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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Will Trails Be Built in the Teanaway Community Forest?
Jun 20, 2014
The first in a series of public open houses for the Teanaway Community Forest has been scheduled for Thursday, June 26. Come show your support for a designated trail system for hikers and other recreationists.
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A Running Calendar, Community Dedicated to Protecting Trails
Jun 20, 2014
From regulars of Cougar Mountain and Mount Spokane to the ultra-runners who seek out the remote corners of the state, runners are among Washington state’s most dedicated and enthusiastic trail supporters. This month, WTA received a generous gift of more than $27,000 from the Tribute to the Trails calendar fundraiser—a new record!
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Instagram Weekly Roundup: Water in the Wild
Jun 14, 2014
This week on Instagram: water in the wild. From frozen glaciers to wild stretches of coastline to the rivers that run between them, check out Washington's water along the trail.
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Visit WTA at Upcoming Vancouver & Spokane Events
Jun 13, 2014
You'll find WTA booths all over the state. In the next couple of days, we'll be at two fun events in Vancouver and Spokane. Drop by and see us at National Get Outdoors Day in Vancouver or Summer Parkways in Spokane
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First on the Scene: A Young Hiker's Death, How to Help in Trail Emergencies
Jun 12, 2014
A tragic death at Lake 22 has prompted a conversation about how hikers can help when they encounter an emergency in the backcountry.
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Video: Citizen Scientists in Search of Olympic Pine Marten
Jun 11, 2014
This winter, adventure science volunteers donated three months of their time to help Olympic National Forest biologists study pine marten. Watch the video and hear from WTA volunteers about what its like to become citizen scientists.
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Outdoor Recreation: Tell Governor's Task Force Your Ideas for Washington
Jun 09, 2014
This year, Governor Inslee formed a Blue Ribbon Task Force to boost the state recreation economy. Attend a meeting or answer a few questions online to make sure that the task force hears what matters most to you as they chart the future of recreation in Washington.
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Instagram Weekly Roundup: From Cave to Summit
Jun 06, 2014
This week on Instagram, summit Red Mountain, go inside Ape Caves, and enjoy views of light, clouds and water through the eyes of hikers in Washington. On Instagram? Follow us @washingtontrails and tag #washingtontrails when you're out adventuring this summer!
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Finally! Suiattle River Road to Reopen in Late Fall
Jun 06, 2014
Repairs on the Suiattle River Road is scheduled to be completed by late fall. Here's what hikers who want to access the corridor during construction need to know, and a glimpse of what you have to look forward to next year.
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Olympic National Park Proposes Temporary Move of Enchanted Valley Chalet
Jun 05, 2014
Teetering on the bank of the East Fork Quinault River in Olympic National Park, the Enchanted Valley Chalet likely cannot withstand another harsh Olympic winter. Park officials want to temporarily move the chalet away from the river, a plan that WTA supports. Share your thoughts on the proposed move by midnight June 5.
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Learn, Lead & Inspire: WTA's New Outdoor Leadership Program
Jun 04, 2014
WTA’s new Outdoor Leadership Training Program (OLT) will be offering four resources to adults interested in leading trips on their own: workshops on a variety of trip-leading topics, a free gear-lending library, mini-grants for transportation and trip costs and ongoing community support to foster connections and crowdsource solutions to common problems.
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Five Trails That Need Your Help in June
Jun 04, 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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Borrow Free Gear to Take Youth Groups Camping
Jun 03, 2014
Sign up for an overnight, entry-level course that covers the knowledge and skills to lead an overnight camping experience with a youth group. When you attend a workshop this summer, you’ll get access to high-quality camping and hiking gear through our free gear lending library. Workshop graduates can apply for $250 mini-grants to support outdoor youth experiences.
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IslandWood CEO: Your Couch Is Far More Dangerous Than You Think
Jun 03, 2014
Do parents really need to fear animal attacks, abduction and accidents? After looking more deeply into the facts and figures of these perceived threats, IslandWood's president and CEO Ben Klasky raises the question of whether we do children more harm than good in trying to keep kids "safely" indoors.
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Instagram Weekly Roundup: #washingtontrails
May 30, 2014
Take a trip through Washington's wild places through the eyes of hikers and explorers on Instagram. From Mount St. Helens to Lake Chelan, get inspired by some of our favorite shots from the week, and tag #washingtontrails when you're out adventuring this summer!
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Destination Darrington: Hike and Visit This Mountain Loop Hub
May 30, 2014
If you've been itching to get out on the gorgeous trails along the Mountain Loop Highway, now is the time to visit. A coalition of outdoor and recreation partners have made visiting the area around Darrington easy with a map guide to outdoor destinations and local businesses.
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Hacking Your Tortillas for the Trail
May 29, 2014
From sweet potatoes to smoked trout, pinto beans to hommous, you blew us away with filling ideas and alternatives to the tortilla (waffles are a revelation). Get the recipes and try out some the kid-friendly filling ideas on your next family picnic.
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Backpack Review: Ten Pack Picks from Hydration to Trekking
May 24, 2014
From hydration pack to day pack to ultralight and backpacking, WTA's gear team field-tested and rated ten new packs: the Osprey Rev 12, Outdoor Research Levitator 16, Outdoor Products Amphibian 20, Osprey Stratos 34, Gregory Z40, REI Crestrail 48, Gregory J53, GoLite Quest 65, Granite Gear Nimbus Trace Access 70.
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Tent Review: Six Top 2-3 Person Tents
May 24, 2014
Looking to invest in your first tent or replace an old one? WTA gives you the low-down on six great tents for 2-3 people: The Mountain Hardwear Optic 2.5, NEMO Galaxi 2, Big Agnes Fishhook UL2, Sierra Designs Flashlight 2UL, MSR Hubba Hubba NX (redesigned), The North Face Talus 3.
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Hike, Backpack and Camp: Tips for Memorial Day Weekend
May 22, 2014
With Memorial Day weekend coming early this year, you might still be nailing down your hiking, camping and backpacking plans. Read out tips for exploring snow-free destinations and scoring last-minute camping spots.
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Spring Onto a New Trail, Meet a New Crew Member
May 21, 2014
What a spring we've had! Our trail maintenance program has been hard at work opening trails, building bridges, and improving trails in new areas.
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