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.
______________________________________________________
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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).
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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).
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Celebrate Memorial Day at Washington's Coastal Forts
May 22, 2015
Hike through military history. What better way to celebrate Memorial Day than on a stroll at Fort Casey State Park or Fort Flagler State Park. Fort Ebey or Fort Worden State Park also have their fair share of history and hiking to enjoy.
Read More
Hiking and Camping Tips for Memorial Day Weekend
May 21, 2015
Are you getting outside this Memorial Day weekend? Whether you've had your plans for weeks or are thinking a spontaneous camping trip is just the ticket, Washington Trails Association can help. Below are a few tips for staying safe and ideas of where to hike, backpack and camp.
Read More
Taking Steps to Repair a Popular Peninsula Trail
May 20, 2015
After a volunteer work party on the Lena Lake Trail, it became apparent that popular trails need some extra maintenance help. Whether you're hiking or volunteering, here's what you can do to keep these trails in great shape.
Read More
Summer School: WTA's Crew Leader College
May 20, 2015
How do the people you volunteer with know so much about trail maintenance? They went to college -- Crew Leader College, hosted annually by WTA.
Read More
Volunteer Twice, Earn a Free Pass
May 20, 2015
When you participate in two work parties on National Forest land, you'll earn an annual Northwest Forest Pass—the $30 pass that you need to park at many trailheads in the state.
Read More
Trail Work as Quality Family Time
May 20, 2015
Volunteering with your kids on trail can be a very rewarding experience. It instills in them a sense of responsibility, and helps them take pride in a job well done. WTA Board member Joe Gregg periodically volunteers with his kids and offered a few words of wisdom about the value of getting young ones into volunteering at a young age.
Read More
Was Your Favorite Trail Protected by This Little-Known Program?
May 15, 2015
Treasured places like Antoine Peak and Iller Creek in Spokane, the Duwamish Greenbelt in King County and more will remain in the public trust thanks to the Conservation Futures program.
Read More
Spending a Day with Inspirational Educators on a Hiking Workshop
May 15, 2015
The Outdoor Leadership Training program offers hiking and camping workshops for youth group leaders. On a hiking workshop at Tiger Mountain, participants with a variety of backgrounds came together to share experiences and learn how to safely plan and lead outdoor activities with youth groups.
Read More