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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How Hiking With My Father Shaped My Life
Jun 04, 2018
Kate Galambos has been exploring the outdoors with her father from the time she was young.
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Nason Ridge: Private Land Acquired, Saved From Logging
May 30, 2018
Nason Ridge near Lake Wenatchee is the latest piece of land to be saved from logging after a surge of local support over the last 10 months.
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Where Are They Now? Seasonal Crew Leader Lauren Glass
May 29, 2018
Lauren Glass joined WTA two years ago with an impressive resume from working with youth. After two years crew leading with us, she headed to Colorado to manage the youth program at Rocky Mountain Youth Corps. We caught up with her to see how it's going.
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Where Are They Now? Seasonal Crew Leader Margaret Ullman-Hess
May 24, 2018
Now working for Mountains to Sound Greenway, Margaret Ullman-Hess got her first taste of trail work as a seasonal crew leader with WTA. We asked her what hooked her, and how she took what she learned at WTA into her professional career.
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Gear Review: Tents
May 24, 2018
Our gear experts review four of our favorite lightweight tents.
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Our Graduates Are Out-standing In Their Field
May 24, 2018
It's the crew leader and assistant crew leaders (many of them volunteers) who have helped WTA's trail maintenance program become what it is today. Learn how we train the people who lead you on trail.
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Like a Boss -- One Youth Volunteer Learns to Lead on Trail
May 22, 2018
Learn how Haylee Darby went from volunteer to youth ambassador to assistant crew leader.
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An Eruption of Fun at Mount St. Helens
May 16, 2018
The Johnston Ridge Observatory at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument opens ahead of the 38th anniversary of the volcano's 1980 eruption. Celebrate with a visit for a hike, or to attend a series of upcoming events.
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"It's Okay to Get Dirty" — Outdoor Wisdom from Our Mothers, Aunties and Grandmothers
May 11, 2018
Wielding axes, courage, common sense and adventurous spirits, the women who raised WTA staffers are part of why we are so committed to trails.
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National Parks Add Money, Jobs to State Economy
May 10, 2018
In 2017, 8.4 million park visitors spent an estimated $508 million in local gateway regions while visiting National Park Service lands in Washington. The study is the latest demonstrating the outdoor recreation industry's economic impact, especially on the gateway communities often located in rural parts of the states.
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Spring Hiking Advice from a Dark Lord
May 04, 2018
Follow along as the Dark Lord, Darth Thaddeus, takes you to a few spring hiking destinations.
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A Family that Hikes Together, Stays Together
May 02, 2018
A family looks back at hiking together through the years.
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Mount Rainier Passes to Open June 11
May 01, 2018
Mount Rainier National Park expects to open Chinook Pass and Cayuse Pass by June 11, and other lower-elevation facilities will begin to open in mid-May.
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People-Powered Science: Become a Trail Weed Watcher
Apr 24, 2018
Join the Pacific Northwest Invasive Plant Council (PNW IPC) for a citizen science project to learn about invasive plants in the Pacific Northwest and help stop their spread.
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Name Change: What to Call the Iron Horse Park/John Wayne Pioneer Trail?
Apr 17, 2018
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is considering renaming the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Pioneer Trail and they want your opinion. Speak up and let your voice be heard!
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National Park Service Backs Down from Major Fee Increases
Apr 12, 2018
Thanks to an overwhelming response from hikers and trail advocates, the Department of Interior has backed off from a plan for steep National Park fee increases.
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Take Care of the Places You Love
Apr 12, 2018
Managing marine debris and keeping Washington's coastal beaches in pristine condition is tough work. Last year, with the help of Washington CoastSavers volunteers, over 20 tons of debris were removed from 60 beaches across the coast.
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Story Behind the Photo: In the Clouds
Apr 11, 2018
Every year, WTA invites photographers to share their favorite photos for our annual contest. Photographer and avid hiker Sherri Nordin shared this shot at Mount St. Helens during last year's contest.
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Trailhead Direct Bus Starts Up April 21
Apr 05, 2018
An expanded service including more trailhead and pick-up locations is coming to Trailhead Direct for the 2018 season.
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Progress Report: Backpacking All Year
Apr 05, 2018
Washington Trails editor and mom Jessi Loerch set a goal for herself to backpack once a month this year. She's on track, and finding the sweet spot between spending alone time in the wilderness and sharing nature with some close friends.
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Coming Together for a Long, Lost Trail in the Pasayten Wilderness
Apr 05, 2018
WTA launched our Lost Trails Found campaign with the intent of bringing more awareness to the need for funding and restoration of our backcountry trail system. To help achieve our goal of restoring the Boundary Trail, WTA has joined forces with several fellow trail groups.
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