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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This Labor Day, Be a Leader -- Leave No Trash on Trail!
Aug 29, 2018
WTA teamed up with Deuter for a pledge to #LeaveNoTrashOnTrail campaign. By picking up even one piece of garbage on your hike, you are not only helping protect public lands and wildlife: you are modeling advocacy for everyone around you
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14 Events to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of North Cascades National Park
Aug 22, 2018
The North Cascades National Park has its 50th anniversary on Oct. 2. In the lead up to the big day, a number of events celebrate the many wonders of the national park.
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5 Helpful Tips for Entering Our Photo Contest
Aug 22, 2018
Our annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is now accepting entries. Get tips for capturing a winning shot and enter today.
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New Trails From Baker To Bellingham?
Aug 22, 2018
Would you like to see new trails, connectors, and trailheads in this beautiful area? Now’s your chance to speak up! The Baker to Bellingham Non-Motorized Recreation Plan is in its later planning stages and is open for public comment until August 26.
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Thousands of Hikers Speak Up for Recreation on Washington Trails Day
Aug 14, 2018
On Washington Trails Day, WTA talked to a thousand hikers at trailheads across the state. Most of them were excited to speak up for prioritizing funding for recreation and trails on national forests.
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Safely Sharing the Trails During Hunting Season
Aug 10, 2018
Now that it's bear hunting season, take these extra precautions to stay safe while sharing the trail with hunters.
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Nature on Trail: Western Tanager, Western Anemone
Aug 09, 2018
Washington's wild places are teeming with life. Learn a bit more about two common species, the Western Tanager and Western Anemone, and where you can find them.
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Story Behind the Photo: Nature and Family
Aug 09, 2018
Every year, WTA invites photographers to share their favorite photos for our annual contest. Photographer Avinash Raghuram shared this family shot from Paradise during last year's contest.
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Youth Ambassadors Do it Again!
Aug 08, 2018
Hard hat's off to another successful year of WTA's Youth Ambassador Program. This year’s Youth Ambassadors went above and beyond the expectations, setting an even higher bar for the class of 2018-19.
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More Veggies, Fewer Grains
Aug 07, 2018
Grains are the foundation of many commercial backpacking meals— wheat, corn, oats, quinoa and rice are commonly used to bulk up meals for the trail. However, for a variety of reasons such as allergies, health requirements or personal preference, many hikers are looking for other sources of nutrition to enjoy on outdoor adventures.
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Wildfire Season: New Fires, Closures and Burn Bans
Aug 03, 2018
Find out about current wildfires, burn bans and how to check conditions before you go.
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Volunteer Profile: Clare Paden
Aug 01, 2018
How wrestling with one stubborn stump led one volunteer to taking a leadership role in trail work parties around the state.
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Show Your Love for National Forests!
Jul 31, 2018
Hiking is the number one use of national forest lands. Explore the trails they have to offer, and show your support recreation funding for our forests.
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Coordinated Chaos: The Logistics Behind Backcountry Trips
Jul 25, 2018
Outfitting more than 40 backcountry trips over a few months takes organization, patience, and innovation. Logistics Coordinator Rick Beckel relies on spreadsheets and volunteers to keep his cool in the heat of volunteer vacation madness.
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Being a New Mom Was Hard. Hiking Helped.
Jul 24, 2018
Shanti Hodges is the creator of Hike It Baby, and the author of a new book featuring hikes you can enjoy with your whole family.
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Teaming Up with Northwest Youth Corps Up in the Pasayten
Jul 23, 2018
Thanks to WTA supporters and new partnerships, a Lost Trails Youth Corps crew will spend five weeks fixing hard-to-reach sections of trail in the Pasayten Wilderness.
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Only YOU: The Best Smokey Bear Videos Ever Made
Jul 18, 2018
Wildfire season is upon us. As a friendly reminder that wildfires season is just around the corner, we put together a collection of some of the best Smokey Bear video ad campaigns from decades past.
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Scavenger Hunts: Finding Fun on Trail
Jul 18, 2018
When you go hiking with your kids, add a scavenger hunt for a new level of fun. | By Wendy Gorton
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How Time Outside Inspired My Music
Jul 17, 2018
As I got older, I realized that many of my favorite artists were drawing a great deal of inspiration from nature. I decided it was time to start experiencing these beautiful places for myself. It didn’t take long for me to realize that the connection between artistic expression and wilderness is a deeply ingrained part of the human experience.
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Speak Up for the Enchantments!
Jul 17, 2018
Chelan County and the Washington State Department of Ecology have proposed a plan called the Icicle Strategy. Parts of the plan call for new, larger dams in the incredibly popular and beloved Alpine Lakes Wilderness Enchantment Lakes region which have the potential to flood lakeside trails, campsites, and adjacent lands.
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Goat Removal Plan Could Temporarily Close Trails and Roads in Olympics and Cascades
Jul 16, 2018
Get the latest info on which trails and roads will be closed while nonnative goats are relocated.
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