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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Story Behind the Photo: Going Against the Stream
Dec 06, 2017
Every year, WTA invites photographers to share their favorite photos for our annual contest. Photographer and avid hiker Mike Warren shared this shot at Sahale Peak during last year's contest.
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In Defense of Well-Traveled Trails
Dec 05, 2017
Not all hikes require rough roads and long drives to find a dose of solitude. Well-traveled trails offer something different: they offer a community of hikers—many who are first-time users trying their hand at a new sort of adventure.
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Meet the Trail Community: Mountain Biker
Dec 01, 2017
Mountain biker Melissa MacKelvie wants everyone to find their connection to nature. It's empowering, and builds the community of people who care deeply about trails.
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Think You Can't Go Camping Every Month? This Mom Did.
Nov 30, 2017
Find out what worked for mom and Washington Trails editor Jessi Loerch.
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Sharing Joy in the Outdoors
Nov 29, 2017
At Pinnacle Explorations, the goal is simple: to help kids have a good time outside. With the help of WTA's Gear Library, Pinnacle is able to offer hands-on, outdoor workshops at an accessible cost for youth and families.
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Meet J.R. Harris, Outdoor Enthusiast and Author of "Way Out There"
Nov 23, 2017
J.R. Harris is a hiker, backpacker, and proud New Yorker. A collection of stories from J.R.’s wilderness exploits from the Arctic to Australia, and everywhere in between, can be found in his debut book, “Way Out There,” from Mountaineers Books.
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WTA Will #OptOutside on Friday
Nov 22, 2017
WTA will be closed on November 24 so staff can enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Will you join us?
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Avalanche Season Is Here
Nov 15, 2017
Northwest Avalanche Center talks about how to prepare for and spot the hazards of high country travel in winter. Brush up your basics and warm up your brain for cold season safety.
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Studying Human Behavior at Big Four Ice Caves
Nov 15, 2017
The Forest Service and Baylor University have teamed up to see how they can improve visitor experience and safety on this popular trail.
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WTA Works for Wildfire Funding
Nov 10, 2017
Catastrophic wildfires have been increasing in severity and frequency for decades in Washington and across the United States. This difficult reality has had major consequences not just on the forests, but also on the U.S. Forest Service budget and the agency’s ability to complete trail maintenance, fire prevention and recreation projects.
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Trail Soft Skills: Have You Got Them?
Nov 10, 2017
Because there are people in nature here are some tips to help you interact effectively and harmoniously with other hikers.
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Log On, Lace Up
Nov 07, 2017
It can be hard to find a community that shares your passion for hiking. Local Facebook groups like Washington Hikers & Climbers or PNW Outdoor Women are connecting modern hikers.
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Saving Lost Trails, One Step at a Time
Nov 06, 2017
WTA launched our Lost Trails Found campaign, with the goal of restoring trails that are slowly but surely disappearing. Key trails were identified and WTA marched onward with the ambitious goal of rehabilitating at least three lost trails.
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Good News for Hikers Near Spokane
Nov 03, 2017
Thanks to funding from REI, WTA tackled more Spokane-area trails in 2017. Working closely with Spokane County Parks, Washington State Parks and the Bureau of Land Management, WTA identified several Spokane-area trails for high-priority trail work this year.
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Hold Your Line to Help a Trail
Oct 31, 2017
Hiking may be as simple as putting one foot in front of the other, but how and where your shoe lands has a bigger impact than you may think. Whether you’re zigzagging toward a summit, bombing back down to the trailhead or sloshing ankle-deep through mud, there is no easier way to help trails than by simply staying on them.
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Lake Serene Trail Goal Met, Land Won't Be Logged
Oct 31, 2017
With your help, our partners at Forterra have reached their goal of raising $275,000 in order to purchase the land surrounding the Lake Serene Trail and protect it from being logged.
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Planty McPlantface in Latin? Your Chance to Name a New-to-Science Plant
Oct 26, 2017
A botanist has identified a new species of plant near Leavenworth. He's offered up the scientific naming rights to help raise money for outdoor education.
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Comment on National Parks Proposal to Increase Entrance Fees
Oct 25, 2017
In a recent press release, the National Park Service has announced a proposed peak season fee increase at 17 popular parks across the country, including Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks. Learn more and submit your comments by December 22.
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How to Hike the Olympic Peninsula by Bus
Oct 17, 2017
If you don't have a car, it can be a challenge to go hiking farther afield Washington state. Connect to these six trailheads on the Olympic Peninsula by bus or bike. Included is a sample itinerary and some general transit tips, too!
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Be a Part of the Gorge Trails Recovery Team
Oct 17, 2017
There is no question as to why the Gorge is seen as a gateway to all outdoor adventure. Over the past month this beautiful place has been devastated by intense wildfire. Now is the time to rebuild! Learn how you can help be apart of the trail restoration efforts in the Columbia River Gorge.
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Enjoy Nature Anywhere: Find Feelings of Wilderness Close to Town
Oct 16, 2017
It can feel like a challenge to connect with nature and capture the sense of solituide close to town—but it’s not impossible. A few tips to find that wild feeling.
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