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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August on the Trail: Where We're Working

Aug 08, 2012

From the Colville to the Colonel Bob wilderness, from the Columbia River Gorge to Mount Baker (and everywhere in between) — we've got our work cut out for us in the coming weeks. This August, join us on a work party near you, or explore a part of the state you've never been to by volunteering on trail with WTA!

Hike-a-Thon: Putting the Fun in Fundraising

Aug 03, 2012

Whether you're already signed up or are just getting going, we've pulled together a few tips from Hike-a-Thon veterans to help you win prizes and make your month a success for trails. What's your Hike-a-Thon strategy?

Mountain Goat Basics: Give the Goat the Trail

Aug 02, 2012

Earlier this month, several aggressive mountain goat encounters prompted the closure of the popular Mount Ellinor Trail in Olympic National Park. Find out what to do if you encounter a mountain goat on any trail.

Into the Woods: Hike-a-Thon is On

Aug 01, 2012

Hikers hit the trail early on August 1 to get a head start on Hike-a-Thon. The month-long hiking event to benefit WTA and trails began August 1 and will run all month. Lace up your boots and join us.

Your Next Backpacking Trail Maintenance Destination

Jul 31, 2012

Ever wonder how trails miles from the nearest road, like some sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, stay in good shape? One way is through WTA Backcountry Response Teams, or BCRTs. Check out some of our featured trips coming up this month.

National Forest Urges Safety after Glissading Accident

Jul 27, 2012

After two recent injuries, one to a climber glissading (intentionally sliding down a snow chute) on Mount St. Helens, Gifford Pinchot National Forest has issued a warning urging climbers to exercise caution on their descents.

Take the Reader's Choice Survey and Win a Tent

Jul 26, 2012

Take Washington Trails' Reader's Choice Survey and enter to win a Kelty Grand Mesa 2 backpacking tent. Chime in on all that's great and wonderful about hiking and backpacking in Washington state, from the best dayhiking destinations and the prettiest waterfall hikes, to your favorite wildlife sightings and the tastiest post-hike chow

Welcome to Michael and Loren

Jul 26, 2012

This summer, Washington Trails Association has welcomed two important new members to our staff. Michael Stubblefield is WTA's new Trail Program Director, leading our trail maintenance program, and Loren Drummond is the new Digital Content Manager, managing WTA's website, social media and e-newsletter.

Take Action to Stop Goat Mountain Mine

Jul 25, 2012

The threat of exploratory drilling has returned to Goat Mountain, just north of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Add your voice to help protect one of SW Washington’s cherished recreation areas by sending a letter or email.

Duckabush Trail Opens To Hikers

Jul 24, 2012

Yesterday the Olympic National Forest re-opened the Duckabush River trail to hikers after almost a year of closure. (The trail remains closed to stock for now.) The trail has been closed since last September because of severe hazards after the Big Hump fire. Washington Trails Association and other volunteer organizations have been hard at work repairing the popular trail.

North Fork Sauk Road Opening Tomorrow

Jul 19, 2012

After being closed for more than a year, Forest Road 49 on the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest's Darrington Ranger District is scheduled to reopen Friday, July 20. This will restore access to the North Fork Sauk, Pilot Ridge and Round Lake trails on the west side of Glacier Peak.

Grab a Guidebook and Go!

Jul 19, 2012

Review of new hiking guidebooks for Washington and beyond

Lightning Safety Tips for Hikers

Jul 15, 2012

Do you know what to do when you're stuck on a mountain during a thunderstorm? With some wild weather predicted this week, review some key lightning safety tips before you hit the trail.

Meander Meadow: The Best Vacation You'll Ever Work

Jul 13, 2012

Help widen a neglected section of the Pacific Crest Trail in one of Washington's most beautiful valleys: Meander Meadow. Sign up for the August volunteer vacation today.

In Memory of John Wright

Jul 12, 2012

Hikers lost a real friend with the recent passing of WTA member John Wright of University Place. Many wta.org visitors may know John by his screen name Tomas. Over the years, he has submitted more than 100 trip reports of his adventures, and made WTA's list of top trip reporters for 2011.

Tiger Mountain and Mount Si: Have Your Say in their Future

Jul 11, 2012

How do you use lands in the Snoqualmie Corridor: for hiking, trail running, snowshoeing, mountain biking? Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants your input on how to use 53,000 acres of DNR-managed state trust lands and conservation areas in the Snoqualmie Corridor.

Community Partners Get Youth on Trails

Jul 05, 2012

WTA appreciates the effort our community partners put into organizing a day of volunteer trail maintenance for youth.

Big Things Coming (in 'Washington Trails' Magazine)

Jul 02, 2012

Summer is officially here. The skies are clearing, the snows are melting, the trails are drying out. It’s time to get out there and do what we love most—go hiking! And to celebrate all things about big hiking in Washington—big mountains, big views, big opportunities—we decided to “go big” with the next issue of Washington Trails too!

Register for Hike-a-Thon Today!

Jul 01, 2012

Young and old, newbie or thru-hiker, trail volunteer or climber -- anyone who loves hiking and hiking trails can participate in month-long community fundraiser for Washington Trails Association. Registration opens July 1, and hiking starts August 1. So sign up now, and start planning a month of hiking to make your miles count.

Congress Preserves Trail Funding in Transportation Package

Jun 29, 2012

The epic federal transportation package that just passed the U.S. Senate and will be taken up by the U.S. House Friday contains the Recreation Trails Program (RTP), a small program that helps fund Washington Trails Association's volunteer trail maintenance program. RTP inclusion had been in question as recently as last week.

Ten Hikes to Try Fourth of July Week

Jun 28, 2012

From family-friendly strolls to some substantial elevation gain, we've compiled a list of ten hikes all over the state to try the first week of July.