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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Where Are They Now: Jessie Thoreson Has Spent Every Summer Outdoors
Mar 11, 2019
Youth program alum and volunteer Jessie Thoreson been working outside since the summer she spent interning with WTA. She told us how interning with WTA helped her choose her major, and what she's been up to since then.
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How WTA Volunteers are Making Time for Trails
Mar 07, 2019
Here at WTA, we know that time is a valuable resource — and one that is often in short supply. So we’re especially grateful that each year our volunteers collectively give thousands of hours to helping shape a lasting trail system for the future. We asked some of our devoted volunteers how they make the time to give back to trails — and why it’s worth it to them. Here’s what they had to say.
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Stories of Strong Women Who Love the Outdoors
Mar 07, 2019
In honor of International Day of the Woman, get to know Tessa Hulls, who is sharing the lost historical stories of women going solo in the outdoors. Plus, meet some of the strong women of the WTA and hiking community.
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Hiker Headlines: Olympic Permits, Mountain Loop Hwy, Public Lands Day, Spring Ahead
Mar 07, 2019
It’s March 7. Olympic National Park has a new permit process. Washington could get a day to celebrate public lands. The future of the Mountain Loop Highway is under consideration. And don't forget to change your clocks!
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"Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home" — a True Story of Overcoming Doubt on the PCT
Feb 28, 2019
Anish’s journey is riddled with close calls, dust-ups and all the great threats of being at nature’s mercy. Whether being stalked by mountain lions or sprinting across exposed ridgelines in a thunderstorm, she transforms what most of us consider to be turn-around points into knee-high barriers, and pushes on.
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Hiker Headlines: Public Lands Victory, Have a Say on Larrabee, Health Benefits of Green Spaces
Feb 28, 2019
It's Feb. 28. A massive lands package — including permanent authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund — passed Congress. If you use trails at Larrabee State Park, the state would like your input. A much-needed update to maps of the Kettle Crest are in the works. And science proves what a lot of us know — being outside is good for you.
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