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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Gear Review: Shoes
Oct 16, 2017
The shoes you wear are the literal base for your adventure on trail. Choosing the right ones can make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Here are four shoes that our gear team has tried out recently, from a sturdy four-season boot to a water-friendly light hiker.
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Final Weekend to Ride: Successful Season for King County's Trailhead Direct Service
Oct 12, 2017
This weekend marks the end of King County's new transit-to-trailhead pilot project in the Issaquah Alps. With a successful first season, King County announces a continuation of the program for Spring 2018 as well as the possible addition of trailheads along the 1-90 corridor.
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Ranger Found Her Dream Job
Oct 12, 2017
Meet Sydni Snyder. Each year, Sidney participates in the great ranger migration. She’s been a ranger in national parks in New Mexico, Florida and Massachusetts in the winter. In the summer, however, she always returns to Olympic National Park.
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The Truth Behind Bug Trails
Oct 11, 2017
You’ve likely clambered over a barkless tree trunk across the trail and come face to face with a weird, artistic pattern carved in the wood. The artists in this case are beetles. Yes, beetles, and the natural, artistic display is known as a beetle gallery.
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Help Save the Every Kid in a Park Program
Oct 10, 2017
Now in its second year, the Every Kid in a Park program has allowed hundreds of thousands of fourth graders from around the country to gain free entry to over 400 National Parks and Monuments. Although the successful program has already been approved for a third year, Congress has recently delayed action on a bill that would have made the program permanent.
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Update on Logging the Lake Serene Trail
Oct 06, 2017
A portion of the popular trail to Lake Serene travels through private timber land, and a scheduled logging project has closed the trail through July 2018. There is still time to protect the Lake Serene Trail from direct logging.
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Sharing a Love for Adventure
Oct 03, 2017
Every year, WTA invites photographers to share their favorite photos for our annual contest. Photographer and avid adventurer Christy Pelland shared this trail family shot during last year's contest.
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Night Hikes & Harvest Moons
Oct 01, 2017
Hiking under a full moon is a fun and adventurous way to shake up your hiking routine. Nighttime hiking has its own challenges: less visibility on the trail, late-night sleepiness and cooler temperatures. Here are some tips and ideas for your next full-moon hiking adventure.
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Book Review: Seattle Walks
Sep 26, 2017
“Seattle Walks” is a great place to get started on an urban adventure. The book’s 17 walks will train you to look for things you’ve never noticed before as you walk the Cheshiahud Loop or from Elliott Bay to Lake Washington.
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Fisher Baby Spotted at Mount Rainier a Good Sign for Recovery
Sep 26, 2017
A small but fierce species is making a comeback in the Cascades. For the first time in 80 years, fishers are reproducing in the region.
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Meet the Trail Community: First Generation Hiker
Sep 21, 2017
Meet a woman who is the first in her family to go hiking, and learn what inspired her to start.
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Mining Threatens Trail on Goat Mountain (Again)
Sep 20, 2017
Gifford Pinchot National Forest gave the green light for exploratory drilling on Goat Mountain. This decision is the latest action in part of an 11 year attempt to mine in this area. Act now to learn more and submit comments to the Forest Service before the October 9 deadline.
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Ellensburg Meeting a Chance to Shape the Manastash Ridge Trail System
Sep 19, 2017
Attend a Sept. 26 meeting to preview early plans for a trail system on Manastash Ridge, and give feedback.
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Capturing the Moment
Sep 19, 2017
Every year, WTA invites photographers to share their favorite photos for our annual contest. Photographer and avid hiker Michael Moore shared this shot at Colchuck Lake during last year's contest.
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OLT Program Provides New Skills for International Students
Sep 18, 2017
Every August, WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training (OLT) program treks down to Green River College in Auburn for a workshop that gives WTA the chance to work with international students and gives those students the skills they need to lead outdoor trips. Our team is joined by six students from the International Student Ambassador (ISA) program, along with Green River staff.
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1,100 Miles, 40 Days and 30 Pounds of Trash: Meet Gretchen Matt
Sep 13, 2017
Gretchen Matt has thru-hiked several trails, but none were quite like the Florida Trail. On a mission to complete the trail in 40 days and pick up garbage, we got a chance to ask her some questions about her experience.
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Two WTA Grants Help Support Trailwork in the Southwest and Olympics
Sep 12, 2017
The National Forest Foundation and the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance support WTA's work in parts of the state where trails need the most love.
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Berries, Fall Foliage and Pink Sunsets: Trip Reporters Document Fall's Early Arrival
Sep 11, 2017
After a long and dry summer, fall is taking no time to grace the trails. Here are a few trip reporters who recently witnessed some early signs of fall.
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WTA's Gear Library Grows to Meet Increasing Demand for Outdoor Experiences
Sep 08, 2017
We are excited to share that our gear library now has a new home in a larger space, which will better accommodate the growing community of program partners and the ever-increasing amount of items available to borrow.
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Lake Serene Trail Closure Sept. 25
Sep 06, 2017
The Lake Serene Trail will be closed for timber-harvesting purposes, starting on September 25. Here are the details, and some alternative, winter lake-hikes in the Cascades.
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Know Before You Go: Fires Spread, Burn Bans in Effect for Labor Day Weekend
Aug 31, 2017
It's hot and dry out there, and, at least through the Labor Day weekend, there's no reprieve in sight. A lot of fires have expanded or started in the last couple of days, closing areas that are popular for hiking and backpacking. Find out if your Labor Day plans need some last minute adjustments.
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