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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7 Keys to a Great Long-Distance Hike
Apr 20, 2015
Preparation is essential when doing a long-distance hike (we’re talking a week minimum to more than a month; up to six months if you’re looking at the entire PCT). Our guide gives you 7 keys to a great long-distance hike, from what to learn to what to consider as you plan.
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Mount Rainier Faces Maintenance Backlog, Asks Congress to Fund Parks
Apr 17, 2015
Reports of significant maintenance backlogs at Mount Rainier, other federal lands, point to a need for Congress to fund public lands in 2016.
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From 'Living to Hike' to 'Hiking to Live'
Apr 15, 2015
Many of us live to hike. But what happens when one more could be your last? For many people faced with illness and disease, living to hike becomes hiking to live. Their inspiring stories can encourage you to live the same way, regardless of how healthy you are.
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For National Poetry Month, Enjoy Literature on Trail
Apr 14, 2015
Olympic National Park and the North Olympic Library System will be helping inspire some thoughtful moments on-trail by offering a second season of poetry walks. Plus, six suggested poetry volumes for creating your own poetry walks anywhere.
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Teanaway Community Forest Draft Plan: Ready for Your Review
Apr 09, 2015
Hikers, trail runners and others now have the opportunity to read and comment on the draft management plan for the Teanaway Community Forest.
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Three Trails That Need Your Help in April
Apr 08, 2015
This month we're working in some locations that need some special attention and we'd love to have your help! Join us for a day full of safety, fun and work, and make your mark on the trails you love.
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Pledge to Keep Trails Clean, Win a New Klean Kanteen
Apr 06, 2015
Do you bring your own water bottle when you hike? Do you pack your trash out? Sign the pledge to keep our trails clean, and be entered to win a new Klean Kanteen.
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A Spring Weekend in Trip Reports: Snow, Flowers and a Super Cute Spider
Apr 06, 2015
From white-out conditions at Artist Point to balsamroot blooming outside Yakima, weekend trip reports show a wild range of springtime hiking conditions right now on trail.
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Four Ways to Support Your Local Search and Rescue
Apr 03, 2015
Even though search and rescue doesn't charge for its services, it takes resources—from money to manpower—to keep these volunteer rescuers on the mountain.
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7 Science and History-Focused Hikes to Explore Under the 'Every Kid in a Park' Program
Apr 02, 2015
“Every Kid in a Park” is a call to action to get every child in America outside as the National Parks system approaches its 100th birthday in 2016
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DNR Plans to Expand Recreation in the Snoqualmie Corridor
Apr 02, 2015
Outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes will soon enjoy access on 120 miles of trails in the Snoqualmie Corridor as part of a recently-released recreation plan.
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Include Your Kids on Outdoor Adventures
Apr 01, 2015
Outdoor enthusiast and photographer Gabe Grayum firmly believes in the importance of immersing kids in the wild, and the ability of young hikers to tag along on grown-up adventures. Read his advice on how to include them, and check out WTA's family hiking resources, including advice from some of our trip reporters extrordinaire on how to adventure with your young ones.
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New Trail Trend: Ultra-Heavy Hiking
Apr 01, 2015
If you're training for a big climb or a long-distance trail, it's important to practice hiking with lots of weight, since you'll be toting all that you need to stay outside overnight for several days. Some hikers want to make more of a statement with their weight training. WTA has created a roundup of alternative weight training choices, but we definitely recommend keeping the water in your pack, just in case.
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Learn the Anatomy of a Rescue
Apr 01, 2015
Although each search and rescue mission varies based on the location and situation of the person in trouble, a general procedure is usually followed for rescues. Here is a timeline to show you what happens when.
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Meet Search and Rescue
Mar 31, 2015
When it comes to getting outdoor enthusiasts out of sticky situations, search and rescue is the one to call for help. But what—and who—is search and rescue? Here's everything you need to know about the nicest people you never want to meet on trail.
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Rediscover the Suiattle: Give a Day to Trails (Video)
Mar 30, 2015
The Suiattle River Road, a key access road into the heart of the Glacier Peak Wilderness, reopened to hikers in October 2014 after 11 years of closures. Here's a look at what WTA has planned for the area's trails in 2015.
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Waking Up Wild: Morning Scenes from Camp (Slideshow)
Mar 27, 2015
Get inspired to go backpacking by a selection of sunrise shots from the hiking photographers who participated in our Northwest Exposure Photo Contest in 2014.
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Speak Up for Trails in the I-90 Corridor
Mar 25, 2015
The Forest Service needs to hear from you about a timber harvest proposal that could impact trails in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest: the Hansen Creek project.
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Weird Weather, Low Snowpack: What to Expect in an Unusual Early Hiking Season
Mar 13, 2015
We're likely to be feeling the impacts of the warm weather and low snowpack all year long. But for now, enjoy the warmer temperatures and early explorations using these seasonal hiking tips.
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Volunteer to Explore Washington
Mar 12, 2015
Trying a new trail can be intimidating, but there's a way to do it without worrying about wasting the day. Take a day, a weekend, or a week and volunteer with WTA in a part of Washington you've never seen. You might find your new favorite trail, or a new hiking friend.
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Future Voters, Avid Hikers Prove Advocacy Is for Everyone
Mar 10, 2015
Meet Planet Granite, a club of high school students devoted to getting their peers outdoors and to protecting their favorite local trails in the North Cascades.
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