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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Federal Government Shut Down: What it Means for Hikers and Campers
Jan 19, 2018
Congress and the president did not reach an agreement on a short-term budget for the federal government. Since they didn't come to an agreement, the federal government has shut down—impacting the National Park Service and our National Forests.
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Tribes & Trails: The Kalispel Tribe
Jan 18, 2018
Kalispel Country, spanning more than 2.3 million acres from the peaks of the Selkirk Mountains to the meadows of Montana, is home to some of the most beautiful rivers, lakes and mountains in the West. When visiting Kalispel Country, it’s important to recognize the connections the Kalispel Tribe holds with these places, as well as the current work being done to protect and maintain them.
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How to Write a Trip Report That Helps WTA and Land Managers
Jan 18, 2018
WTA trip reports can help land managers identify trails that need help. Here's how to write trip reports that can help trails get the work they need.
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How to Navigate Winter Hazards
Jan 17, 2018
Hiking in winter requires a bit more care, but armed with the right skills and information, you can hike year-round in Washington. Here are a few of the common winter hazards you might encounter and how to navigate them.
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7 Signs Your Trail is in Trouble & What to Do About it
Jan 12, 2018
Recognize the common ways healthy trails deteriorate and how you can help.
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2017 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest Winners
Jan 05, 2018
Check out the winning images from the 2017 photo contest.
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Visit the Skagit River for Eagle Viewing and Hiking
Jan 05, 2018
The Skagit Eagle Festival in January offers chances to see eagles up close and learn more about them.
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Behind the Scenes Before the Fun
Jan 03, 2018
Backcountry trip registration opens soon, but it's a full-time job at WTA.
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A Year of Joy in WTA Trip Reports
Dec 31, 2017
Trip reports bring us joy all year long. Here are some of our favorites from 2017.
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What I Learned: 3 Lessons From a Year Working with WTA
Dec 27, 2017
Our WCC Americorps staffer reflects on her year with us.
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How a Teacher Is Opening Up a Whole New World for Seattle Teens
Dec 27, 2017
We sit down with Center School teacher Alex Scilletta to find out how a simple snowshoe adventure can make a difference in the lives of students.
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New Trail Opens on Heybrook Ridge
Dec 21, 2017
In 2017, a total of 230 volunteers spent 21 days working at Heybrook Ridge County Park near Index. All of that work has paid off. On Oct. 21, volunteers and representatives from Friends of Heybrook Ridge, Snohomish County and WTA gathered at the trailhead to celebrate the project’s completion.
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9 Delicious Things to Fill Your Thermos
Dec 19, 2017
Don't let the cold weather keep you away from the trails this time a year. Here are 9 hot recipes to keep you going while on your next adventure.
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Meet the Trail Community: Wildland Firefighter
Dec 18, 2017
As a helitack manager, Chris O'Brien spends much of his time managing fire and looking at trails from the air. But when he can, he heads out to volunteer, or simply take a short walk on trails near his winter home in Olympia.
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Fee-Free Days at National Parks Drops to Four
Dec 18, 2017
The National Park Service slashed the number of fee-free days to just four in 2018. This news comes soon after the agency announced a proposed fee increase at 17 of the most popular parks.
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5 Exercises for Winter Sports
Dec 14, 2017
As the temperatures drop and the snow starts falling, it's time to dust off the skis and snowshoes. Here are five exercises to help keep you adventure ready, any time of the year.
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Hair Ice: Even Cooler Than You Thought
Dec 14, 2017
You’ve probably seen hair ice while hiking on a cold day. You might have thought it was a weird fungus. You may have even asked on a mycology forum or a trip report, “What kind of fungus is this?” If, however, you ever lean down to examine it and give it a touch, you’ll discover that it melts away from the warmth of your hand.
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Lost Trails Found: Regaining Access to the North Fork Sullivan
Dec 13, 2017
Strong partnerships and a lot of hard work in the field makes for big improvements in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness.
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Join WTA at our Outdoor Workshops for Educators
Dec 13, 2017
Do you work with youth? Would you like to get them outside? WTA can help!
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Last of the Best: 2017 Geminid Meteor Shower
Dec 13, 2017
Wednesday, December 13 is going to be one of the best nights to watch the Geminid Meteor Shower. Don't miss your opportunity to see this once a year event.
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Harvest Your Own Christmas Tree in the National Forest
Dec 07, 2017
Head to a National Forest this season to for your very own Christmas tree. Available to cut with a permit from now until December 24, harvesting Christmas trees is a unique way to experience your public lands.
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