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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Hiker Headlines: Cold Snap, Winter Hiking, Fisher Release
Dec 23, 2021
Snowfall and very cold temperatures are expected across Washington this weekend. Read about the many ways hikers are getting outside at the start of winter. And more fishers have been reintroduced to the Olympic National Forest.
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Wild Society, a WTA Partner, Teams Up With Communities for Outdoor Adventures
Dec 20, 2021
Wild Society, a wilderness education nonprofit based out of Kitsap County, developed two amazing new partnerships that brought epic adventures and rewarding relationships.
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Planning for the Future of Trails Means Planning for Fires
Dec 17, 2021
Not every landscape or wildfire is the same. Depending on how hot the fire burns, there are different impacts to the environment. Just as each fire and landscape is unique, the on-the-ground response can be just as varied.
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Hiker Headlines: Winter Parking, WTA’s Impact, Blake Island, Yakima Loop, Parks Director
Dec 16, 2021
With winter recreation ramping up, it’s important to know how to park legally at mountain passes. The impact of the WTA community is getting noticed. Tillicum Village is closing on Blake Island. Planners aim to make Yakima more walkable. And the new director of the National Park Service has been sworn in.
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Search and Rescue’s Tips for Wet-Season Hiking
Dec 14, 2021
Here are a few scenarios you might encounter while hiking in the wet months — and how to avoid having to make that 911 call for search and rescue.
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A Year of Achievements in Glendale Park
Dec 13, 2021
WTA, partners and the local community have made incredible headway in bringing access to this local park.
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Gift Guide: 13 Favorite Outdoor-Themed Books
Dec 10, 2021
These staff recommended reads are the perfect accompaniment to your shoulder-season adventures — or a way to stay busy while you wait out the high-country snow. We also think they'd make great holiday gifts for the nature lovers in you life.
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Hiker Headlines: Avalanche Safety, Name Changes, Conservation, First Day Hikes
Dec 08, 2021
The experts at the Northwest Avalanche Center have a safety reminder. The Department of the Interior will work to remove derogatory place names from federal lands. Washington just designated 230 acres of land as Natural Resource Conservation Areas. And, First Day Hikes are coming back to state parks on January 1.
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How to Help if You See Harassment or Bias on Trail
Dec 08, 2021
Trails should be welcoming and safe for everyone. Here's some ways you can help if you encounter incidents on bias on trail.
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Celebrating the Lives of Those We Lost
Dec 06, 2021
We take a moment to reflect on the lives of some of those who we've recently lost. They are missed, but we will remember and celebrate their lives and contributions to our community for years to come.
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6 Ideas for Making New Outdoor Holiday Traditions
Dec 03, 2021
Spending the holidays outdoors is an annual tradition for some WTA trip reporters. Here's how they do it.
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Hiker Headlines: Now Hiring, Giving Tuesday, Parks Director, New Year’s, Hoh Flooding
Dec 02, 2021
WTA is hiring for several positions, both in the field and the office. Giving Tuesday was a great success thanks to all your support. Chuck F. Sams III was confirmed to head the National Park Service. Reserve your spot now for New Year’s celebrations at Deception Pass State Park. The Hoh River entrance at Olympic National Park is closed due to flooding.
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Rebooting Popular Trails for Year Round Hiking in Hood Canal
Nov 29, 2021
This summer, WTA's volunteer crews provided urgent maintenance to some of the Hood Canal’s most loved trails in order to ensure that these trails are accessible and safe for all users.
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Favorite Volunteer Memories of 2021
Nov 19, 2021
As 2021 comes to a close, we asked volunteers to share some of their best moments on trail with us. From learning new skills and self-reliance to rejoining the volunteer community, we're thrilled to hear what you remember from this year on trail.
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Hiker Headlines: Avalanche Forecasts, Washouts, New Trailhead, Thankful for Trails
Nov 18, 2021
Avalanche forecasting has started for the winter season. Two areas at Mount Rainier National Park are closed due to winter storm damage. A new trailhead in Spokane Valley will open this weekend. Entry fees will be waived for state lands on November 26. #GivingTuesday is coming up. And WTA is taking thanksgiving week off.
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5 Ways WTA Supports the Future of Trails
Nov 17, 2021
WTA is looking to the future for anyone who likes to use trails. Here's what we're working on — and how you can help.
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Celebrating a Successful Return to Youth Volunteer Vacations
Nov 17, 2021
Thanks to a lot of careful planning and hard work, we had a safe and fun summer with teen volunteers — and we got a lot of work done, too! And we're already looking ahead to next year.
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Ask WTA: How do Sleeping Bag Ratings Work?
Nov 11, 2021
Few things are as comforting and important as a good sleeping bag when camping. But how are sleeping bags tested and what do temperature ratings really mean? Luckily Feathered Friends, a top manufacturer of down sleeping bags, is based right here in Washington, and they had some answers for us.
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Hiker Headlines: Closed Passes, Gorge Transit, Equity on State Lands, New Trail, Fishers
Nov 11, 2021
Three mountain passes are closed for the season due to winter conditions. The new GOrge Pass will improve transit options this year. The list of fee-free days on state lands for 2022 has been announced. A new section of trail in East King County is now open. DNR’s first ever director of equity and environmental justice has been hired. And, five fishers were released in Olympic National Park this week.
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Congress Passed Infrastructure Funding: What it Means for Trails
Nov 10, 2021
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act just passed through Congress, and this secures support for trails across the country, including Washington.
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Hiker Headlines: Free Entry, Tri-Cities Trails, Campsite Alerts, #CreateResponsibly, Survey
Nov 04, 2021
November 11 is a fee-free day at federal and state lands. A trail system in the Tri-Cities continues to expand. You can now get notifications when state park campsites become available. Artists and creatives can now take the pledge to #CreateResponsibly. Take a survey to help shape the future of trails in Washington.
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