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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Weird Weather, Low Snowpack: What to Expect in an Unusual Early Hiking Season
Mar 13, 2015
We're likely to be feeling the impacts of the warm weather and low snowpack all year long. But for now, enjoy the warmer temperatures and early explorations using these seasonal hiking tips.
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Volunteer to Explore Washington
Mar 12, 2015
Trying a new trail can be intimidating, but there's a way to do it without worrying about wasting the day. Take a day, a weekend, or a week and volunteer with WTA in a part of Washington you've never seen. You might find your new favorite trail, or a new hiking friend.
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Future Voters, Avid Hikers Prove Advocacy Is for Everyone
Mar 10, 2015
Meet Planet Granite, a club of high school students devoted to getting their peers outdoors and to protecting their favorite local trails in the North Cascades.
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Celebrate Earth Day with EarthShare and WTA
Mar 09, 2015
The time you spend on a WTA work party before April 30 could do even more for trails when you participate in the EarthShare Earth Day Challenge.
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Spring Cleaning: Reorganize Your Hiking Gear with Lightweight Packing Solutions
Mar 09, 2015
Spring is the perfect time to reorganize your hiking gear. We show you our favorite tips and products to help you minimize gear chaos and start the hiking season off right.
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Spring Cleaning: Refresh Your Hiking Gear with Fabric-Specific Cleaners
Mar 09, 2015
Keeping your gear clean and in good repair can mean the difference between using the same gear for years and having to replace it every season. Here’s the down and dirty on keeping it all—from sleeping bags to tents to boots—clean.
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Spring Cleaning: Restock Your Trail Wardrobe with 10 Apparel Essentials
Mar 09, 2015
Spring is the perfect time to update your outdoor wardrobe with these ten apparel essentials. They reflect all of the layers you need on trail to be ready for everything from dayhikes to long-distance backpacks, and all trail and weather conditions.
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Survivalist Bookshelf: Field Guides & True Stories
Mar 07, 2015
There are plenty of great books that can help you sharpen your skills, become a more prepared hiker and recreate safely in the outdoors. Here are four books focused on survival that we enjoyed—and our favorite tips to get you started.
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Fish & Wildlife, National Parks Requests Hiker Input on Grizzly Bear Plan
Mar 05, 2015
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service are seeking public comments on a proposal to reintroduce grizzly bears in the North Cascades.
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Four Trails That Need Your Help in March
Mar 03, 2015
This month WTA is working in several locations that need some special attention, and we'd love to have your help! Join us for a day full of safety, fun, and work, and make your mark on the trails you love.
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On Lobby Day, Hikers from 26 Districts Champion Outdoor Access, Trail Funding
Feb 27, 2015
This week, more than 60 hikers joined us in Olympia to tell legislators why funding for trails and equitable outdoor access are critical issues for Washington.
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Call for New Trails in Clark County Parks
Feb 26, 2015
If you'd like to see more local hiking and walking trails in Clark County, here are two easy ways to tell the county and its Parks Advisory Board how you feel in an online survey or in person.
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What Do State Parks Mean to You?
Feb 23, 2015
What do you like about visiting one of Washington's State Parks? Help get the next generation into the parks by taking a brief survey, and you'll entered to win a $150 REI giftcard!
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Trails: A Love Story
Feb 12, 2015
Hikers share all kinds of on-trail experiences with us, including various displays of affection. Whether it's showing someone they love a new trail, a surprise marriage proposal, or a farewell to faithful hiking companions, we've gathered some touching on-trail moments here to celebrate Valentine's Day.
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Enchantments Backpacking Lottery Dates, Permits for 2015
Feb 12, 2015
Your step-by-step guide to the permit process for backpacking in Washington's Enchantments Basin between June 14 and October 16.
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Supporting More Women in Outdoor Leadership Roles
Feb 11, 2015
REI, the Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition and other companies are working to build the ranks of women in their companies. Learn how WTA continues to forge a larger place for women leaders on the trails of Washington and beyond.
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Our Call to State Legislators: Invest in Trails & Public Lands
Feb 10, 2015
Ninety percent of Washingtonians walk, hike, climb and mountaineer each year. The majority do so by utilizing trails on public lands. Yet over the past few decades, funding for parks, trails and other open spaces has been drastically reduced. The 2015 state legislative session started on January 12th. WTA has had a regular presence at the state’s capitol in Olympia, ensuring that hikers’ voices are heard loud and clear, and calling for support and sustainable funding of outdoor recreation.
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On King County Trails, Keep Dogs On Leash
Feb 07, 2015
There are many great reasons to obey the leash laws in effect on King County Parks trails, from avoiding steep fines to keeping your dog safe to creating a trail culture that welcomes dogs. Also: tips for wearing out your pup without breaking leash laws.
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Does Your Favorite Summer Trail Sport a Seasonal Avalanche Chute? How to Know and Where to Go
Feb 06, 2015
Temperature, snow conditions and hazards can fluctuate dramatically in our never-boring northwest climate. Get some tips for checking mountain conditions and picking a fun, safe hike, every single time.
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Early Season Maintenance on the Olympic Peninsula
Feb 02, 2015
With a positively balmy January on the books, Washington's trails have seen more traffic than normal for midwinter. You can help WTA provide repairs and improvements to those trails, as hikers tromp the tread. The Olympic Peninsula in particular has plenty of opportunities for you to come help out. Take a look at our upcoming work parties in February and see when you can step up and pitch in for trails.
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Four Trails That Need Your Help in February
Feb 02, 2015
This month we're working in several locations that need some special attention and we'd love to have your help! Join us for a day full of safety, fun, and work, and make your mark on the trails you love.
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