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: Last call for photo contest, free day, Mount Rainier winter road closure dates

Oct 08, 2026

This Saturday, Oct. 10, is World Mental Health Day, and parking fees will be waived at some trailheads. It’s your last chance to submit photos to our Northwest Exposure Photo Contest! The Beacon Rock trail will be closed every Tuesday to Thursday through spring 2027 for construction. Mount Rainier has shared when it expects seasonal roads to close. And some trails have reopened after wildfire closures.

Making art for a rapidly changing world

Oct 07, 2026

Suze Woolf creates art that invites the viewer to take a deeper look at climate change.

Hiker Headlines: New ADA trail, Newhalem visitor center closed for winter, now hiring

Oct 01, 2026

WTA is hiring for a full-time volunteer and training coordinator, as well as for our seasonal Emerging Leaders Program! It’s your last chance to speak up for the Roadless Rule. The off-season has begun in the mountains: Bear poles are coming down at Mount Rainier and the North Cascades Visitor Center is closed. A new ADA-accessible trail has opened at Heybrook Ridge County Park. And there’s still time to sign up for a WTA Outdoor Leadership Training hiking workshop this weekend!

Hiker Headlines: Fall colors, Summerland trailhead closure, Three Queens Fire closure reduced

Sep 24, 2026

This Saturday, Sept. 26, is National Public Lands Day; parking fees will be waived on many public lands. WTA is still hiring for our 2027 Emerging Leaders Program. The Summerland trailhead will be closed Sept. 28–Oct. 31 for a bridge replacement project. The Hoh River Bridge full-day closures have begun. And cooler weather is here — the Three Queens Fire closure order has reduced, and fall colors have arrived!

Heybrook Ridge County Park: New ADA-accessible trail took persistence and partnership

Sep 24, 2026

It's taken three dedicated organizations, WTA being one, a lot of coordination and hard work over a decade to get Heybrook Ridge County Park to where it is now. Today, it boasts one fully ADA-accessible trail and another steeper trail that leads to beautiful ridge views along Highway 2.

Comment on the proposal to ban camping at Ancient Lakes

Sep 17, 2026

Due to concerns about sanitation and campfires, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has proposed closing Central Washington’s Ancient Lakes area to camping starting on January 1, 2027.

Hiker Headlines: Speak up for public lands, Coastal Cleanup, high country snow

Sep 17, 2026

Now is the time to speak up for nonmotorized public lands and share your input on camping at Ancient Lakes — we’ve got info on how. Join Washington State Parks and Washington CoastSavers this weekend for the International Coastal Cleanup. And snow has fallen in the high country.

Protect our national forests with thoughtful designation of roads, trails and areas for motorized vehicles

Sep 15, 2026

For decades, the U.S. Forest Service has worked to protect soil, water, wildlife and vegetation — and promote the safety of all visitors, including hikers — by designating certain areas in national forests as open to off-road vehicles and keeping other areas closed to motorized travel. Right now, the administration is proposing to throw out that system. Take 30 seconds to speak up for national forest trails.

Hike-a-Thon 2026: An incredible community effort to support trails

Sep 14, 2026

In August, Hike-a-Thoners hit the trail to have fun and help raise funds for WTA.

Hiker Headlines: PCT to northern terminus, White River Road at Rainier reopen; now hiring

Sep 10, 2026

Next Thursday, Sept. 17, is a fee-free day on federal lands! WTA is hiring for our Emerging Leaders Program. Exciting news — several trails and roads have reopened after fire closures. The Forest Service has released new details on the agency’s reorganization. And, here’s some news about closures that might affect your outdoor plans, including a long-term one at Larrabee State Park.

WTA statement on ICE arrest of family members camping on public lands

Sep 09, 2026

We are deeply disturbed by the recent report that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials arrested five people who were camping with their families in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. WTA believes that everyone should have opportunities to get outside and enjoy the benefits of time in nature.

Hiker Headlines: Last call for Hike-a-Thon donations; Hoh River Bridge closures; WTA in the news

Sep 03, 2026

Get your last donations in for Hike-a-Thon before Sept. 8. Our annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is underway — submit your photos now! There are several closures that may affect hikers, including a couple of new fire closures, and some upcoming construction closures. And the great work WTA volunteers do on trail was highlighted in the Seattle Times this week!

Why hikers are worried about reorganizing the Forest Service

Sep 01, 2026

In March, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture announced a reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service that would move the agency’s headquarters and close 50 of the agency’s 70 research stations. This summer’s fires highlight what this change is risking — for landscapes and communities.

The Woods Project: Empowering youth, one outdoor adventure at a time

Aug 28, 2026

The Woods Project connects high school students to the outdoors — leading to unforgettable memories and powerful moments of growth and empowerment. By Mandy Kwan.

Hiker Headlines: More Dambo trolls, Thunder Creek Fire closures, last call for Hike the State

Aug 27, 2026

Join WTA online for Hike the State on Sept. 2! More trails have been closed by fires or construction work. And, more Dambo trolls are coming to Washington state!

Hiker Headlines: Comment now about Ancient Lakes backpacking; Glacier Peak Wilderness, PCT fire closures

Aug 20, 2026

More fire closures were announced this week, including a major closure on the Pacific Crest Trail in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. However, portions of Riverside State Park and Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail have reopened after recent fires. There's a proposal to ban backpacking in the Ancient Lakes area — you can share if backpacking there is important to you. And the Cowlitz Tribe celebrated the successful reintroduction of Chinook salmon to the North Fork Toutle River this summer!

Act now to protect Roadless Rule and 45 million acres — 10 stunning images show what's at risk

Aug 18, 2026

For the past generation, the Roadless Rule has kept more than a quarter of our national forests safe. Right now, those protections are at risk, but you can take 30 seconds to speak up.

Hiker Headlines: Fire responses close trails in Mount Rainier, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Perseids peak, snap to win

Aug 12, 2026

It’s Aug. 12. Mount Rainier National Park has closed roads and trails in the Sunrise and White River area of the park to respond to a fire in Grand Park. The Forest Service has closed roads, trails and campgrounds near the Three Queens Fire, including a large portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. Spokane takes stock of fire damage, and large parts of the state suffer unhealthy air conditions and ongoing fire danger. The Perseid meteor shower will peak this week.

New ways to win during the Northwest Exposure Photo Contest

Aug 10, 2026

WTA's annual photo contest is now open! Show us your best photos from all across the state!

Hiker Headlines: More fire closures, photo contest opening soon, fee-free day

Aug 06, 2026

WTA’s annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is opening soon! We’re also hiring for a multiday trip program coordinator. This Sunday is Smokey Bear’s birthday and a fee-free day on state-managed lands. And it’s been a fire-heavy week, with more closures across the state.

From trails to trains: WTA on Sound Transit

Jul 31, 2026

At WTA, we love taking transit to trails. This summer, we're bringing trails to transit with our first partnership with Sound Transit! Here's to the photographers that made it possible.