit of necessary rest and a way to connect with the natural world. From flora and fauna to running and, of course, hiking, here are some apps that WTA staff members are loving right now.
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Hiker Headlines: Mount Rainier and North Cascades Openings, Hopeful News for Public Lands
Jun 11, 2020
It’s June 11. Mount Rainier is opening up more areas for day use. North Cascades National Park will begin to allow camping and backpacking. An important bill for public lands is making progress in the U.S. Senate. And if you want to get outside but don't have the gear you need, there's a new option for easy rentals via the mail. Here’s some news you might have missed this week.
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Talking About My Generation
Jun 11, 2020
Youth are a powerful force for trails.
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Nature on Trail: Big Sagebrush and Anna's Hummingbird
Jun 09, 2020
Washington's wild places are teeming with life. Learn a bit more about two local species, the big sagebrush and Anna's hummingbird, and where you can find them.
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We Stand in Solidarity
Jun 01, 2020
A statement from WTA.
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Hiker Headlines: In Solidarity, Public Lands Funding, Safe Hiking
May 31, 2020
It's June 4. WTA is mourning along with our country. An important public lands bill is making progress in Congress. This weekend you won't need a Discover Pass to park at state parks. And WTA's Jill Simmons will join a discussion today about safe outdoor recreation this summer.
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Hiker Headlines: Gorge Trails and North Cascades National Park Begin Reopening, Camping
May 28, 2020
It’s May 28. Trails are starting to reopen in the Gorge. North Cascades National Park and the surrounding national recreation areas are beginning to open trails. Some campgrounds will begin to reopen. Our trip reporters are amazing us every day. And a series of plays (watchable from home!) brings to life the joys and struggles of hiking. Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.
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The Power of Hikers and Trip Reports
May 27, 2020
Together, the WTA community has created a deep resource full of knowledge and enthusiasm. | By Anna Roth
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Hiker Headlines: Forest Service Trailheads Reopen, Tips to #RecreateResponsibly
May 22, 2020
It’s May 22, nearly Memorial Day weekend. Most Forest Service developed trailheads will be open this weekend, but campgrounds remain closed. Parts of Mount Rainier National Park are reopening. Our volunteer trail maintenance is still temporarily suspended, but we've seen volunteers getting really creative with their free time. And WTA has helped create and share safety tips to keep everyone who loves the outdoors safe.
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Making Memorial Day Memories from Your Home Basecamp
May 22, 2020
Five creative ways to get outside and make the most of the long weekend.
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#RecreateResponsibly: WTA, Coalition Come Together to Offer COVID-19 Safety Tips
May 21, 2020
WTA and more than 50 outdoor groups created simple guidelines to help ensure that people can continue to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors — while keeping themselves and our community safe. #RecreateResponsibly
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Hygienic Hiking: Gear Up Against Germs
May 20, 2020
We’ve reviewed the best ways to integrate gear that can keep you and other safe on your hike, often by using the items you already have. With a few tweaks, you can streamline your packing list to include a few new essentials.
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Staying Busy During Stay at Home
May 20, 2020
How some volunteers are staying busy without trail work parties on the calendar.
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Making the Most of National Work From Home Day
May 18, 2020
As it turns out, being a hiker has made working from home a little easier.
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Hiker Headlines: Hike Smart Webinar, Coronavirus Relief and Road Openings
May 14, 2020
It's May 14. We have an upcoming webinar to answer all your questions about how to hike safely right now. A new bill in the U.S. Senate would fund wildfire prevention and provide coronavirus relief to the outdoor industry. And a couple important roads opened up this week. Here's some news you might have missed while out on the trail this week.
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Hiking With Critters, Large and Small: What You Need to Know
May 12, 2020
Wildlife encounters on trail can be a source of awe or … itching. Here are a few of the wild creatures people routinely ask us about and tips on how to make potential encounters as positive as possible.
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10 Trip Reporters who are Hiking Smart
May 11, 2020
As public lands begin to reopen, hikers are starting to get out a bit farther from home. Here are some highlights from recent trip reports.
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Fill in the Blank: Mad Libs for Hikers
May 11, 2020
Whether you're staying inside with pillow-fort tents and microwaved s’mores or driving back from an adventure, bring along one (or all) of these fill-in-the-blank games for guaranteed good times.
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