Trails for everyone, forever

Home News Blog

Signpost Blog

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.

______________________________________________________

Hiker Headlines: Safety Pink, National Parks, Climbing Ranger Gigs and Bats

Apr 25, 2019

It's April 25. Pink is for safety. Spring is for celebrating national parks And bats needs us humans to take care of them. Here’s some hiker news that you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Read More

Volunteer Crew Leaders Make Our Work Happen

Apr 22, 2019

If you've volunteered with WTA, you know the impact just one day on trail can make. But there might be more volunteers on your work party than you realize...

Read More

It's National Parks Week — This Author Wants to Introduce You to Them All

Apr 22, 2019

Get to know our national parks, either in person or from the comfort of your favorite reading chair.

Read More

Hiker Headlines: Park Rx, New Public Lands Holiday, North Cascades Hwy Opens

Apr 18, 2019

It's April 18. The North Cascade Hwy opened today. King County's Trailhead Direct bus hiking service starts up this weekend. And, fresh out of Olympia, our state has a new Public Lands holiday.

Read More

5 Ways to Celebrate National High Five Day

Apr 18, 2019

Celebrate the trail community with a high five!

Read More

Rapid Response: WTA Crews Clear Popular Trails at Cougar Mountain

Apr 15, 2019

Winter storms took a toll on trails in Issaquah. WTA crews took a toll on the trees that came down in the winds.

Read More

Everyone Has a Legacy

Apr 15, 2019

For Russ Levy, caring for trails means thinking beyond his own lifetime — and planning to leave a legacy that includes caring for trails and wild space for generations to come.

Read More

Let's Roll: Trailhead Direct Service Begins April 20

Apr 11, 2019

Trailhead Direct, the popular transit-to-trails service co-led by King County Metro and King County Parks returns April 20 with more routes connecting convenient transit locations to popular trailheads.

Read More

Hiker Headlines: New Wolf Pack, Raise a Toast to Trails, Beware Olympics Road Construction and Cascades Snow

Apr 11, 2019

It's April 11. Washington wolves have moved to the west side of the state. We'd love to raise a toast to trails with you in Ellensburg. It's the beginning of road work season — and it's still snow season in the mountaing.

Read More

Avalanches: Staying Safe in Spring

Apr 08, 2019

It's spring and we're eager to get out on new trails, but with warming temperatures comes an increased risk for avalanches.

Read More

Nature on Trail: Avalanche Lily, Pygmy Rabbit

Apr 05, 2019

Washington's wild places are teeming with life. Learn a bit more about two common species, the Yellow Avalanche Lily and Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit, and where you can find them.

Read More

Hiker Headlines: Make Camping Reservations, Flowers are Blooming and Please, Watch Your Step at Palouse Falls

Apr 04, 2019

It's April 4. It's definitely time to be thinking about making summer camping reservations. Wildflowers are starting to put on a show. And officials would really like you to stay safe at Palouse Falls.

Read More

A Map In Your Pack Is Worth Two Left Behind

Apr 04, 2019

If you’ve read almost anything from WTA about getting outside you know we want you to be prepared when you go hiking. Have water and snacks, extra clothing and all the other 10 Essentials, including a map.

Read More

Staying Safe When Days are Short

Apr 03, 2019

The air is growing colder, the leaves are beginning to turn and the long days of summer are behind us.

Read More

Milk Madness: New Beverage Taking Washington Hikers by Storm

Apr 01, 2019

If you're still drinking plain H2O on your hikes, stop what you're doing and check this latest phenomenon out.

Read More

Hiker Headlines: North Cascades Hwy and Olympics Road Updates, Wildfires (Already) and Rainier Permits

Mar 28, 2019

It's March 28. Some roads are closed for roadwork; others are just starting to be cleared for the spring. Surprisingly, wildfire season has already begun. And if you want to backpack in Mount Rainier this summer, now's a great time to apply for a permit.

Read More

Get to Know the Noble Puncheon

Mar 27, 2019

Have you ever wondered what those little bridges are that keep your toes dry and happy on trail? Well, meet the puncheon.

Read More

Connecting Youth and Nature — for Learning and Fun

Mar 25, 2019

Since 2014, the Glacier Peak Institute has been creating paths for local youth to get outdoors. The institute is a strong example of a WTA Outdoor Leadership Training (OLT) program partner with a deep dedication to providing outdoor experiences to youth.

Read More

Hiker Headlines: Spring! Snow! Public Lands, Noisy Jets

Mar 21, 2019

It’s March 21. We're (still) excited about public lands. It’s spring! (And you should beware avalanches.) And you can learn more about jets on the Olympic Peninsula.

Read More

Meet Noodle, the Adaptive Hiking Dog

Mar 20, 2019

Noodle is living her best life, thanks to trails, a bit of technology and her loving people.

Read More

Hiker Headlines: Public Lands Win, State Parks, WTA Jobs, PIE

Mar 14, 2019

It’s March 14. The public lands package is a done deal. State Parks have a free day next week. We're hiring! Plus: You should eat some pie today.

Read More