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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Wandering the Wonderland Trails: One Hiker's First Volunteer Vacation Experience
Feb 02, 2015
Read about Archana Bhat's first volunteer vacation experience, where she spent seven days in the wilderness, maintaining trails and hiking in the shadow of the iconic Mount Rainier.
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Plan Your Summer: Backcountry Volunteer Trip Preview
Jan 30, 2015
WTA’s Volunteer Vacations and Backcountry Response Teams (BCRTs) are a great way to give back to the trails that take you into the heart of Washington’s gorgeous wilderness. Get a look at some of the best locations, and make your plans before sign ups begin
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Seahawks Have the Kind of Fans Who Climb Mountains and Fix Trails for Their Team
Jan 28, 2015
In a state as beautiful as Washington, it should come as no surprise that the 12th man takes to the trails to show his or her Seahawks pride. We've rounded up a gallery of photos from recent trip reporters who have been capturing their dedication on trails around the state.
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Advice for Outdoor Families
Jan 28, 2015
Erin Kirkland, outdoor parent and editor of the new Outdoor Families Magazine, shares tips keeping kids warm and happy on trail.
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Help Build Two New Miles of Trail at Grand Ridge
Jan 27, 2015
This week, WTA is beginning work on a new 2-mile loop that will wind through a sweet stretch of hemlock and fir forest, and we could use your help to make it happen.
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Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road Closed
Jan 23, 2015
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest closed the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Road (Forest Service road 56) for public safety until further notice. Recent, heavy storms caused enough damage to the road to make it impassable to vehicles.
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New Trail Opens on Badger Mountain
Jan 16, 2015
Hikers at the Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve, a 650-acre park in Richland, will be able to enjoy a new trail at the preserve as of noon today.
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Inspiration and Advice from WTA's 2014 Photo Contest Winners
Jan 13, 2015
16 hiking photographers share what inspires them and how they captured their winning shots for WTA's 2014 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest winners with you.
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Timelapse: Moving a Thousand Pound Boulder by Hand
Jan 09, 2015
Yesterday on a brand new trail project on Squak Mountain, first time volunteer and trail runner Matt Hagen captured a timelapse showing how the crew used pulleys and ingenuity to shift a massive boulder into just the right place.
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New Study: The Economic Benefits of Our Outdoor Adventures
Jan 08, 2015
Your outdoor adventures have serious benefits for the state, too. A new study out today shows that outdoor recreation is a vital economic driver in Washington, generating $21.6 billion a year and almost 200,000 jobs.
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Hikers Start 2015 Off On the Right Foot
Jan 08, 2015
New Years Day 2015 brought cold and clear conditions all over the state, so plenty of people headed outside for a tromp on the first day of the new year. We got lots of trip reports from hikers who found snow, sunshine and views. Thanks for sharing your photos with us, and here's to many more memorable hikes in the year ahead.
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Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road Closed at Valley Camp
Jan 07, 2015
Stormy weather last week brought flooding to various parts of the state, including along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road. The road has been closed to vehicle traffic at Valley Camp. Repairs are estimated to take between two and three weeks.
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Four Trails that Need Your Help in January
Jan 01, 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. No experience is needed to join a work party, and anyone is welcome. We'll teach you what you need to know and find the right job for you. For more information on what to expect when you join us on trail, check out our FAQ page.
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Ice Caves Are Dangerous, So Keep Your Distance
Dec 29, 2014
Ice caves, like those at Big Four Ice Caves, pose a very real threat to anyone venturing in or near them. No matter how well-compacted or safe the snow may seem, always err on the side of caution and stay out of ice caves.
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Play Bird Bingo on Your Next Winter Hike
Dec 23, 2014
Spotting wildlife is a great reason to get outside and hike in the winter. Up your chances of seeing birds on these kid-friendly bird hikes, and turn it into a game by taking along a copy of Winter Bird Bingo.
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Meet WTA's Newest Trail Mentors
Dec 19, 2014
Our volunteer assistant crew leaders—better known by the orange hard hats they wear—have stepped up to be leaders on trail for a variety of reasons: camaraderie, a call to stewardship, the restorative powers of wilderness in a modern world. From favorite trail snack to where you'll run into them on trail, learn what makes our newest nine orange hats tick.
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Choose from 25 'First Day Hikes' in State Parks
Dec 18, 2014
Start your year with a hike outside. Washington State Parks are hosting guided First Day Hikes in 25 parks around the state on Jan 1. Choose one close to you, and spend your New Year's Day playing outdoors.
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WTA's Youth Ambassadors Are Doing More Than Ever
Dec 17, 2014
Youth Ambassador Program, youth program, teen volunteers, opportunities for youth
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Give Today to Double Your Impact!
Dec 15, 2014
Protect the trails you love and help WTA start strong in the New Year. Here are five great ways to support WTA this season.
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Trail Talk: PCT Expert Bob Woods On Washington's Iconic Trail
Dec 11, 2014
Each year, volunteers work on the PCT, which meanders along Washington's Cascadia spine from the Bridge of the Gods to Manning Park in Canada. And for years, Bob Woods has been WTA's main contact as the North Cascades Regional Representative for the iconic trail. Now, he's onto new adventures. We asked him to reflect on his time with Scenic Trails and let us know what's in store for the future.
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Victory! Hikers Celebrate New Additions to Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Dec 11, 2014
Today, Congress passed The Alpine Lakes Wilderness bill, which will protect an additional 22,000 acres to one of hikers' most beloved destinations. WTA and hikers have been working towards this victory for seven years.
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