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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Two New Knothead Views of the Little Spokane
Jul 08, 2015
In the last few years, WTA's trail maintenance volunteers have been working improving and expanding the extensive trail system at Riverside State Park outside Spokane. Volunteers broke ground on the new Knothead Trail in 2013. This spring, they completed work on a new section of the trail that takes hikers to two scenic viewpoints overlooking the Little Spokane River.
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Meet WTA’s Remarkable Volunteer Crew Leaders
Jul 08, 2015
WTA's assistant crew leaders are committed to keeping our volunteer community growing and thriving.
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How to Start an Outdoors Club at Your School
Jul 06, 2015
In a school outdoor program, students can come together and explore passions and curiosities about outdoor activities. When I started an Outdoors Club at my high school, the mission was to educate and provide outdoor opportunities for students in our community. Here are a few lessons I learned along the way.
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Wildfires Continue to Burn Across Washington
Jul 02, 2015
Continued hot and dry weather conditions have left Washington vulnerable to wildfires this summer. Get the latest info on current fire conditions and campfire restrictions.
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Bumpy Roads Ahead for Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Jun 30, 2015
After public meetings this year, the Forest Service released its draft Travel Analysis Process for Gifford Pinchot National Forest, but the plan didnt address many hiker concerns.
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Weekend Trip Report Roundup: Staying Cool on Hot Trails
Jun 30, 2015
Here are a few of our favorite trip reports from the weekend that feature a refreshing body of water to enjoy at the end of a hot hike.
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Reichert, Cantwell Introduce Greenway National Heritage Area Legislation in Congress
Jun 29, 2015
Representative Dave Reichert and Senator Maria Cantwell introduced legislation to designate the Mountains to Sound Greenway as a National Heritage Area.
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Two Kids, Three Months, 100 Miles of Backpacking
Jun 26, 2015
Lorelei Felchlin is an adventurous spirit, and she's fostering that same spirit in her kids by getting them outdoors as much as possible. Joey (9), Elissa (7), and Vivian (1) spend their time hiking, backpacking, rock climbing and caving, and now they have set a goal to backpack 100 miles this summer. WTA caught up with her to discuss how she's going to tackle this goal.
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Hikers' Voices Heard on I-90 Timber Sale
Jun 23, 2015
Over 500 comments from hikers were sent to the Forest Service asking for a timber harvest to be to be balanced with protecting trails. The Forest Service heard hikers loud and clear.
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Shape New Trails in the Central Cascades
Jun 15, 2015
The Nature Conservancy made news with a historic land purchase preserving 47,921 acres of land near Cle Elum. You have the chance to shape the future of the land.
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Take a Hiking Shuttle to Mount Si or Dog Mountain
Jun 13, 2015
Avoid sitting in traffic, save gas and spend the day exploring some of the best local hiking at Mount Si, Little Si, Dog Mountain, Cape Horn and the Pacific Crest Trail (at Bridge of the Gods).
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Making the Most of National Get Outdoors Day
Jun 12, 2015
Saturday, June 13, is National Get Outdoors Day, which means you can access both Washington State Parks and Forest Service lands without a parking permit! Check out our list of great areas to explore on this fee-free holiday.
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Camp and Clean Up Trails in an Enchanting Place
Jun 12, 2015
Anywhere that hikers flock to, you'll find WTA keeping the trails up. Join us July 17-19 and maintain several of the trails that provide access to areas like the Enchantments and Icicle Ridge. Camp at the Chatter Creek Guard Station and save the long morning commute.
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Wilderness on Olympic Peninsula Seeks Permanent Protection From Congress
Jun 12, 2015
Communities on the Olympic Peninsula could get a new wilderness area to hike — the first in 30 years — permanently protecting 126,500 acres of forest and 464 miles of river.
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Wildfire Season Arrives: Thunder Creek Closures, Fire Safety Tips
Jun 11, 2015
Learn which trails are currently closed and how you can help prevent additional fires from starting.
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Fireside Circle Members Go to Work for Trails
Jun 11, 2015
Last Sunday, several enthusiastic members of WTA's Fireside Circle gathered to participate in a work party on the Pratt Connector Trail, located in the newly-expanded Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Already popular, trails in this area are expected to see increasing use in the coming years once paving of the Middle Fork Road is complete.
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Trail Runners Pay Tribute to Trails
Jun 09, 2015
In its 11th year, the "Tribute to the Trails" Calendar Project was established as a fundraiser for the Washington Trails Association (WTA).
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Help King County Forge the Future for Squak & Cougar Mountain
May 27, 2015
New trails are in the works in the valley between Squak and Cougar Mountains. Help shape the future of this developing Issaquah Alps trail system: share your input with King County.
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Trending: Kids and Teens Fix Up Trails
May 26, 2015
In April and May, WTA supported a record number of 449 trail maintenance experiences with kids and teens! In addition, we worked with a total of 15 school and community groups, some more than once.
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Memorial Day Weekend in Trip Reports: Wildlife, Waterfalls and Wildflowers
May 26, 2015
Trip reports from Memorial Day weekend include dramatic sunsets, foggy ridge traverses, and roaming wildlife. Check out a sampling of trip reports to learn more about how other hikers spent their weekends.
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Advocacy Update: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Schedules Roads Meetings
May 26, 2015
Rough forest roads can make it challenging to reach trails. The Gifford-Pinchot National Forest is preparing to share a management plan that will prioritize road infrastructure.
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