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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Hiker Headlines: Big Four Ice Caves, Mount Pilchuck closures; Mount Rainier timed entry reservation system feedback

Sep 05, 2024

Join us at Trails and Ales in Cle Elum on Sept. 12. Be aware of some road and trail closures that might affect your hiking plans. Share your thoughts on the Mount Rainier timed entry reservation pilot season. And prepare for both hot weather and bugs this weekend!

Partnerships and Cooperation Expand Impact of WTA's work

Aug 30, 2024

WTA has completed several fantastic projects thanks to partnerships with land managers. Between weekend work parties, land manager trainings in exchange for rent and new trails, we're excited to share some updates with you.

Hiker Headlines: Hwy 20 opens, Stehekin reopens, berries ripening

Aug 29, 2024

It’s Aug. 29. Highway 20 has reopened and as wildfire risk dies down, the Stehekin evacuation orders have been lifted. In trip reports, berries are good for ripe for grazing and someone's spotted potentially the first snow of the season. Hike-a-Thoners are in their final push and watch out for trail runners along the PCT. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Representation and horse power: WTA and Back Country Horsemen of Washington team up for first joint all-women's trip

Aug 29, 2024

Watch a short film about the first all-women's backcountry trail work trip by longtime partners, Back Country Horsemen of Washington and Washington Trails Association.

Mount Rainier wants to know: How did timed entry impact your visit?

Aug 27, 2024

Mount Rainier National Park is wrapping up a pilot summer season of their timed entry reservation system for the popular Paradise and Sunrise corridors of the park. Park leadership wants your feedback on how the reservation system impacted your visit or plans to visit.

Hiker Headlines: Duckabush area fire closures, Johnston Ridge Observatory estimated to open 2027

Aug 22, 2024

There are plenty of closures on the Olympic Peninsula, both due to fires and construction, as well as a closure of Skate Creek Road near Longmire. Access to the Johnston Ridge Observatory is estimated to reopen in 2027, depending on how repairs go. And Lake Wenatchee State Park has a new beach-accessible wheelchair for visitors to use.

Hiker Headlines: Mount Rainier fire ban, thunderous forecast, share your take on forest roads

Aug 15, 2024

We’re halfway through Hike-a-Thon — there’s still time to join in on the fun! Wildfire season continues across the Pacific Northwest. Thunder is in the forecast this weekend. Lake Sammamish State Park is piloting a program that offers the public use of a multi-terrain accessibility chair. And WTA wants to hear how forest road conditions have affected your hikes.

Hike-a-Thon vibe check: How’s everyone doing so far?

Aug 13, 2024

It’s mid-August, which means one thing: Hike-a-Thon is in full swing! The best place to be on the internet right now is the Hike-a-Thon Facebook group, where dedicated participants are sharing their adventures and cheering each other on as they raise money for trails. Here's some of the fun folks are sharing online. (And it's not too late to register — join us anytime before Aug. 30!)

My life through lenses: A Northwest Exposure judge on her journey as a photographer

Aug 09, 2024

Victoria Obermeyer, WTA's multimedia content coordinator reflects on her career and passion for photography.

Hiker Headlines: Perseid meteor shower peaks, Mount Adams and Pasayten area fire closures

Aug 08, 2024

The Perseid meteor shower peaks this weekend! Wildfire growth across the state and construction projects are impacting trails. Hunting season is here. Washington State Parks is updating its campsite fees next year. And do your part to help secure $150 million in trail funding! Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

The five most commonly asked questions received by ambassadors

Aug 07, 2024

WTA outreach volunteers support WTA and hikers by conducting outreach at events and trailheads all over the state. They connect directly with the public about hiking and get asked a lot of questions. Here are the top five questions they recieve: By Nicole Masih-Theberge

Hiker Headlines: Hike-a-Thon begins, free day, new Trailhead Direct stop, Washington cities rank high in hikers

Aug 01, 2024

Hike-a-Thon starts today! This Sunday is Great American Outdoors Day, which celebrates the Great American Outdoors Act, and parking fees will be waived on some federal lands. Be aware of a new campfire ban — as well as some incoming smoke — and a couple of upcoming road closures. Some fun news though: Trailhead Direct has added a new stop and a couple of Washington cities ranked high in adult hikers compared to metropolitan areas across the country.

Great American Outdoors Act improves popular trails (roads, bathrooms and more)

Aug 01, 2024

For four years, the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) — a federal bill that became law on August 4, 2020 — has been funding major improvements to some of our state’s most popular trails. But it's about to expire.

Mount St. Helens Jamboree: 3 days of heat, trail work and fun

Jul 31, 2024

3 days, 23 people, 7 miles of trail cleared at Washington's most active volcano.

Share a story: Forest bathing at Heather Meadows

Jul 29, 2024

Enjoy a snapshot from the WTA trip reporter and Instagram community, brought to you by volunteer, trip reporter and photographer Derek Posey.

Hiker Headlines: Fire closures across the state, WTA is hiring and more

Jul 25, 2024

WTA is hiring for a donor relations officer! Be aware that there are many road and trail closures statewide to keep on your radar. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Hiker Headlines: Heat wave, new fires near North Cascades Hwy, Cascade Crest 100, bugs & beauty

Jul 18, 2024

A heat wave and poor air quality hit central and eastern Washington. A new wildfire near Rainy Pass temporarily closed a section of the North Cascades Hwy. It's reopened, but unplanned pass closures are possible due to wildfire activity. New fire flares up in the SE corner of the state. The Cascade Crest 100 is this weekend. It's buggy and beautiful out there, say trip reporters.

250,000 trip reports! A quarter million acts of kindness for the common good

Jul 17, 2024

How one tiny, generous habit has had a big impact for public lands and the trail community in Washington.

WTA youth program wins national recognition

Jul 16, 2024

WTA's youth trail maintenance program recently won an award for efficient management of funds!

Moments with Miles, the Hike-a-Thon spokesmarmot

Jul 12, 2024

Hike-a-Thon’s spokesmarmot chats with WTA staff about his favorite event of the year!

Hiker Headlines: Mount St. Helens crater rim collapse, Lake 22 and Shoofly Fire trail closures

Jul 11, 2024

A large piece of the Mount St. Helens crater rim has collapsed, resulting in danger and instability at the top of the Monitor Ridge route. July 16 is the Bureau of Land Management’s birthday, and parking fees will be waived on its lands. Over a thousand hikers pledged to stay on trail on Washington Trails Day this year! And be aware of several trail closures and fire restrictions as you plan your next adventure.