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.

______________________________________________________

Take Someone Hiking on Washington Trails Day (Aug 3)

Jul 27, 2013

WTA is celebrating Washington Trails Day on August 3 by getting hikers new and old out on trail. Spread your love of hiking by taking a friend or family member for their first hike.

Alpine Lakes Protection Bill Gets A House Hearing

Jul 25, 2013

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions bill continues to show momentum for passage in 2013. After having passed the U.S. Senate on June 19, its companion bill, H.R. 361, received a hearing in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation on July 23.

Homemade Bars: Three Ways

Jul 24, 2013

On your next hike, stay fueled up on trail with quick, easy and heart-healthy bar recipes made with all-natural ingredients.

Nature on Trail: Rufous Hummingbird, Northwestern Salamander, Elephant´s Head

Jul 22, 2013

Northwest forests are teeming with life. On your next hike, look out for the Rufous Hummingbird, Northwestern Salamander, and Elephant´s Head.

Taking Kids Camping for the First Time

Jul 19, 2013

Get tips for camping with kids and ideas for kid-friendly hikes near Mount Rainier from Youth Programs Manager Krista Dooley as she shares her experience taking her nephew camping and hiking for the first time.

Support the King County Parks Levy on Aug. 6

Jul 17, 2013

If you live in King County, please take a moment to vote Yes on the King County Parks Levy by Aug. 6. This levy is essential to maintaining and improving the vital trail systems throughout the King County Park system.

Hike-a-Thon: 4-6 Weeks of Hiking for Health, Fitness and Fun

Jul 17, 2013

Does fitness factor into your reasons for hiking? Thinking of registering for Hike-a-Thon to kick-start your summer fitness program? Use the tips, recommendations and sample training programs below to get started.

Greenway Seeks National Heritage Area Status

Jul 15, 2013

The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust is leading a bipartisan campaign to have the U.S. Congress designate the Mountains to Sound Greenway as a national heritage area. Learn more about how to help.

Volunteer: Spot Butterflies on Blooming Alpine Trails

Jul 12, 2013

Look for butterflies while you hike some of Washington's most stunning alpine country by volunteering for the Cascades Butterfly Project. Learn how to volunteer Sunday, July 14.

Ten Tips for a Great Night's Rest in the Backcountry

Jul 11, 2013

From hot water bottles to white noise, aromatherapy to special socks, here are 10 great ways to sleep better when you're camping or backpacking.

Share Your Trail Work Memories

Jul 09, 2013

Share your experiences of volunteering on trail with WTA to help us celebrate the 20th anniversary of our trail maintenance department!

Hike-a-Thon Basics

Jul 09, 2013

Hike-a-Thon is a benefit for WTA that gives you the opportunity to hike all over named trails in August while being sponsored per mile, hike or at a flat rate by your friends, co-workers, family or hikers you meet on trail. Not only are you protecting trails across the state, but you're also competing for some pretty neat prizes from our generous sponsors.

St. Helens, Artist Point, Mount Rainier Open Roads

Jul 03, 2013

Roads leading into three great recreation areas -- Artist Point, Mount Rainier and the east side of Mount St. Helens -- have opened for the Fourth of July weekend (thanks road crews!). Get the details and remember: just because a road may be open, it doesn't mean hiking trails will be clear or snow-free.

Spend a Summer Weekend Barbecuing, Camping and Volunteering

Jul 02, 2013

Camp for free when you volunteer on a weekend work party on one of these four amazing trails with WTA this summer!

New State Budget a Mixed Bag for Trails, Hikers

Jul 01, 2013

Washington state's new budget made deep cuts across agencies that manage lands (and trails) in the state, but there's some good news mixed in with the bad. From State Parks to Mount Si and good news for Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program projects, read our recap from Olympia.

Safe Hiking When the Temps Climb High

Jun 28, 2013

With temperatures expected to climb into record highs in the coming days, hikers will need to take a few extra precautions. How to hike in the heat, cross a river safely and what to do when you encounter snow.

Whipple Creek Workparties Great for Families, Youth

Jun 28, 2013

We're looking for youth and families to participate in a work party right in Vancouver's backyard. Bring your child (and inner child) to connect with nature in Whipple Creek Park, a 300-acre green oasis in the midst of farmlands to the west of the Clark County Fairgrounds.

Act Today for Trail Funding in Transportation Bill

Jun 26, 2013

Live in Pierce County? You could make the difference in a Washington State legislative vote on the transportation package that would help fund outdoor recreation.

Snapshot: Apps for the Camera (Phone) You Have With You

Jun 26, 2013

For those looking to lighten their load while still still taking great photos, here are some simple alternatives for taking photos with your phone, instead of carrying a large clunky DSLR.

Alpine Lakes Wilderness Bill Passes Senate

Jun 20, 2013

In a surprise to many followers of federal wilderness legislation, the U.S. Senate passed the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Expansion bill last night. Now it moves on to the House of Representatives where it is scheduled for a committee hearing in July.

Before Your First Summer Hike...Double Your Impact for Trails

Jun 20, 2013

Before you take your first official summer hike, join WTA before midnight on June 21, 2013, and your gift will be worth DOUBLE what you donate.