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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GORP is Good for You
Jan 22, 2014
Hikers have known for years that adding nuts to the mix can boost energy and help you recharge on trail. Some recent research suggests that adding nuts to the mix and snacking on them throughout the day (even off-trail) can lead to a longer, healthier life.
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How 16 Photographers Captured the Winning Shots
Jan 15, 2014
The winning photographers of WTA's Northwest Exposure Photo Contest share how they captured these stunning shots.
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What Kind of Trails Do You Want in Larrabee State Park?
Jan 14, 2014
Washington State Parks is just starting to plan the future of Larrabee State Park, and they want to hear from you. What kind of trails and recreation experiences do you want to see at Larrabee?
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Links to Track the Aurora Borealis
Jan 09, 2014
Rain and snow may not be ideal conditions for spotting the Northern Lights, which are forecast to appear tonight. Use these six links to stay on the heels of the magnetic light show anyway.
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Sally Jewell Aims to Put Young People to Work on Public Lands
Jan 09, 2014
The Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewell, secures the first million towards an initiative aimed at putting 100,000 young people and veterans to work outdoors on conservation and stewardship of public lands.
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Government Report Underscores Trail Maintenance Backlog
Jan 09, 2014
Recently, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report to Congress about U.S. Forest Service trails. The message: "Long- and short-term improvements could reduce maintenance backlog and enhance system sustainability."
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2014: Plan Your Wild Adventures
Dec 30, 2013
Are you setting your goals for 2014? Use the ideas below to jump-start your trail adventures, from first hikes in Washington to tackling some epic trails.
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Photos: A Week of Winter Hiking in Washington
Dec 23, 2013
From epic sunsets to icy waterfalls, these photos from trip reporters show the hidden loveliness you can find on a winter hike in Washington state. Get inspired to get outside.
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Highest Charity Rating for WTA (Again!)
Dec 23, 2013
Charity Navigator, the nation's leading charity evaluator, released a new rating for Washington Trails Association yesterday. What did we earn? A 4-star rating—again! That's their highest possible rating. WTA earns top marks for sound fiscal management and for our commitment to accountability and transparency.
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Santa, Elves Crash WTA Trail Work Parties
Dec 20, 2013
At WTA, we're serious about trails. Rain or shine, our dedicated trail crews worked hard on 190 trails statewide this year. That is some serious trail work, but that doesn't mean we always have to be serious on trail. Case in point: our annual Santa work parties, when things tend to get a little more fun and festive than usual.
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Klickitat County Trails Plan Seeks Input from Local Residents
Dec 18, 2013
Local trails plan to connect the Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail to the town of Lyle is seeking input from Klickitat County residents.
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Hobbit Hikes Part 2: Washington's Middle-earth
Dec 12, 2013
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug opens in theaters at midnight tonight, and if you've ever hiked in Washington, some of the awe-inspiring scenery may look a little familiar. Seek out your own epic adventure on one of these trails worthy of Bilbo himself.
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Seattle Stairs: A Step Up from Stairmasters
Dec 12, 2013
Can you hike in the city? Sure you can. Discover a whole new side of Seattle and stay in shape with the Seattle Stairway Walks guide from Mountaineers Books.
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Remembering Rose Alfred, Volunteer and Friend
Dec 11, 2013
Longtime WTA volunteer Rose Alfred passed away in late November surrounded by family at the age of 72. We remember her as a tireless volunteer with WTA, who worked hard to ensure that the work she did would leave a legacy.
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Fun, Friends, and Fantastic Views: A Week on the Trail with WTA
Dec 04, 2013
Anna Silver's account of a week spent at White Pass with a WTA Youth Volunteer Vacation.
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WTA and Youth: Our Favorite Moments on Trail in 2013
Dec 04, 2013
From youth leaders to volunteer crews to the launch of our brand new Outdoor Leadership Training program, celebrate some of the our favorite youth moments on trail this year.
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Treats for Tots (and Older Kids, Too)
Dec 04, 2013
Stuck on what to get a certain young one for the holiday season? Get the budding outdoor enthusiasts in your life something on our list and you're sure to hear about how cool it is all next hiking season.
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Nature on Trail: Varied Thrush, Douglas Squirrel, Tall Oregon Grape
Dec 04, 2013
The Northwest forests are teeming with life—many of which may go overlooked or unseen. On your next hike, look out for the little things and discover something new on your favorite trails.
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Capitol Christmas Tree (and Snowshoe Ideas) Courtesy of the Colville
Dec 04, 2013
Washington state's Colville National Forest gives a gift to the other Washington in the form of the Capitol Christmas Tree. If you can't make it D.C. to see this piece of Washington decked out in more than 10,000 lights, consider a snowshoe trip to its originating forest instead.
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Trail Talk: Improve Your Avalanche Awareness
Dec 03, 2013
Do you know how to spot and assess avalanche danger? We talked to the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center for some tips for staying safe in you plan to hike or snowshoe in avalanche terrain this season.
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#GivingTuesday: Double Your Impact for Trails
Dec 02, 2013
If you made a favorite memory on a Washington trail this year, then consider giving back on #GivingTuesday. A generous group of our members will match all gifts, dollar-for-dollar, until midnight -- doubling your impact.
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