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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Shared Stories: The Joy of Hiking Mentors
Feb 10, 2023
We asked our community on Instagram to tell us about their hiking mentors. The stories we heard were powerful and sweet. Here are three of those stories.
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Hiker Headlines: Enchantments Permit Lottery, Local Trail Trip Report Giveaway, Volcano Week
Feb 09, 2023
Enter our #lovelocaltrails giveaway by filing a trip report on your favorite urban hike before the end of the month. The Enchantments permit lottery opens on February 15. North Cascades National Park wants your comments on a couple of potential park projects. And, it’s Volcano Week!
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Patch Your Gear: These Affordable and DIY Repairs Bring Joy to Your Hiking Kit
Feb 08, 2023
In the darkness of winter, a patch is the cheap fix for down jackets and wool sweaters everyone needs to bring light and originality to their hiker-wear wardrobe.
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Summer Trail Work: Be Ready for WTA's Backcountry Trips
Feb 02, 2023
Endless rain, snow, and gray days gotcha down? Today you can start dreaming of long days full of light and a little bit of trail work, because WTA's backcountry trip schedule is ready to preview!
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Hiker Headlines: WTA Backcountry Preview, Hiker Rally Day, 6 More Weeks of Winter
Feb 02, 2023
Keep an eye out for a preview of WTA’s volunteer backcountry trip season. Join WTA for Hiker Rally Day on March 14 to advocate for trails. Part of the Cape Horn trail will be closed through July 15. Legislation to support wildfire prevention efforts and reduce the negative effects of wildfires has been introduced. And, the groundhog predicted 6 more weeks of winter this year.
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Hiker Headlines: New Partnership, New Funding, New Names
Jan 26, 2023
WTA has announced a new partnership with the Western Washington Honda Dealers! Washington’s National Park Fund awarded $1.1 million to our three national parks this week. King County Parks is moving on to the next phase of development of the Foothills Trail between Enumclaw and Puyallup. Four name change proposals for features containing derogatory terms have been approved by the Committee of Geographic Names. And, be prepared for snow at higher elevations this weekend.
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Improvements on Their Way to Trails and Lands Near You
Jan 23, 2023
During the 2022 state legislative session, WTA rallied our partners and hiking community to make an ambitious ask. It paid off when lawmakers agreed to provide $5 million annually to each of Washington’s three largest land management agencies. This funding is already helping the agencies clear trails, improve parking lots, repair roads, removing hazard trees, install water sources and more.
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Hiker Headlines: New Names, King Tides, Family Fair
Jan 19, 2023
Nine geographic locations have had their names officially changed. Washington is getting hit with king tides this weekend. Check out the Outdoor Family Fair next weekend on Jan. 28. And, we've got a snowy weekend in the mountains ahead.
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Taking Students Hiking and Backpacking — With a Little Help from WTA
Jan 18, 2023
Seattle charter school Rainier Prep recently added outdoor programs to its curriculum. Last year, six teachers from Rainier Prep attended WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training workshop. Since taking the workshop, they've hit the ground running and have successfully led two trips in the last year.
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Interview With a WTA Ambassador
Jan 13, 2023
We recently sat down to talk with Kathleen Lange, a longtime WTA volunteer ambassador who’s been part of the program since 2018, to chat about why she loves the role and connecting with hikers.
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Hiker Headlines: WTA's New CEO, Free Day, Call for Volunteers, Shuttle Service, Openings and Closures
Jan 12, 2023
A big welcome to our new CEO! January 16 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and parking fees are waived in some areas. WTA is looking for volunteer app developers. A shuttle service from Seattle to Snoqualmie Pass is starting up. Olympic National Park has some closures due to weather. And, Samish Overlook has reopened.
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We're Off! Washington State's 2023 Legislative Session
Jan 12, 2023
This week kicks off Washington state's 2023 legislative session! WTA will be working with partners and people like you to champion legislation and funding requests that impact public lands and outdoor access. Last year, WTA and hikers helped secure two game-changing wins for public lands, and we're back in Olympia this year ensuring that both programs continue into the future.
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Meet WTA's New CEO: Jaime Loucky
Jan 11, 2023
From growing up in the foot of the North Cascades to taking on the leadership of WTA, learn why Jaime is passionate about WTA's vision and community.
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Trip Report Roundup: Last and First Hikes of the Year
Jan 09, 2023
There are many ways to celebrate the end and beginning of a year — and going for a hike is a fabulous option. Here are some of our favorite trip reports from hikers who shared their last hikes of 2022 and first hikes of 2023.
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Hiker Headlines: Thank You, Members; Camping Changes at Olympic National Park; Photo Contest Winners
Jan 05, 2023
Happy New Year! Thanks so much to our members for an incredible 2022. Washington State Parks has a new logo. The campground reservation process in Olympic National Park is changing. And, you can now check out all of our Northwest Exposure Photo Contest winners.
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2022 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest Winners
Jan 03, 2023
See all the winning photographs from the 2022 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest ranging from majestic views to furry bears.
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Thank You for 2022, WTA Members!
Jan 03, 2023
As we're getting ready for the new year ahead of us, we wanted to thank WTA members for their invaluable support.
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Hiker Headlines: Good News From 2022
Dec 29, 2022
The year is almost over, and we want take a moment to reflect on the good things that happened for trails and public lands in 2022. Public lands got more funding. WTA helped open new trails — and improve many more. And across the state, the hiking community came together to support each other and the places we care about.
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Celebrate 2023 with a First Day Hike at a State Park Near You
Dec 27, 2022
If you’d like to begin 2023 with some time outside, Washington State Parks has made it easy. Across the state, more than 40 state parks have First Day Hike events planned on Jan. 1, 2023. The events include ranger-led hikes, snowshoe trips, bike rides and more.
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Hiker Headlines: Winter, Winter and More Winter; Now Hiring
Dec 22, 2022
Yesterday was the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Plenty of folks have been enjoying winter play these days. But there’s an incoming ice storm and avalanche danger the next few days — prepare in advance and be smart if you choose to head outside. And, in non-weather news, WTA is hiring!
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How WTA Ambassadors are Creating a Lasting Impact
Dec 19, 2022
WTA's work wouldn't be possible without volunteers, who help our work in many different ways. Volunteer ambassadors support WTA’s mission to mobilize hikers to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands. Right now, we're welcoming new ambassadors. Learn more about the program and how to get involved.
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