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: 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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Take This Quick Survey to Shape The Future of Trails
Nov 03, 2021
Important planning for outdoor recreation is happening at the statewide level and you can help!
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Spooky Tales from the Trail
Oct 29, 2021
Most of us have an unexplainable trail story or two. If that tale is told often enough, it can become part of personal — or organizational — lore.
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Hiker Headlines: Halloween Hikes, Highway 20 Closure Scheduled, SR 14 Survey
Oct 28, 2021
If you head out for a Halloween hike this weekend, be sure to share your photos in a trip report. The National Park Service has some great templates for pumpkin carving. The Highway 20 closure is on the calendar for November 15. Winter weather is ramping up this week with heavy rainfall in Western Washington and snowy mountain passes. Provide your input for SR 14 planning near Dog Mountain.
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Trip Reporters Put the Fun in Fungus
Oct 27, 2021
Mushrooms begin popping up when rain returns to the forest and the variety of colors and shapes can stop hikers in their tracks. Trip reporters have been turning their cameras on these intriguing fungi this fall, giving us all a chance to share in the wonder. Check out some of the fungi found in recent trip reports.
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Why do Leaves Turn Colors in the Fall?
Oct 21, 2021
We know those colors are fun to look at, and make for excellent photos, but it also raises the question of “why?” Why do leaves turn different colors in the fall?
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Hiker Headlines: Wet Weather, Outdoor Alliance, Closures and Delays, Lost Trails Found
Oct 21, 2021
It’s going to be a wet weekend in Western Washington, and rain in the lowlands means snow in the mountains. At a recent meeting, WTA and partners met with Representative Derek Kilmer to chat about Great American Outdoors Act projects in Olympic National Forest. The Snoqualmie Lake Trailhead and trail will be closed for about a month to facilitate trailhead expansion and improvements. Expect delays on Highway 101 over the next month while crews remove hazard trees. Learn about two amazing Lost Trails Found accomplishments from this summer.
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Preserving Space for the Future at Cashmere Canyons
Oct 20, 2021
Two WTA members have helped create a preserve that allows hikers to explore 12 miles of trail in the Wenatchee Valley.
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Volunteers Connect the Dots on the Pacific Northwest Trail
Oct 20, 2021
During our 2021 summer season, our volunteers worked on 11 unique sections of the Pacific Northwest Trail, working across the state to keep this oft-remote route up to national scenic trail standards.
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WTA's Pro Crew Finishes up Incredible Season
Oct 18, 2021
After 71 days and 4,243 hours of trail maintenance, WTA's first backcountry pro crew is wrapping up their packed season of trail work within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest!
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Hiker Headlines: Mountain Snow, Artist Point Closed, Our DEI Work, Listening Sessions
Oct 14, 2021
Trip reports are showing winter conditions from a light dusting of snow in the trees, to trails completely covered in snow. The road to Artist Point recently closed for the winter season. We take a moment to reflect on our work toward diversity, equity and inclusion. Make your voice heard in a listening session on the Department of the Interior’s efforts to better understand barriers to outdoor recreation.
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What We've Learned in Our Work Toward Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Oct 12, 2021
In early 2018, we rolled out a diversity, equity and inclusion plan at WTA. Over the last 3 years, we’ve consistently worked toward the goals in that plan. Now, we want to take a moment to reflect on our work and some key lessons we’ve learned.
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A Plan for Silver Star's Future
Oct 07, 2021
Silver Star mountain in Southwest Washington is a beloved destination facing access issues. The Silver Star Coalition is looking to help with that.
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Hiker Headlines: Sno-Park Permits, Park Responsibly, Safe Streets, Prescribed Burn
Oct 07, 2021
Sno-park fees will increase this winter. If you’re heading out to find some fall foliage, remember to park responsibly at trailheads. Learn more about plans to improve active transportation across the state and provide your own feedback. And a prescribed burn is scheduled near Mount Adams today and tomorrow.
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Breaking Ground on Independence Pass
Oct 05, 2021
For just over a decade, sections of the Independence Pass trail have been lost to treacherous washouts that prevent hikers from travelling its full length. Now, WTA and partners are working to bring it back.
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This Summer Was WILD
Oct 04, 2021
InterImCDA’s WILD program, Wild Society and Wild Grief all took teens backpacking this summer (with gear from WTA's gear library). We ask them to reflect on the value of time spent in the “wild” for the youth they work with and some unexpected logistical challenges they encountered.
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Hiker Headlines: Lookout Tower, Parks Planning, Prescribed Burns, Local Stonehenge
Sep 30, 2021
A new lookout tower is nearing completion on Pinnacle Peak outside of Enumclaw. Take a survey to help Seattle Parks and Recreation plan for the future. State parks is holding a meeting to share proposed plans for the Palouse Falls area. Land managers have announced some upcoming prescribed burns. And a Stonehenge memorial in the Columbia River Gorge was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
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What Do You Want From Seattle Parks? Let Them Know
Sep 29, 2021
The city of Seattle's Parks and Recreation Department wants to hear from you to help them shape their priorities for the coming years.
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Miles the Marmot Reports Back on a Record-Breaking Year for Hike-a-Thon
Sep 24, 2021
Our spokesmarmot shares thanks for all the amazing Hike-a-Thoners who did so much for trails.
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Hiker Headlines: Public Lands Day, Burn Bans Lifted, Parks Survey, Mapping Rainier
Sep 23, 2021
Celebrate National Public Lands Day by thanking a ranger. Burn bans have lifted in several areas across the state. King County Parks wants to hear from you as they plan for the future of parks, trails and natural areas. And you may come across signs of a new mapping project at Mount Rainier this week.
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New Book Shares Stories of Northwest Women Who Helped Shape Our History
Sep 20, 2021
Joan Burton's new book, “Footprints in Snow: Seven Brave Women Who Shaped the History of the Northwest Mountains,” shares the story of other iconic women in the history of the outdoors.
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