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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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Advice for Outdoor Families

Jan 28, 2015

Erin Kirkland, outdoor parent and editor of the new Outdoor Families Magazine, shares tips keeping kids warm and happy on trail.

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Help Build Two New Miles of Trail at Grand Ridge

Jan 27, 2015

This week, WTA is beginning work on a new 2-mile loop that will wind through a sweet stretch of hemlock and fir forest, and we could use your help to make it happen.

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Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road Closed

Jan 23, 2015

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest closed the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Road (Forest Service road 56) for public safety until further notice. Recent, heavy storms caused enough damage to the road to make it impassable to vehicles.

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New Trail Opens on Badger Mountain

Jan 16, 2015

Hikers at the Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve, a 650-acre park in Richland, will be able to enjoy a new trail at the preserve as of noon today.

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Inspiration and Advice from WTA's 2014 Photo Contest Winners

Jan 13, 2015

16 hiking photographers share what inspires them and how they captured their winning shots for WTA's 2014 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest winners with you.

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Timelapse: Moving a Thousand Pound Boulder by Hand

Jan 09, 2015

Yesterday on a brand new trail project on Squak Mountain, first time volunteer and trail runner Matt Hagen captured a timelapse showing how the crew used pulleys and ingenuity to shift a massive boulder into just the right place.

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New Study: The Economic Benefits of Our Outdoor Adventures

Jan 08, 2015

Your outdoor adventures have serious benefits for the state, too. A new study out today shows that outdoor recreation is a vital economic driver in Washington, generating $21.6 billion a year and almost 200,000 jobs.

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Hikers Start 2015 Off On the Right Foot

Jan 08, 2015

New Years Day 2015 brought cold and clear conditions all over the state, so plenty of people headed outside for a tromp on the first day of the new year. We got lots of trip reports from hikers who found snow, sunshine and views. Thanks for sharing your photos with us, and here's to many more memorable hikes in the year ahead.

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Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road Closed at Valley Camp

Jan 07, 2015

Stormy weather last week brought flooding to various parts of the state, including along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road. The road has been closed to vehicle traffic at Valley Camp. Repairs are estimated to take between two and three weeks.

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Four Trails that Need Your Help in January

Jan 01, 2015

This month WTA is working in several 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. No experience is needed to join a work party, and anyone is welcome. We'll teach you what you need to know and find the right job for you. For more information on what to expect when you join us on trail, check out our FAQ page.

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Ice Caves Are Dangerous, So Keep Your Distance

Dec 29, 2014

Ice caves, like those at Big Four Ice Caves, pose a very real threat to anyone venturing in or near them. No matter how well-compacted or safe the snow may seem, always err on the side of caution and stay out of ice caves.

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Play Bird Bingo on Your Next Winter Hike

Dec 23, 2014

Spotting wildlife is a great reason to get outside and hike in the winter. Up your chances of seeing birds on these kid-friendly bird hikes, and turn it into a game by taking along a copy of Winter Bird Bingo.

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Meet WTA's Newest Trail Mentors

Dec 19, 2014

Our volunteer assistant crew leaders—better known by the orange hard hats they wear—have stepped up to be leaders on trail for a variety of reasons: camaraderie, a call to stewardship, the restorative powers of wilderness in a modern world. From favorite trail snack to where you'll run into them on trail, learn what makes our newest nine orange hats tick.

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Choose from 25 'First Day Hikes' in State Parks

Dec 18, 2014

Start your year with a hike outside. Washington State Parks are hosting guided First Day Hikes in 25 parks around the state on Jan 1. Choose one close to you, and spend your New Year's Day playing outdoors.

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WTA's Youth Ambassadors Are Doing More Than Ever

Dec 17, 2014

Youth Ambassador Program, youth program, teen volunteers, opportunities for youth

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Give Today to Double Your Impact!

Dec 15, 2014

Protect the trails you love and help WTA start strong in the New Year. Here are five great ways to support WTA this season.

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Trail Talk: PCT Expert Bob Woods On Washington's Iconic Trail

Dec 11, 2014

Each year, volunteers work on the PCT, which meanders along Washington's Cascadia spine from the Bridge of the Gods to Manning Park in Canada. And for years, Bob Woods has been WTA's main contact as the North Cascades Regional Representative for the iconic trail. Now, he's onto new adventures. We asked him to reflect on his time with Scenic Trails and let us know what's in store for the future.

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Victory! Hikers Celebrate New Additions to Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Dec 11, 2014

Today, Congress passed The Alpine Lakes Wilderness bill, which will protect an additional 22,000 acres to one of hikers' most beloved destinations. WTA and hikers have been working towards this victory for seven years.

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Four Trails that Need Your Help in December

Dec 10, 2014

Fight the December doldrums and get outside with our volunteer crews on one of these trails, from Poo-Poo Point to Beacon Rock State Park, where we could really use some your help.

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Wild: A Book, A Movie and an Invitation to the Trail

Dec 05, 2014

Cheryl Strayed's story of her journey along the Pacific Crest Trail hits movie theaters today in the film adaptation starting Reese Witherspoon. Millions of moviegoers will get their first look at the Pacific Crest Trail and the powerful experiences found on trail. We're hoping it inspires new and experienced hikers alike to hit the trail and become lifelong trail advocates.

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What to Watch After Seeing 'Wild'

Dec 05, 2014

So you've seen Wild, and you're stoked. You want to hit the trail now, but many of the great trails are buried under snow. We've rounded up a few resources and films to help you get your fix while you spend the season planning your own next great adventure.

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