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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Lead an Outdoor Trip with Your Youth Group in 2015
Dec 03, 2014
Do you dream about taking your class or youth group on a hiking or camping trip? Make it happen this year! WTA will lend you free outdoor gear and provide trip funding. Get started by signing up for one of the 2015 Outdoor Leadership Training workshops.
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Speak Up for Hiking Trails at Teanaway Open House
Dec 02, 2014
Voice your opinions about the future of the Teanaway Community Forest at an upcoming public open house on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 5-8 p.m. at the Swauk Teanaway Grange, 1361 Ballard Rd. West, Cle Elum.
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Double Your Impact for Trails on #GivingTuesday
Dec 01, 2014
If you made a favorite memory on a Washington trail this year, or you plan to in 2015 then please consider giving back to WTA on #GivingTuesday.
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Hike, Ski, Snowshoe, Soak, Volunteer: A Washington Week in Trip Reports
Dec 01, 2014
You might think that rain, fresh snow and freezing temps might have kept folks inside last week. Not in Washington. From backcountry hotsprings to eagle watching and first tracks on a Mount Baker trail, check out the week in photos.
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Flood Watch in Cascades, Mount Rainier National Park Temporarily Closed
Nov 25, 2014
Mount Rainier National Park has issued a temporarily closure midday Tuesday, Nov. 25 due to heavy rains along the western Cascades. A flood watch is in effect for a number of rivers and Western Washington counties.
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Two Books to Turn to With the North Cascades Hwy Closed Until Spring 2015
Nov 24, 2014
The North Cascades Highway (SR 20) has closed for the season due to snow accumulation and avalanche danger, but you can experience the area all winter with two stunning books.
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WTA Joins the Outdoors Empowered Network
Nov 20, 2014
In early November, WTA Youth Program staff headed to Oakland and San Francisco for the inaugural National Summit of the new Outdoors Empowered Network, which is helping to support established organizations sharing the Outdoor Leadership Training model and seed similar new programs across the country.
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Tribute to the Trails Calendar: Stunning Photos, Race Dates, A Good Cause
Nov 20, 2014
Filled with inspiring photos of runners the Tribute to the Trails calendar supports trails, helps you track race dates, and keeps you motivated all year long with photos of runners on some stunning trails.
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A Vision for New Columbia River Gorge Trails in Oregon State Parks
Nov 18, 2014
This spring Oregon State Parks revealed a draft of their plan to guide the next 20 years of improvements at parks they manage in the Columbia River Gorge. Public comments are due by November 21st so its critical that hikers voice support for the ideas in the plan that will improve and expand hiking opportunities in the Gorge.
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Meet Honey Bee, the Blind Hiking Cat
Nov 14, 2014
Meet Honey Bee the blind hiking cat. Hiking (or hitching a ride atop a backpack) this one-of-a-kind kitty bravely explores the parks paths and trails around Seattle.
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Keep Kiddos Warm On Winter Adventures
Nov 12, 2014
Around every corner of a winter hike is the opportunity to see Washington from a new perspective. Snowshoeing or cross country skiing are great ways to introduce little ones to the beauty of winter. Even if you don't have snowshoes or skis, there are plenty of options that remain snow-free year round, so you can get out without having to save up.
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Veterans Day Hikes at Washington's Coastal Forts
Nov 11, 2014
Hike through military history. What better way to honor veterans than on a stroll at Fort Casey State Park or Fort Flagler State Park. Fort Ebey or Fort Worden State Park also have their fair share of history and hiking to enjoy.
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Permit Info for Climbing Mount St. Helens this Winter, 2015
Nov 10, 2014
Planning a winter or 2015 climb up Mount St. Helens? As you make your plans, note a few changes in the process and add some key dates to your climbing calendar.
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Open House on Forest Service's Proposed Commercial Photography Guidelines
Nov 07, 2014
In response to the public’s call for clarity surrounding the United States Forest Service’s proposed commercial filming and photography permit guidelines for wilderness areas, the Forest Service is hosting public open houses in Seattle and Portland next week.
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Trail Shoe Review: Three Lightweight Autumn Strides
Nov 01, 2014
We review a sampling of the latest light hiking shoes from Chaco, Lowa and The North Face, looking for the best in comfort, water repellency and beefy tread to keep you sure-footed on the trails this fall
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Hiking in Mount Rainier? Stash Chains in Your Car
Oct 31, 2014
As of Saturday, Nov. 1, Mount Rainier National Park will begin seasonal chain requirements. That means that rain or shine, every car driving through the park will need chains in their car, including 4-wheel drive vehicles.
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Trail-Themed Costumes: Halloween at WTA
Oct 31, 2014
When you dedicate your career to protecting (and exploring) trails, even your Halloween costumes turn out to have important messages for hikers.
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Crew for a Week: Volunteering in the Enchantments and on the Wonderland
Oct 31, 2014
This summer, volunteer Karen Story joined WTA on two backcountry response team trips (BCRTs). She wrote about her experience, and included photos of the amazing work that can be accomplished by volunteers working multiple days in the backcountry.
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Hooray! The Suiattle Road Finally Opens
Oct 30, 2014
On October 25, the Suiattle River Road, closed for 11 years due to washouts, was opened to the percussive beat of rain and much applause, restoring access to the Glacier Peak wilderness and a myriad of hikes in the area, most notably the Green Mountain Lookout. This widely-publicized destination is an extremely popular destination for hikers and history buffs alike. The road is also a boon for the nearby town of Darrington, which relies heavily on tourism dollars for the local economy.
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Three Trails that Need Your Help in November
Oct 29, 2014
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.
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The Nature Conservancy Adds 47,921 Acres near Cle Elum for Conservation, Recreation
Oct 28, 2014
Our friends at The Nature Conservancy made big news yesterday when they announced the acquisition of 47,921 acres of land in the Central Cascades along I-90 near Cle Elum. While conservation of the ecologically rich area is a primary goal, recreational access and community input will remain a key aspect of how they hope to manage the land.
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