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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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Lend a Hand on National Trails Day

May 21, 2014

Mark your calendars; June 7th is National Trails Day! This year is the 22nd anniversary of this nationwide effort, when volunteers across America rally together to celebrate this single day reserved for trails everywhere.

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Take Better Nighttime Photos

May 16, 2014

Learn how to take better nighttime photos with this new photography guide from Mountaineers Books.

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Now Open: North Cascade Hwy, Mount St. Helens

May 12, 2014

In sure signs of spring, the North Cascades Highway and Mount St. Helen's visitors centers are now open. Spring runoff has also caused the closure of Twisp River Road.

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Climbers Honor Mother's Day on Slopes of Mount St. Helens

May 06, 2014

Each year on Mother's Day, at 6 a.m., sleepy mountaineers begin making their way up the normally imposing, often snow-covered volcano for the annual Mount St. Helens Mother's Day Climb in honor of moms everywhere.

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Lyle Community Trails Plan Moves Forward

May 05, 2014

A draft plan for a system of non-motorized trails adjacent to the town of Lyle will be presented at a public meeting from 6-8 pm on May 7th. WTA looks forward to engaging volunteers in helping to build and maintain this new trail system, but we need your support to help make it the best trail plan it can be.

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Scottish Lakes High Camp for Sale

Apr 30, 2014

One of Washington's iconic backcountry retreats is for sale. Scottish Lakes High Camp, snuggled up near the Alpine Lakes Wilderness about 17 miles west of Leavenworth, is on the market for the first time in more than 20 years.It includes 20 acres of property plus a day lodge and 9 cabins, as well as vehicles and other amenities.

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Help Plan Whatcom County’s Newest Park, Speak Up for Trails

Apr 28, 2014

Help Whatcom County plan the future of Lake Whatcom Park, including a robust trail system that could include more than 50 miles of new trails for hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners and equestrians.

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Cape Disappointment Is No Disappointment

Apr 27, 2014

Mid-winter break brings adventure and exploration on the southwest Washington coast to one family.

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How Do You Hike and Camp on Gifford Pinchot National Forest?

Apr 24, 2014

Two great opportunities to shape the future of roads in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Join us at our annual Vancouver Hiker Potluck and fill out a short questionnaire before the Apr. 30 deadline.

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Larrabee's New Rock Trail: Grand Views, Loop Options

Apr 22, 2014

Join Larrabee State Park officials, Washington Trails Association and the Chuckanut Conservancy in celebrating the official opening of the Rock Trail. The new trail in the Chuckanuts connects the Overlook to Lost Lake and provides a great workout, gorgeous views and fascinating geology.

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Saving Green Mountain Lookout, A Brief Retrospective

Apr 17, 2014

This week, President Obama signed the Green Mountain Lookout Heritage Protection Act, putting an end to years of uncertainty around the fate of the beloved lookout perched high in the Glacier Peak Wilderness of Washington's Cascade range.

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Print-Your-Own: New Northwest Forest Pass Option

Apr 16, 2014

Beginning this month, hikers can purchase and print a day pass for trailheads where you need a Northwest Forest Pass. It's a convenient option for spur-of-the-moment adventures on trails in Washington's National Forests, from Mount Baker to Mount Adams.

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Help the Darrington Ranger District Prepare for Summer

Apr 08, 2014

The recent mudslide on Highway 530 has employees with the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest working round the clock. In addition to their full-time jobs with the forest, many of them are volunteering their spare time to help in recovery efforts for the community of Oso.

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Green Mountain Lookout Bill Passes Congress

Apr 07, 2014

The U.S. House has joined the Senate in passing legislation to preserve the Green Mountain Lookout in Glacier Peak Wilderness. The bill will now go to President Obama for signature.

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Murray, Cantwell Secure Unanimous Senate Passage of Green Mountain Lookout Bill

Apr 03, 2014

Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation to preserve the Green Mountain Lookout in Glacier Peak Wilderness. The House could take up the bill as soon as next week.

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Closures on Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Road

Apr 03, 2014

While the paving of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Road is welcome news for hikers who use the route to reach their favorite trails, the project will cause some closures and delays. Here's what you need to know.

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Will Your Company Take the Earth Day Challenge?

Apr 02, 2014

WTA, EarthShare Washington and 35 other environmental non-profits in Washington state have issued a challenge to Washington companies this month: Raise $50,000 and volunteer 1,000 hours in 16 day to benefit Washington environmental charities and make a real impact on our environment.

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Meet the New Backcountry Experts on WTA's Volunteer Crews

Apr 01, 2014

This summer, WTA is adding some true trail experts to our volunteer vacation crews. We'll have specially trained animals helping us with logouts, brushing, and even in-camp duties like KP!

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Choosing the Right Hiking Boots for Your Kids

Mar 31, 2014

Selecting kids’ hiking gear is as much about fit and performance as it is matching their personality. We hit the trail with three little ones to hand-pick a selection of kids’ hiking boots: the Salomon XA Pro 2 K trail runners, Lowa Kody GTX Mid Kids and the Vasque Breeze 2.0 WP boots.

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Nature on Trail: Western Tanager, Mule Deer, Western Hemlock

Mar 31, 2014

Northwest forests are teeming with life -- much of which may go overlooked or unseen. On your next hike, look out for the western tanager songbird, the big ears of the mule deer and Washington's official tree, the western hemlock.

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Officials: Please Steer Clear of Mountain Loop

Mar 27, 2014

As response efforts at the devastating mudslide on Highway 530 continue, Snohomish County and U.S. Forest Service officials are urging people to stay clear of the area.

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