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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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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Victory! Congress Passes Public Lands Package
Feb 27, 2019
The package is the largest public lands bill in recent history, and there's plenty to celebrate for hikers in Washington state.
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Q&A with Touray Kungkagam: Making Time and Finding Awe in Nature
Feb 26, 2019
Touray Kungkagam has been finding adventure outside for years. He shares those adventures in his trip reports, and they range from wintry ascents requiring technical skill, to weight training with a toddler, to family-friendly strolls in the mountains.
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Lopping in a Winter Wonderland: Creative Trail Maintenance in Spokane
Feb 22, 2019
When we think about trail maintenance, a winter wonderland isn’t usually the first setting that comes to mind. But this winter in Spokane, volunteer crew leader Jane Baker proved it can work, and you can have a lot of fun doing it.
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Public Lands Package Heads to House for Consideration
Feb 22, 2019
The House of Representatives will soon consider a robust public lands package that benefits Washington's trails and outdoor spaces. See how you can help.
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Hiker Headlines: St. Helens Permits, Hikers Rally, Snow Sticks Around
Feb 21, 2019
It's Feb. 21. Hikers proved, once again, that they're awesome — and a powerful force — at Hiker Rally Day. Mount St. Helens climbing permits go on sale next month. And — probably no surprise — there's still a lot of snow on trails.
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Happy Feet, Happy Hiker
Feb 20, 2019
Boots are an important part of your winter hiking gear, but they're not the only thing you want to consider to keep your feet cozy.
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Cold Weather Advice From the Instagram Community
Feb 15, 2019
At home or in the mountains — we're dealing with some frigid temperatures across all corners of the state. But if you are brave enough to venture out on trail for a hike, snowshoe or snow camp, there are a few ways to help make sure your time outside is as comfortable and cozy as possible.
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Hiker Headlines: Senate Passes Public Lands Bill, Avalanche Conditions, Enchantments
Feb 14, 2019
It's Feb. 14. Happy Valentine's Day! A massive public lands package passed in the Senate yesterday. WTA's summer backcountry volunteer trips opened up for registration on Saturday. The Enchantments permit lottery process opens tomorrow. Avalanche conditions remain a little dicey.
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Finding Joy on Backyard Trails ... the Upside of Getting Snowed In
Feb 12, 2019
As snow began to blanket every corner of our state, we began to notice something — a lot more trip reports in local parks and nearby nature trails.
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Photos: Virtual Tour of the Pacific Northwest Trail
Feb 11, 2019
Washington is well-known for containing a major portion of the famous 2,600-mile Pacific Crest Trail — but did you know there's another National Scenic Trail traversing our state?
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Hiker Headlines: Summer Volunteer Trips, Permits, Snow!
Feb 07, 2019
It's Feb. 7. It's a great time to be planning summer vacations — including WTA volunteer trips. Permit season for backpacking begins soon. A lot of Washington is snowy — and more is coming. And now some libraries can check out Discover Passes.
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12 Honorable Mentions From Our Photo Contest
Feb 05, 2019
Some of our favorite photos from the thousands shared with us last year.
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Backpack Hacks: Make This Year's Backcountry Trip Awesome
Feb 05, 2019
Learn tips for making your backcountry trip with WTA perfect.
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Libraries Check Out Discover Passes in Pierce, Spokane and Skagit Counties
Feb 04, 2019
A new program allows individuals and families to rent Discover passes through a select number of local libraries.
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Hiker Headlines: Digging Out, Peregrine Falcons, St. Helens Permits and Good News for Badger Mountain
Jan 31, 2019
It's Jan. 31. Federal land managers are trying to recover after losing 10 percent of their work year. A section of Cape Horn trail seasonal closure begins to protect nesting peregrine falcons. And some good news for love, fun and Tri-Cities hikers.
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