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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When big damage requires heavy duty trail cleanup

Mar 25, 2025

In November 2024, the Pacific Northwest was hit by a bomb cyclone, and many of our trails were damaged by fallen trees and debris. For the last several months, WTA has been working with land managers and other organizations to get trails in the Issaquah Alps back open again.

Music and Nature: An evening of stunning images accompanied by a symphony orchestra

Mar 24, 2025

Join WTA on April 25 at Benaroya Hall for a celebration of Washington landscapes.

Hiker Rally Day: Meet the hikers who spoke up for trails

Mar 21, 2025

153 hikers from 39 legislative districts across the state rallied in Olympia on Tuesday to advocate for trails and public lands.

Hiker Headlines: Historic Columbia River Highway closure, upcoming car-free hiking workshop and symphony concert

Mar 20, 2025

Happy spring equinox! We have some fun hiker events coming up, including a car-free adventuring workshop and a nature-inspired symphony concert. The Historic Columbia River Highway has an extended closure. And some agencies are getting ready for wildfire season, which might affect your hiking plans.

Miles, smiles and community with Miles Hike Club

Mar 17, 2025

Miles Hike Club gets out on trail with hikers of all ages — and WTA helped them get there. By Joseph Gonzalez

Hiker Headlines: Update on Forest Service firings, repairs for Hoh Road, Dog Mountain permits

Mar 13, 2025

U.S. Forest Service probationary employees who were fired will be rehired on a temporary basis — the longer term status of those positions is still uncertain. Dog Mountain parking permits will be available on March 15 and the North Cascades backcountry permit lottery is closing soon. And the Upper Hoh Road is slated to be repaired.

Trip Report Roundup: Greenery, snow melt and early-season blooms

Mar 11, 2025

While there's still snow at high elevations and most wildflowers are still a ways off, folks have been getting out on trail and seeing a lot of that soothing, lovely green that our state is known for. Check out some trip reports of the green hikes folks have been going on these last couple of weeks.

Help WTA save vital funding for public lands

Mar 10, 2025

The 2025 state legislative session runs from Jan. 13 to April 27. This year, like every year, WTA will show up to work with elected officials, land management agencies and conservation partners to secure — and maintain — funding for our public lands. By Melani Baker.

Hiker Headlines: Free day; traffic delays and temporary road closures

Mar 06, 2025

March 9 is Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday, and parking fees will be waived on state-managed lands. And some road closures and traffic delays may affect your hike.

Nosotros En Naturaleza is building community on trail

Mar 05, 2025

Nosotros en Naturaleza, a partner of WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program, is helping young adults in the Latinx community connect to each other and to the outdoors.

Volunteer profile: Meet new ACL Cour Billadeau

Mar 04, 2025

Why Cour Billadeau — one of WTA's newest assistant crew leaders — joined WTA's trail maintenance leadership team.

Volunteers chip away at early season trail projects

Mar 03, 2025

WTA crews made progress on several early-season projects in the first couple months of the year.

Armchair Adventures: A perfect day for a second try

Feb 28, 2025

When Alden Ryno headed for a winter summit of Tomyhoi Peak in the North Cascades, it was his second attempt. He wrote a trip report detailing how it all went.

Hiker Headlines: Wind damage, North Cascades permits, WTA's op-ed on Forest Service and Parks firings

Feb 27, 2025

The early access lottery for North Cascades backcountry permits opens on March 3 — and other early access lotteries are closing soon. Big winds hit Washington earlier this week, so be careful of fallen trees and debris when hitting the trails this weekend! And read WTA’s op-ed in the Seattle Times on the recent federal staffing cuts.

WTA visits D.C. to urge rehiring of Forest and Park service staff

Feb 25, 2025

This week, WTA’s policy and planning manager Michael DeCramer is in Washington, D.C. Along with partners, one of the key issues Michael will be discussing is the recent firing of thousands of U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service employees. Michael will be speaking to our state’s delegation and bringing the message of thousands of hikers who have asked for those firings to be reversed.

10 easy ways to care for trails (and the outdoors)

Feb 20, 2025

Trails give us so much — here are 10 easy ways to give back.

Hiker Headlines: Email Congress for public lands; last call for #lovelocaltrails; register for backcountry volunteer trips

Feb 20, 2025

A reduction in Forest Service and National Park Service staff is putting our public lands and hikers at risk — take a few minutes to email your members of Congress. Registration for WTA's backcountry trips opens Saturday Feb. 22, at 10 a.m.! Don’t forget to enter our #lovelocaltrails giveaway by the end of the month. Fort Worden Historical State Park will start requiring Discover Passes. And we’ve got some warm, wet weather on the way.

What firing Forest Service, National Parks staff means for public lands, trails, communities

Feb 19, 2025

Last week, thousands of hard-working Forest Service and National Park staff, including hundreds in Washington and Oregon, were fired by the current administration. The impact to public lands, recreation and communities across the state are immediate and far-reaching. Learn what's at stake and join WTA in calling for Congress to reverse the decision.

Tiny tents and tool time: 20 years of marriage, 18 years of volunteering

Feb 14, 2025

Spokane-area assistant crew leaders Mary Beth and Jim Fitzgerald celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary on-trail last fall by joining a day work party. Their shared love of the outdoors has shaped their relationship and shines through in their commitment to both each other and to trails. WTA gives them a way to spend time together and give back to trails at the same time.

Hiker Headlines: WTA backcountry trips, Enchantments permit lottery, sign up for Hiker Rally Day

Feb 13, 2025

The Enchantments permit advanced lottery opens Feb. 15 at 7 a.m. Join WTA and the Northwest Symphony for live music and beautiful photos. We need your help to vote for a renewal of the King County Parks Levy. Join us for in Olympia on March 18 to advocate for trails and public lands! And registration for WTA’s backcountry trips is starting soon.

Introducing WTA’s 2025 Emerging Leaders Program cohort

Feb 13, 2025

We’ve spent January welcoming our 2025 Emerging Leaders Program cohort to WTA, and we’re excited to introduce them!