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: Lots of Trail Work, Lots of Smoke, Free Days and More
Jun 06, 2019
It’s June 6. WTA volunteers gave back to trails in a big way on National Trails Day. A large fire has meant terrible air quality in Eastern Washington. A emergency drill is planned out at the Big Four Ice Caves. This weekend, lots of public lands won't require a pass to park. And avalanche forecasting season is over, but snow lingers in the high country.
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Rebooting Washington's Trails on National Trails Day
Jun 05, 2019
WTA's delivering on our goal to support Washington's trails at every turn.
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The Dog Divide — It's a Ruff Issue to Tame
Jun 03, 2019
Whether you hike with dogs or not, we all share the trail. We need to try to consider other perspectives.
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7 Tips for Joyful Hiking with Kids
May 31, 2019
Lessons from a parent who's been there.
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Hiker Headlines: National Trails Day, Unlikely Hikers, Climate Crisis, So Much Hiking
May 30, 2019
It's May 30. This weekend, we celebrate National Trails Day. State Parks will be free Saturday. The New York Times told the story of folks working to expand the narrative around who is a hiker. The climate crisis will be visible to people visiting national parks this summer. And you all have been doing so much hiking! Here's some hiker news you may have missed while out on trail.
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The Best Post-Hike Burgers in Washington
May 30, 2019
It's #NationalBurgerDay — and nothing makes a burger taste better than pairing it with a great hike!
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Fourth Graders, Fifth Graders and Fun: WTA Youth Ambassador Leads Classroom Hikes
May 23, 2019
The Youth Ambassador Program gives leadership training opportunities to teens, who use their skills to plan trails-related projects in their own communities.
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Hiker Headlines: Mount Rainier Openings and Good News for Two State Parks
May 23, 2019
It's May 23. Chinook and Cayuse passes are now open to drivers. And the historic Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier has re-opened after renovation work. Washington is getting a brand new state park and Beacon Rock State Park wants to hear from you. Here’s some hiker news that you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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Hiker Headlines: Mountain Loop Open, Creating LGBTQ+ Community, Sol Duc Bridge Closed, Parks Pollution
May 16, 2019
The Mountain Loop Highway is open for summer! The Wilderness Information Center at Marblemount is open, too, but hours are restrained by the budget. A new study shows how national parks are affected by pollution. OUT There Adventures is building a powerful community for LGBTQ+ folks. And the bridge at Sol Duc Falls is getting some work.
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Building More Than Trails in the Columbia River Gorge
May 16, 2019
How WTA and our partners are shaping the future of the Columbia River Gorge.
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The Story of Saving Mount St. Helens Offers Lessons for Today's Trail Advocates
May 15, 2019
The eruption of Mount St. Helens was a remarkable natural disaster. But the story of Mount St. Helens is also the story of how, when communities come together and speak up for public lands, we can move mountains.
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WTA Launches 'Trails Rebooted' to Upgrade Our Trail System
May 13, 2019
Trails Rebooted is channeling your passion for close-in hikes to reimagine what’s possible for iconic trails and investing in the trail system of tomorrow.
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One Trail, Ten Ways To Enjoy It
May 13, 2019
Washington's trail are where memories are made, but one trail can mean something different to many people. Find out how one trail has unites families, provides adventure and builds WTA's community.
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She Explores: How the Power of Stories Can Bring People Together
May 10, 2019
Gale Straub shares her story of what She Explores has meant to her. Her new books shares the stories of many enthusiastic explorers.
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Hiker Headlines: Cascade River Rd, PNT Maps, Ross Lake Levels, Noisy Jets and Hikers Turn Up for Trails
May 09, 2019
The Cascade River Road is open, but trails are still snowy. Ross Lake is expected to extremely low this year. The Pacific Northwest Trail Association has a shiny new map set for hikers. A group is suing to find out more about noisy jets over the Olympic peninsula. And we are so grateful for our amazing, generous community's support during GiveBIG this week.
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Happy Mother's Day: Heart-Warming Stories From the Trail
May 08, 2019
In honor of mom, here are some of our favorite stories and photos of moms and families out on trail.
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7 Leave No Trace Tips We Found in Star Wars
May 03, 2019
Whether you're hiking through Hoth or camping on Endor, these 7 Leave No Trace principles will protect you from the path to the dark side.
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Hiker Headlines: Legislative Debrief, Morning Star Meeting, Big Four Closure, Mount Rainier Chains
May 02, 2019
The state legislative session is over, and there were some big victories mixed with disappointments. You have a chance to learn more about Morning Star Natural Resources Conservation Area. The Big Four Ice Caves trail bridge is closed. And chains are no longer required at Mount Rainier.
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State Budget: The Wins and Losses in the 2019 Legislative Session
Apr 30, 2019
The 2019 legislative session has some big wins and some disappointing losses for state lands. Here's a roundup of decisions that affect public lands and hikers.
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Preparedness Pays: How Two Washington Hikers Helped a Canyonlands Search and Rescue Effort
Apr 25, 2019
When trip reporter austineats and his partner came across a badly-injured hiker on vacation, they provided assistance, summoned search and rescue, and alerted the Park employees. He recounts the rescue, and offers a few tips for being as prepared as possible when you head out.
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Trail Magic: Not Just for Thru-Hikers
Apr 25, 2019
Whether it's food, sharing spare gear, or making an extra effort to recognize a special moment, our volunteers help make WTA's volunteer community friendly, and work parties fun to return to.
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