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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Volunteers Tackle Ten Trails on National Public Lands Day

Oct 08, 2012

About 140 volunteers recently joined WTA trail work parties in celebration of National Public Lands Day. Working on 10 trails across the state, volunteers put in 1,226 hours building and repairing hiking trails in one single day.

Fun and Games on Trail: Getting Kids Outside in Fall

Oct 05, 2012

How do you keep kids active and engaged with the natural world during autumn? We put the same question to our Facebook community, and heard great ideas from educators, parents, and other people who hike with kids.

Breaking Ground on a New Trail at Ape Caves

Oct 04, 2012

Last weekend, Washington Trails Association broke ground on a brand new trail near the popular Ape Cave trail. The focus of the new trail will be a viewpoint of the Mount St Helens.

Interactive: Fire Perimeters on Topographic Map

Sep 27, 2012

Check the status of hundreds of fires burning in Washington state with an interactive topographic showing the latest fire permitters.

Top Gear Picks at REI

Sep 21, 2012

Looking to replace some gear as the season's drawing to a close? Still got some dividend you need to spend up before the next one comes in? Or how about just getting a jump on some holiday shopping? If so, we've gathered up a list of top trail-tested items that will be sure to please any hiker.

Spend National Public Lands Day on Trail with WTA

Sep 19, 2012

On Saturday, September 29 join Washington Trails Association as a volunteer on one of seven trails we will be maintaining that weekend in celebration of National Public Lands Day.

Wildfires and Trails: Q&A with WTA Field Programs Manager

Sep 19, 2012

Until the wildfires burning across Washington are out and the Forest Service begins to assess their damage, we won't know the impact to hikers' favorite trails. But WTA has a lot of experience helping reestablish trails in burned forests. So, we sat down for five minutes with Alan Carter Mortimer, WTA's Field Programs Manager, to ask about the impact fires can have on trails and what helping a trail recover involves.

Thank You for Protecting Our Trails

Sep 14, 2012

Every volunteer, member, and person who uses and values our trails is absolutely essential to the mission of Washington Trails Association. Thank you for protecting our trails.

Know Before You Go: Wildfires, Hunting Seasons

Sep 13, 2012

With crisp air, ripe berries and fall foliage starting to turn, late summer/early autumn is one of the best times to hike in Washington. But with wildfires burning in several parts of the state and hunting season gearing up, it's important to check more than the weather forecast as you plan your hiking, backpacking, climbing or trailrunning adventures.

NW Exposure Photo Contest Tips

Sep 11, 2012

Here are some tips to help your best summer photos become winners of WTA's Northwest Exposure photo contest.

Fire Near Mount Adams Closes Trails, Prompts Evacuations

Sep 10, 2012

The Cascade Creek Fire on the south side of Mount Adams prompted the evacuation of more than 50 hikers, climbers and hunters. It has also closed roads and trails. Lightning started the fire late on Sept. 8.

Mount Ellinor Stays Closed While Goats Retrained to Avoid People

Aug 31, 2012

Forest service officials are keeping Olympic National Forest’s Mount Ellinor Trail closed while they continue to monitor and address mountain goat-human interactions.

When You Help a Hike-a-Thoner, You Help Trails

Aug 31, 2012

At the start of this month, about 200 incredible hikers laced up their hiking boots and hit the trail to help raise funds in support of WTA and trails. Now, you can help those intrepid hikers with a surprise sponsorship.

Governor Gregoire Supports Trail Funding

Aug 28, 2012

In a major victory for Washington trails this month, Governor Gregoire determined that Washington would use important Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funds focused where they belong: on trails.

Volunteers Needed! Join One of Four Featured Trips

Aug 24, 2012

Four special volunteer trips. Join an overnight at Glacier View Trail, a volunteer vacation along the PCT at Deep Lake, or a backcountry response team on the Hidden Lakes Trail or the Sauk Lake Trail.

My Backpack: Save Hikes, Trip Reports, Photos

Aug 23, 2012

My Backpack is a brand new feature of the wta.org that allows you to collect your Trip Reports, hikes and your photo gallery submissions all in one place.

Washington Wildfires: Tips for Campers, Hikers

Aug 17, 2012

With two large wildfires burning, burn bans, poor air quality, hazy views and a forecast of hot weather all have the potential to impact hikers and campers this weekend. Learn why you may want to avoid hiking the Teanaway area and refresh your fire prevention skills.

Gear-Palooza 2012: Part I

Aug 15, 2012

Washington Trails review of Outdoor Retailer Summer Marketplace 2012; top picks from BioLite, Big Agnes, Sierra Designs, Mountain Hardwear, Vasque, Scarpa, Gregory, Deuter, SteriPEN, Revivex, Rab, Therm-a-Rest and more.

Introducing the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan

Aug 14, 2012

For decades, water storage for domestic and and agricultural uses has been a challenge in the Yakima Valley. A group of stakeholders have come together from state and local governments, agriculture interests, tribes and non-profits to develop new strategies for increasing water supply in and protecting the Yakima Basin Watershed. Last month, WTA's board of directors took action to support these strategies, known as the Yakima Basin Integrated Water Plan.

Huckleberry Study: Pick Their Future

Aug 14, 2012

Do you pick or harvest big huckleberry on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest? Then take the survey to ensure they'll always be there for you.

Easy Weekday Hikes

Aug 08, 2012

Try these close-to-home hikes and trail runs before or after work or school. No need to wait until the weekend to get your hiking fix.