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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Local Farmers Fuel WTA Trail Work
Jul 19, 2017
It takes a lot of food to power WTA’s Volunteer Vacations. Thanks to the Snoqualmie Valley Farmers Cooperative, we're able to feed our crews sustainably grown produce while reducing our environmental footprint a little in the process.
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A Transformative Experience
Jul 19, 2017
Every spring, a group of eighth grade students from Licton Springs K-8 School in Seattle embark on a week-long backpacking trip in one of Washington’s iconic locations. This June, the students headed out on a six night trip along Ross Lake in the North Cascades. To help make that trip possible, the students borrowed tents, packs, shoes and sleeping bags from WTA’s gear library.
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Good Roads, No Snow: New Trip Report Search Filters
Jul 18, 2017
You can already search trip reports by month, activity or seasonal wonders like wildflowers or fall colors. Now, you can search reports by trail and road conditions, snow level reports and even bugs.
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Hiking with New Eyes: A First-Timer's Experience on a BCRT
Jul 13, 2017
Amy Redmond was inspired by her friend and assistant crew leader, Joni Johnson to try out a BCRT. Here's her telling of the experience out on the Olympic Peninsula.
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Free Webinar: Understanding Mountain Weather and Staying Safe in the Backcountry
Jul 13, 2017
Learn how to read clouds, storms, and weather with a free webinar on July 19 at 7 p.m.
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National Park Service Lifetime Senior Pass Prices are Increasing
Jul 11, 2017
Starting on Aug. 28, 2017, lifetime senior passes for the National Park Services will go up from $10 to $80. Here's what you need to know.
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Hike-a-Thon for Everyone!
Jul 06, 2017
The 14th Annual Hike-a-Thon is WTA's annual fundraiser that allows you to make your miles count for trails while you hike in the month of August.
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Gear Review: Backpacks
Jul 06, 2017
The WTA gear team has been hard at work getting ready for prime hiking season. Here are four packs that we’ve tried out recently, to fit a wide range of hiking needs.
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Facing Your Fears
Jul 06, 2017
How to stop the things that scare you from keeping you inside.
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Recovering From the Ashes: Fixing Trails After a Wildfire
Jul 06, 2017
WTA volunteers repair trails damaged by fires around Mount Adams, Holden Village and along the Entiat River.
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The Story Behind Slime Mold
Jun 28, 2017
It can move. It can multiply. It can survive assault from gardening tools. Sometimes it pulses like a slimy heart. You’d be forgiven for thinking it’s extraterrestrial. (In fact, in 1973 a blob of it was reported in Texas as an alien life form.)
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Road to Artist Point Reopens on Thursday
Jun 27, 2017
While the road to Artist Point will open June 29, plenty of snow remains.
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Give a Day to: Build a Bridge, Restore a Trail, Play in the Park
Jun 26, 2017
WTA works close to town and in the backcountry, six days a week, all year long. From a day in the park to building bridges in the Pasayten, we have several fun opportunities coming up to give back to trails.
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Speak Up for Trails Along the Mountain Loop by July 3
Jun 26, 2017
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest recently proposed a timber project in the popular Mountain Loop Scenic Byway area. While it may mean more parking, some popular trails like Heather Lake, Mount Pilchuck and Lake 22 may be impacted. Learn more and submit your comments by July 3.
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Speak Up for Trails Along the Mountain Loop by July 3
Jun 24, 2017
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest recently proposed a timber project in the popular Mountain Loop Scenic Byway area. While it may mean more parking, some popular trails like Heather Lake, Mount Pilchuck and Lake 22 may be impacted. Learn more and submit your comments by July 3.
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Planning for the Future of Trails
Jun 23, 2017
Gearing up to meet the demands of a booming recreation economy, a number of our parks and recreation areas are developing trail and recreation plans. Here's how to learn more and get involved in shaping the creation and management of tomorrow's trails.
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Entiat River Road Opens
Jun 23, 2017
The long anticipated opening of the Entiat River Road is finally here.
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With WTA Support, Community Partners Get Youth Outside
Jun 23, 2017
This spring, our youth program worked with more than 15 organizations to bring hundreds of kids, tweens and teens out for at least one day of service. Over the past few months, WTA has been honored to partner with such a diverse range of schools and youth groups across the state.
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Youth Ambassador Program Reaches New Heights
Jun 20, 2017
Over the past nine months, WTA's youth ambassadors have blown us away with their creativity, hard-work and dedication to the hiking community. Whether they hail from Darrington, Olympia, Yakima or Stanwood, our ambassadors have been giving back in more ways than we could have ever imagined.
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Uplifting Geology of the Cascades
Jun 19, 2017
The Pacific Crest Trail takes a hiker through spectacular terrain, with a backstory millions of years old. If you hike the trail north of Snoqualmie Pass, you can’t miss the dramatic, dark rock rising high above. But in other areas of the same stretch of trail, the stone is strikingly lighter.
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Father's Day: Life Lessons from Time on the Trail with Dad
Jun 16, 2017
From how to start a fire to developing a sense of wonder, outdoor fathers have a lot to give.
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