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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Take Your Hikes Twice As Far: Membership, Matched

Jun 28, 2012

By becoming a member of Washington Trails Association, you do more than just hike Washington trails, you protect them. You repair them. You help keep them open and maintained. You get kids outside and into the wilderness. As a member, you become a voice for the mountains, deserts, waterfalls, alpine lakes, beaches and wildlife you love. And if you become a member on June 28 or 29, you can double your impact for trails.

Comet Falls Trail Closed, Needs Volunteers

Jun 26, 2012

Over the winter, the Comet Falls trail at Mount Rainier National Park suffered a wash-out that has closed the popular trail to hikers indefinitely. The wash-out, about a mile in, has taken out a chunk of trail 10 feet across and 30 feet deep. Mount Rainier National Park is looking to Washington Trails Association and volunteers to help fix the Comet Falls trail and get it reopened for the prime hiking season. WTA will be at Comet Falls Friday through Sunday through July. Volunteers are encouraged to come out for a day or a weekend, and camping is even available for free for volunteers at Longmire.

New Wilderness on The Olympic Peninsula?

Jun 22, 2012

Yesterday, Congressman Norm Dicks (D-WA) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced new legislation that sets out to permanently protect more than 126,500 acres of Olympic National Forest wilderness and 19 rivers and their major tributaries (464 river miles in all) as Wild and Scenic Rivers.

Trail Funding in Jeopardy - Act Now!

Jun 21, 2012

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is in danger in DC. The House and Senate Transportation Budget Conference Committee is close to reaching a compromise that may remove this critical trail funding program from the transportation bill. RTP delivers nearly $2 million to Washington State each year and WTA receives $175,000 annually from RTP - nearly 20% of our Trail Maintenance Program budget. Call your U.S. Representative and Senators today and ask them reject any transportation budget reauthorization that does not include dedicated funding for the Recreational Trails Program.

Baker Lake, Baker River Restrictions until July 15

Jun 19, 2012

The Forest Service has closed the Baker Lake Road (Forest Service Road 11) at mile 25.1 until July 15.

William O. Douglas Trail Opening Celebration

Jun 15, 2012

The official opening of the William O. Douglas Trail was celebrated on June 9 at Davis High School in Yakima, Douglas’ alma mater, and one of the many trailheads.

Google Brings Street View to Hiking Trails

Jun 13, 2012

Google has announced that it is bringing their Street View maps to a hiking trail near you.

New Plans For Denny Creek And Franklin Falls Trails

Jun 12, 2012

The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is planning changes to two of the most popular trails in this corridor - Franklin Falls and Denny Creek - with expanded parking and improved trail amenities.

Duckabush Trail Closed, Getting Repairs

Jun 11, 2012

On August 31 last year, an abandoned campfire triggered a wildfire that consumed over 1,300 acres along the Duckabush Trail. The fire began at Five-Mile Camp, burning the steep slopes to the north in a patchy swath between Two-Mile Camp and up and over Big Hump. Over the past few weeks, WTA has put two Backcountry Response Team crews to work on the trail to log out the charred snags and repair the tread.

New Developments For The Green Mountain Lookout

Jun 08, 2012

There are new developments in the controversy over the Green Mountain Lookout, as a powerful line-up of voices express support for leaving the structure in place.

Hiking the State on a Wednesday Night

Jun 07, 2012

Two hundred and twenty-seven hikers joined WTA last night for a bit of seven minute speed hiking. Our second annual Hike the State event featured seven hiking experts who talked for seven minutes about a specific region of the state. They did this seven times, to allow for smaller groups. Each hiker walked away with seven handouts detailing the hikes they just heard about.Washington Trails Association's second annual Hike the State event featured seven hiking experts who talked for seven minutes about a specific region of the state. They did this seven times, to allow for smaller groups. And each hiker walked away with seven handouts detailing the hikes they just heard about.

Free Military Pass Now Available

Jun 05, 2012

The men and women on active duty are now eligible for a Military Pass for Free Access to National Parks and other public lands.

National Forests Free Next Two Saturdays

Jun 01, 2012

National forest have waived recreation fees the next two Saturdays (June 2 and 9) in recognition of National Trails Day and National Get Outdoors Day. National parks and Washington state parks are free on June 9 only. WTA suggests six excellent trails that will be free both Saturdays.

Celebrate Trails on National Trails Day

May 29, 2012

While many hikers are still thinking about their Memorial Day weekend, at Washington Trails Association we are looking forward to National Trails Day. This year's annual event is being held on Saturday, June 2. It's coordinated by the American Hiking Society as a celebration of hiking trails and the hard work that goes into creating and maintaining them.

Memorial Day weekend destinations

May 24, 2012

Memorial Day planning is always a scramble for day hikers, backpackers, and car campers. The criteria of a crowd-free location given early-season snow levels and road & trail conditions stymies many - and those who have found a destination are as tight-lipped about it as a fisherman is about a favorite fishin’ hole.

New trails, campgrounds envisioned for Mount St. Helens

May 23, 2012

Last fall the Gifford Pinchot National Forest unveiled a 5-year strategic investment plan that includes a call for more recreation facilities including campsites and trails. Besides adding options for camping and new trails, the new strategic plan aims to address other important recommendations in the Advisory Committee's final report including improved roads, better funding for education and interpretive activities, reinvestment in the Coldwater Visitor Center, and a continued commitment to scientific research.

Changes on wta.org

May 22, 2012

The Washington Trails Association website has a new look! After five years, we've ushered in a new dynamic homepage, fresh colors, and a streamlined navigation. What's more, we're now mobile-friendly. Check out the changes at wta.org.

Permits in Olympic National Park

May 17, 2012

If you're considering backpacking in several high-use areas of Olympic National Park this summer, you will need to procure a permit up to 30 days in advance.

A Big Result for Trails

May 16, 2012

The results are in! WTA expects to take home $48,000 for trails thanks to your generous donations during GiveBIG on May 2. Our grand total includes gifts from more than 300 hikers, a "stretch" match of $4,400 and a special $2,500 match from the Eleanor Trask Fund at The Seattle Foundation.

Bear canisters not yet required in North Cascades

May 16, 2012

The requirement for bear canisters to be used at various destinations in North Cascades National Park has been put on hold for 2012, pending more studies and tests that might expand food storage choices, such as the the aluminum-lined Ursack.

Hiking Safety for Spring

May 15, 2012

Spring hiking evokes images of delicate woodland trillium, gushing waterfalls and hikers trying to locate the most compelling destination that they can reach. It's a time of giddy anticipation as we eagerly make plans to visit our favorite trails. With sunny skies and soaring temperatures over Mother's Day, hikers were out in force - many for their first hike of the year. Hikers posted more than 100 trip reports over a three-day time period. WTA has put together some Spring Hiking Safety Tips that are important for even the most seasoned hiker to review - what to wear, what to have in your backpack, how to choose a hike, and how to handle the hazards of hiking in the spring.