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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One Year Later: How the Great American Outdoors Act Is Funding Trail Fixes
Aug 06, 2021
One year on from the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act, funding for stewardship and maintenance of trails has helped WTA to make great strides in our work. With four more years of GAOA funding to go, we're optimistic at what we can achieve, but we know that making trails for everyone, forever will take a lot more work.
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Hiker Headlines: Washington Trails Day, Cascade River Road Closed, Fire Damage Averted, Hike-a-Thon
Aug 05, 2021
Washington's official state hiking holiday, Washington Trails Day is coming up this weekend. The Cascade River Road is closed again after recent storm damage. The recent fire at Lyle Cherry Orchard doesn't appear to have damaged new trails. Hike-a-Thon has officially kicked off, but it's not too late to join in. Catch the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. A fire near Granite Mountain should be avoided.
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WTA Interviews Miles, Everyone's Favorite Marmot
Aug 03, 2021
What does the furry mascot of Hike-a-Thon have to say about WTA's biggest annual hiking event? Well...
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Hiker Headlines: Celebrate Trails, Park Planning, Maps in Libraries, Wildfires
Jul 29, 2021
Get ready for some upcoming hiking holidays. The public can comment on two different management plans, one for the Olympic National Forest and one for Mount Rainier. Hikers can borrow maps, guidebooks and Discover Passes from Seattle libraries. It’s fire season — keep up to date on the closures and fire bans that remain in place.
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How Do You Enjoy the Olympics? Help Plan the Future of Olympic National Forest
Jul 29, 2021
Olympic National Forest is looking to hear how you create in the region as part of their Sustainable Recreation plan.
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Hiker Headlines: Wildfire Closures, Hike-a-Thon, Public Input, Nature and Health
Jul 22, 2021
All public land east of the Cascades managed by Washington State DNR will be closed starting Friday, July 23. WTA’s annual Hike-a-Thon, when hikers can support the trails they love while they hike, is underway. The public can provide input on two important recreation plans. A new study reaffirms that nature in cities improves health.
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Take This Survey — And Help Make King County Parks More Equitable
Jul 22, 2021
King County Parks is soliciting community feedback via survey on priorities, needs and barriers related to park, trail and natural area access.
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HOV Lanes, Drains, and Automobiles: Carpool to Your Next Work Party
Jul 20, 2021
You don’t have to go it alone: consider carpooling to your next work party. Carpooling is a great way to cut down on congestion on the road and at the trailhead, curb emissions and build community.
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The Power of Loops & Connections
Jul 19, 2021
Creating trail systems that allow for loops makes a better experience for hikers — and it’s easier on the land, too.
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Hiker Headlines: Fire Closures, Burn Bans, Lookout Restoration, New ADA Trail
Jul 15, 2021
Active wildfires have led to the closure of several recreation areas. Burn bans have been extended throughout the state. High Rock Lookout is receiving long-awaited restoration work. The Erinswood trail is looking forward to some upcoming ADA improvements. And, extended gear sizes may be coming to a retailer near you.
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Reviving an Old Route to the Pratt
Jul 13, 2021
WTA has been hosting annual work parties and Backcountry Response Teams along the Pratt River Trail since 2016 as a part of our Lost Trails Found campaign. We're working to save this alternate access point into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and ensure plenty of hiking opportunities in a place that needs it most.
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Outdoors Infrastructure Receives Big Boost in House, Looks for Support in Senate
Jul 09, 2021
The INVEST Act was passed through the U.S. House of Representatives with some legislation important to the outdoors — including the Legacy and Roads Trails Act, the Transit to Trails Act, and the Outdoors for All Act. But they are apart of a larger bill that is now in the hands of the Senate.
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Writing Trip Reports to Remember a Loved One
Jul 09, 2021
Each year, Diego Moreno's sister and mother go backpacking as part of a memorial trip for Diego, Lizzie's son and Alejandra's brother. They find the time spent in nature is a balm for them, and helps them connect with Diego.
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Volunteer Profile: Jade Tabony — Data Scientist, Outdoor Adventurer & Cheez-It Enthusiast
Jul 08, 2021
We talk technology, slacklining and what it's like to give back to a cause you care about.
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Hiker Headlines: Burn Bans, Highway 18 Closure, Trails Reopened
Jul 08, 2021
Expect burn bans across much of the state. A major portion of Highway 18 near Tiger Mountain will be closed this weekend. The Sunrise Road is now open at Mount Rainier. Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge has reopened.
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Making Friends on Trail, Thanks to WTA
Jul 06, 2021
WTA members Judy Cochran and Pascale Lelong met for the first time on a WTA volunteer vacation back in 2015 — and they've been hiking together ever since.
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New Loops, New Hikes, New Views in the Columbia River Gorge
Jul 02, 2021
Thanks to a partnership between Washington Trails Association and Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust, the trail system at the land trust’s Lyle Cherry Orchard Preserve has been improved.
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Hiker Headlines: Fire Restrictions, Equitable Outdoors, Tiger Mountain, New Website Feature
Jul 02, 2021
Fire restrictions have tightened across much of Washington. A new chief of the Forest Service has been named. There is a new opportunity for public comment about equity and access to public lands services. Portions of some trails on West Tiger Mountain will be temporarily closed. A new tool on wta.org suggests new hikes.
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Hikers Carrying Dogs: A Gallery of Sweetness and Hilarity
Jun 30, 2021
If you hike with a dog, there are usually a few extra safety considerations you need to take into account before you head out on trail. Not only do you need to keep yourself safe and happy, but you need to keep your pup safe, too. And sometimes ... that means giving them a ride.
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New Study: Investments in Public Lands Brings Jobs, Economic Benefits
Jun 28, 2021
With hiking up 16% last year, investments in public lands are critical to sustaining the growing benefits to local and national economies from recreation.
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Hiker Headlines: Heat Advisories, Wildfire Risk, Burn Bans, Temporary Trail Closures
Jun 24, 2021
Heat advisories are in effect across Washington state with temperatures expected to reach triple digits in many regions. With the increased temperatures and dry weather, burn bans are in place and wildfire risk is a concern as hikers head into the backcountry. Franklin Falls and Denny Creek trails will be temporarily closed.
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