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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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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Four Trails that Need Your Help in December
Dec 10, 2014
Fight the December doldrums and get outside with our volunteer crews on one of these trails, from Poo-Poo Point to Beacon Rock State Park, where we could really use some your help.
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Wild: A Book, A Movie and an Invitation to the Trail
Dec 05, 2014
Cheryl Strayed's story of her journey along the Pacific Crest Trail hits movie theaters today in the film adaptation starting Reese Witherspoon. Millions of moviegoers will get their first look at the Pacific Crest Trail and the powerful experiences found on trail. We're hoping it inspires new and experienced hikers alike to hit the trail and become lifelong trail advocates.
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What to Watch After Seeing 'Wild'
Dec 05, 2014
So you've seen Wild, and you're stoked. You want to hit the trail now, but many of the great trails are buried under snow. We've rounded up a few resources and films to help you get your fix while you spend the season planning your own next great adventure.
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Lead an Outdoor Trip with Your Youth Group in 2015
Dec 03, 2014
Do you dream about taking your class or youth group on a hiking or camping trip? Make it happen this year! WTA will lend you free outdoor gear and provide trip funding. Get started by signing up for one of the 2015 Outdoor Leadership Training workshops.
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Speak Up for Hiking Trails at Teanaway Open House
Dec 02, 2014
Voice your opinions about the future of the Teanaway Community Forest at an upcoming public open house on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 5-8 p.m. at the Swauk Teanaway Grange, 1361 Ballard Rd. West, Cle Elum.
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Double Your Impact for Trails on #GivingTuesday
Dec 01, 2014
If you made a favorite memory on a Washington trail this year, or you plan to in 2015 then please consider giving back to WTA on #GivingTuesday.
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Hike, Ski, Snowshoe, Soak, Volunteer: A Washington Week in Trip Reports
Dec 01, 2014
You might think that rain, fresh snow and freezing temps might have kept folks inside last week. Not in Washington. From backcountry hotsprings to eagle watching and first tracks on a Mount Baker trail, check out the week in photos.
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Flood Watch in Cascades, Mount Rainier National Park Temporarily Closed
Nov 25, 2014
Mount Rainier National Park has issued a temporarily closure midday Tuesday, Nov. 25 due to heavy rains along the western Cascades. A flood watch is in effect for a number of rivers and Western Washington counties.
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