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: Backcountry Trips, Restored Woodlands, Snow Safety, Have Your Say

Feb 06, 2020

It's Feb. 6, 2020. Registration opens Saturday for our backcountry volunteer trips. An oak woodland is being restored — along with a trail system. The recent weather is a good time to remind folks about safety. And that state would like to hear your thoughts on Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park and Wanapum Recreation Area.

Now You Can Search by Pass in WTA's Hiking Guide

Feb 05, 2020

Hikers can now include passes, like the Discover Pass or the Northwest Forest Pass when you search for where to hike on wta.org. This means you’ll be able to find your perfect hike on the public lands you already have a pass for.

Watch: Youth Volunteers Explain Why They Love WTA's Volunteer Vacations

Jan 31, 2020

Every summer, teens head out on trail with WTA to have some fun and get some work done. The youth volunteer vacations are a great way to make friends, learn new skills and earn service hours. Teen volunteers share their experiences and offers some advice for new volunteers.

Hiker Headlines: WTA Testifies in Olympia, King County Trails, Olympic Backcountry Permits

Jan 30, 2020

It's Jan. 30, 2020. WTA spoke in a legislative committee this week to share the results of a study on the benefits of trails. Use King County regional trails? Share how you think they should be used. You can already start applying for summer backpacking permits in Olympic National Park.

Get Ready to Sign Up for Backcountry Trips

Jan 28, 2020

Our volunteer trail maintenance trips will be released on Jan. 31, and will open for registration on Feb. 8. Here's the low-down for a great summer vacation trip with WTA.

Nature on Trail: Roosevelt Elk, Western Redcedar

Jan 24, 2020

Washington's wild places are teeming with life. Learn a bit more about two local species, the Roosevelt Elk and Western Redcedar, and where you can find them.

Hiker Headlines: Lots of Trail Work, Legislative Session and Trip Reports

Jan 23, 2020

It’s Jan. 23. WTA has already done a ton of trail work this year. We’re keeping busy down at the state Capitol. And we are extremely grateful for all of your great trip reports. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

We Fix 'Em, You Hike 'Em: 8 Trails WTA Has Already Refreshed in 2020

Jan 21, 2020

WTA's trail maintenance program has been busy this month. We kicked off 2020 by breaking ground on brand new trails and continuing work on dozens of other trails. We even had a ribbon-cutting — broadening a trail network trail that hikers already loved.

Hiker Headlines: Fisher Success, Legislature in Session, St. Helens License Plates

Jan 16, 2020

It's Jan. 16. Eight more fishers were recently released into the wild. The state Legislature is back in session. Monday marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which you can celebrate with free access to public lands. And if you'd like a Mount St. Helens license plate, the state wants to know. Here's some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

New Year, New State Legislative Session: Our Big Goals for 2020 and How You Can Help

Jan 13, 2020

The 2020 legislative session is now in session. Learn about WTA's budget priorities for the upcoming year.

Welcome, Jaime! In His New Leadership Role, He'll Help Build a Better Future for Trails

Jan 13, 2020

We are excited to welcome Jaime Loucky. WTA's new chief impact officer will help us explore new ways to keep trails safe and accessible for everyone to enjoy.

Hiker Headlines: Snow is Coming, Legislature in Session and Goodbye to an Icon

Jan 09, 2020

It's Jan. 9, 2020. Snow is coming to many areas of the state. The legislature is in session next week. A popular gear shop in Spokane is closing. And a couple roads in Olympic National Park are closed. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Teaching on Trail: Custom Workshops For Educators of Youth

Jan 06, 2020

Through workshops, a free gear library and trip funding, the OLT program provides customized training for educators who want to take youth groups outside.

Hiker Headlines: Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road Closed, Fighting Wildfires and a Return to Trailwork

Jan 02, 2020

It's Jan. 2, 2020. Welcome to the future! However, since the future still doesn't have flying cars, you should know that the Middle Fork Road along the Snoqualmie River is closed. WTA is back out working on trails. (Yup, we run volunteer work parties all year!) And we are so grateful for all of you.

I Picked Up 80 Pounds of Trail Trash in a Year. Here's What I Learned

Dec 30, 2019

If you're looking for hiking resolutions for 2020, here's what I learned from a year of collecting 80 lbs of light sabers, orange peels and water bottles.

Ring in the New Year with First Day Hikes in Washington State Parks

Dec 23, 2019

Free, guided hikes and snowshoe trips will be offered all across the state on January 1. Additionally, New Year's Day is a fee-free day in Washington State Parks. No Discover Pass is required.

Hiker Headlines: First Day Hikes, Fee-Free Days, Trail Re-Opens

Dec 19, 2019

It’s Dec. 19, 2019. It’s time to start planning 2020 hikes — and other adventures! And a trail recently reopened, thanks to some help from WTA volunteers. Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Gear Up For Winter

Dec 16, 2019

We reviewed some of our favorite cozy layers, sturdy backpacks and other winter essentials for a day on trail.

2019 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest Winners

Dec 13, 2019

Take a look at the winning images from WTA's 2019 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest.

Hiker Headlines: North Cascades Highway Closes, Meteors, Wildfire Science, Gifts

Dec 12, 2019

It's Dec. 12. The North Cascades Highway is closed for the season. A big meteor shower is this weekend. Scientists are studying how to predict wildfire behavior. And we have some ideas for non-material gifts for your loved ones.

A Tribute to 'Tribute to the Trails' and the Generosity of Trail Runners

Dec 09, 2019

Honoring 14 years of generosity from the trail running community.