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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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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Road to Artist Point Closes for the Season
Oct 24, 2014
In a sure sign of seasons changing, the 2.7-mile road (SR 542) between the Mount Baker Ski Area and Artist Point is now closed.
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Opening the Suiattle Road: Celebration and Trail Conditions
Oct 21, 2014
On Oct. 25, after years of advocacy and planning, the Suiattle River Rd. will be reopening to great fanfare. Hikers will be able to drive to the Suiattle River and Sulphur Mountain trailheads once again.
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Practice Your Navigation Skills ... In a Corn Maze
Oct 20, 2014
Turn a fun fall tradition into a great, safe way to practice navigation with your friends and kiddos. One farm lets you hike Washington's PCT route in their maze.
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Snow in the High Country: Are You Prepared?
Oct 17, 2014
As we head into the heart of autumn, much of Washington is ablaze in fall color. But at high elevations, those vivid colors are being accented by a stark white background. Do you know what you need when you head into the backcountry as autumn progresses into winter?
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Four Trails that Need Your Help in October
Oct 15, 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.
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Trailhead Closures on Highway 20
Oct 14, 2014
WSDOT is repairing some culverts on Highway 20 next week. Here's how that affects you.
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Top 5 Star Photography Tips from a Pro
Oct 13, 2014
Just in time for WTA's Northwest Exposure photo contest, photographer Dave Morrow shares his tips on taking better photos of night skies—and the stars!
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Spokane Outdoors: 7 Things to Do in October
Oct 08, 2014
From fall hikes to joining our WTA crew at Iller Creek to connecting with other area organizations and groups, there's a lot going on in Spokane this month.
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Trip Reporter Spots Wolverine at Spider Gap!
Oct 08, 2014
When hiker and WTA trip reporter Jake Gentry backpacked Spider Gap-Buck Creek Pass Loop last month, they expected to see some spectacular scenery. What they didn't expect was to have a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter with the rare and elusive wolverine (the amazing animal, not Hugh Jackman).
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WTA Volunteers = New Trails + Great Work on our Public Lands
Oct 06, 2014
WTA hosted seven different work parties for National Public Lands Day, working on trails up and down the Cascades and in the Olympics.
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Last Chance to Comment on Motorized Use of State Parks Long-Distance Trails
Sep 26, 2014
State Parks needs to hear from hikers, trail runners and bicyclists regarding the future of motorized use on our long-distance trails, like the John Wayne Trail to the Klickitat Trail to the Centennial Trail.
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Call for Clarity on Forest Service Film/Photo Policy
Sep 25, 2014
This week, the National Forest Service came under intense scrutiny for a set of guidelines they were in the process of finalizing around who needs to secure (and pay for) special permits to take commercial photos and videos in wilderness areas. A lack of clarity in the federal guidelines left many journalists, professional and amateur photographers, guidebook authors, nonprofits and hikers wondering if the Forest Service guidelines could, or should, be applied to them.
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Future of Hiking Trails on DNR Lands Depends on You
Sep 24, 2014
Help shape the future of trails like Mailbox Peak, Oyster Dome and Mount Si. Attend an upcoming meeting on DNR’s recreation trails policy, and help shape the future of state trails for years to come.
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Summer Sendoff: A Week in Trip Reports
Sep 22, 2014
Soak up the last of summertime hiking through your fellow hikers' trip reports, starting with these eight. File your own report, grab a coffee and find out how Washington hikers sent off the last official week of summer.
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Watch the Enchanted Valley Chalet Slide to Safety
Sep 16, 2014
Watch a time lapse video of the Enchanted Valley Chalet being moved away from the bank of the East Fork Quinault River.
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Made by Hand! New Route Opens on Mailbox Peak
Sep 16, 2014
On National Public Lands Day, the ribbon will be cut on a trail to the summit of one of Puget Sound's most popular destinations. A new trail was scoped and built to the summit of the popular Mailbox Peak. WTA helped build a new trail that offers a 5.25-mile alternate route that safely and sustainably transports hikers up the mountain. It even offers some of the steepness of the original route, without the treacherous descent.
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Be a Part of Something Big: National Public Lands Day
Sep 16, 2014
WTA volunteers give back to trails all year round, but National Public Lands Day is a national opportunity to come together with volunteers all across America and give back to trails! Join WTA on trail September 27, and help keep Washington's trails hikable and safe.
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Cascade River Road Remains Open
Sep 12, 2014
In good news for hikers with their sights set on the Cascade Pass Trail, the Cascade River Road will remain open until late fall. Planned repairs on the road have been delayed until 2015.
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Hike and Bike Weekend in the Stillaguamish Valley
Sep 11, 2014
With the weekend almost upon us and sunshine in the forecast, you may be making your weekend recreation plans. One idea is to explore the Stillaguamish Valley during Bike and Hike Weekend.
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PROJECT WILD THING: Film Encourages Kids to Play Outside
Sep 10, 2014
Reconnecting kids with nature is one preventative measure for improving children’s health, and British documentarian David Bond is leading the charge with PROJECT WILD THING: a hilarious, real-life film of one man's determination to get children out and into the ultimate, free wonder-product: Nature.
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