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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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Uplifting Geology of the Cascades

Jun 19, 2017

The Pacific Crest Trail takes a hiker through spectacular terrain, with a backstory millions of years old. If you hike the trail north of Snoqualmie Pass, you can’t miss the dramatic, dark rock rising high above. But in other areas of the same stretch of trail, the stone is strikingly lighter.

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Father's Day: Life Lessons from Time on the Trail with Dad

Jun 16, 2017

From how to start a fire to developing a sense of wonder, outdoor fathers have a lot to give.

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Take the Hiker Survey for the Teanaway Community Forest

Jun 14, 2017

Take the short survey, and your answers will be presented to the Teanaway Community Forest Advisory Committee in July, and help shape the future of our state's largest community forest.

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Hike-a-Thon Partnership: Bellden Cafe and WTA

Jun 13, 2017

This summer, WTA and Hike-a-Thon are partnering with Bellden Cafe in Bellevue. Learn how these two organizations became partners through the power of trail work.

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Milestone: 100,000 Trip Reports

Jun 09, 2017

This week, WTA trip reporters made history. Check out our video that pays tribute to the more than 100,000 trip reports that have been submitted since 1966.

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National Trails Day: Volunteers Show Up in Service of Trails

Jun 09, 2017

All over the state (and country), volunteers devoted June 3 to trails. From Mount Rainier National Park to trails outside Spokane and in the heart of Seattle, we revisit another successful National Trails Day.

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New Trail Opens at Grand Ridge

Jun 06, 2017

King County Parks and WTA celebrate the grand opening of the new Water Tower Loop at Grand Ridge Park in Issaquah.

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Runners Go the Distance for Trails

Jun 06, 2017

How the trail running community and a gorgeous calendar helped raise 30K for Washington's trails.

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Fourth-Graders: Get into Your Park

Jun 06, 2017

Now in its third year, the Every Kid in a Park program continues to introduce children to America's public lands, encourage them to connect with nature and discover the magic of being outdoors.

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Recipes and Tips for Allergic Hikers

Jun 06, 2017

Got an allergy-prone little one? You'll want to read Sarah Kirkconnell's tips and recipes for keeping them healthy and happy on trail. 

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Great Outdoor Photography on a Budget

May 31, 2017

Capturing a great image, including one good enough to win WTA’s photo contest, does not require spending thousands of dollars on expensive equipment. This month we offer some advice for photographers on a budget

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Hike Safely on Snow

May 26, 2017

Springtime and early summer can be a tempting time for hikers. The mountains may be calling, but high temperatures and sunny skies at the trailhead are no promise for perfect conditions higher up. Snow sticks around at high elevations, sometimes all year round.

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Bring on the Bugs: A Key to Identifying 10 Common Washington Insects

May 25, 2017

Although they are small, insects control much of our natural environment! They pollinate flowers, decompose organic material into soil, and provide food to many other species. The next time you and your family are out hiking, try to spot one of these ten common Washington insects.

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Volunteers Clear Forest Roads, Making WTA Work Parties Possible

May 23, 2017

Thanks for Citizens for Forest Roads, WTA will be able to work on the Ridley Creek Trail in the Mount Baker area.

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A Pig, T-Rex and Darth Thaddeus Go Hiking

May 17, 2017

It sounds like the start to a joke, but it's actually just another great week in WTA trip reports.

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First BCRT? We've Got a List You'll Want To Read

May 17, 2017

Courtesy of seasoned volunteer Al Mashburn who's got 15 BCRTs under his boots, here's a short list of items that help make WTA's most physically taxing trips a little more comfortable.

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Roads Report: Seasonal Roads Open, Others Close for Repairs

May 17, 2017

Roads and passes open in the North Cascades and Mount Rainier. Mora Road (and access to Rialto Beach) in Olympic National Park will also be closed for 6 weeks during repairs.

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A Second Life For Old Tools

May 16, 2017

WTA staffer finds more than good bargains on gear in thrift stores. She finds high-quality trail tools to rehab and give a new life.

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3 Reasons To Join WTA for Vacation

May 16, 2017

Are you looking for more ways to fill your summer with outdoor adventures? How about signing up for one of WTA’s backcountry trips?

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What a Difference Two Days Make: Closing A Trail Loop in Puyallup

May 16, 2017

WTA helped the City of Puyallup complete a 5.5 mile trail loop in just two days this spring!

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Adventure: Mothers Make It Happen

May 12, 2017

Mothers (grandmothers, aunts and cousins) have opened the doors for so many of us to the outdoors. In honor of Mother's Day, we bring you four stories of mothers leading the charge on trails.

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