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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Trip report corner: Decades of hikes and stories

May 29, 2024

Peer into years of hiking experience with longtime WTA trip reporters Bob and Barb.

No Child Left Inside gets more kids outdoors than ever

May 28, 2024

WTA and our partners — Youth Experiential Training Institute, The Wilderness Society and others — succeeded in securing No Child Left Inside's highest level of funding to date from the state legislature. This investment of $7 million for grants from 2023-2025 is now funding 92 programs around the state, supporting tens of thousands of Washington’s youth in getting outdoors.

Before and after: Trails get a glow-up from WTA crews

May 24, 2024

Nearly halfway through the year (what, how is that possible), WTA has done more than 350 work parties. We've opened trails, improved staircases and even improved a climbing area!

Hiker Headlines: Now hiring, Pratt River Trail closed, Cayuse Pass opening, hike planning with WTA

May 23, 2024

WTA is hiring for a South Puget Sound trail crew leader. Join WTA hiking experts on May 30 for tips on how to plan your next adventures. Some places are opening up for the season, but there are also some temporary closures. The Forest Service is asking the public for help to limit the spread of a fungus that can be fatal to bats in the Boulder Cave area. And Memorial Day weekend is here!

How to hack your s’mores recipe for your next camping trip

May 22, 2024

When you’re packing for your adventure, consider bringing along the ingredients for a s’more buffet station. Create your own fun or ridiculous recipes, or get some inspiration here.

New local map makes the Carbon River corner of Rainier easier to explore

May 20, 2024

On the northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park is a series of communities and outdoor experiences that make an ideal getaway for visiting the park, even when you don’t have reservations. The town of Wilkeson has collaborated with partners, including WTA, to create a locally-designed visitor access map to guide your visit.

Partnership helps WTA get more done for Mount St. Helens trails

May 17, 2024

Washington Trails Association and the Mount St. Helens Institute team up to make it easier to hike near the iconic volcano.

Hiker Headlines: Trailhead Direct is back, it's backcountry overnight permit season, Mount St. Helens trail closures

May 16, 2024

Trailhead Direct is starting back up again for the hiking season — and bringing back some routes! The backcountry overnight permit seasons for North Cascades National Park and the Enchantments are starting. And there are some funding wins to celebrate this week.

WTA's Emerging Leaders Program ends on a high note

May 16, 2024

"It has been fulfilling to see where ELP alumni interests propel them on their endeavors after completing this program."

Join WTA on May 21 for trail recommendations from our local experts

May 14, 2024

Build your hiking wish list with WTA staff experts.

Hiker Headlines: Tiger Mountain trail closures, North Cascades summer operations, safety tips for warm weekend

May 09, 2024

Be aware of some trail and road closures. North Cascades National Park has announced its summer operations. And we have a warm weekend coming up!

How to find (and protect) wildflowers on your spring hikes

May 06, 2024

Tap the incredible community of trip reporters to follow the bloom across Washington. Plus, get tips on how to get stunning photographs of flowers, without ever stepping foot off trail.

Hiker Headlines: Hike the State, Big Four Ice Caves, Longmire to Paradise Road

May 02, 2024

Join WTA for Hike the State on May 21. GiveBIG for trails is May 7-8! Be aware of some closures that could affect your hiking plans, including a temporary closure of the Big Four Ice Caves trail. The Longmire to Paradise Road nightly closures are over for the season. There’s also some exciting campground news — many are opening up and one has just undergone a big improvement project.

Using technology to help people connect with and protect wild places since 1966

Apr 29, 2024

How WTA continues to embrace technologies old and new in order to meet the needs of the day.

Hiker Headlines: GiveBIG, WTA jobs, North Cascades grizzlies, Mountain Loop Highway

Apr 25, 2024

GiveBIG early giving is open! WTA is hiring for a full-time volunteer and training coordinator. Timed-entry permits for all dates in Mount Rainier National Park this summer will be available to reserve on May 1. Permits will be required to park at the Dog Mountain and Augspurger Mountain trailhead starting April 27. A decision on restoring grizzlies to the North Cascades has been announced. Part of the Mountain Loop Highway has reopened after the winter season.

5 ways to connect with WTA this spring

Apr 18, 2024

Check out these tips and tricks to connect with trails this spring. By Nicole Masih-Théberge

New trail opens in Sammamish, connecting local parks system

Apr 18, 2024

WTA collaborated with the City of Sammamish to build a new trail in Big Rock Park South, the third of three sections of park generously donated to the city. The new trail connects to 4 miles of trails throughout Big Rock Parks North and Central, as well as the city center, further increasing walkability and access to nature in Sammamish. By Victoria Obermeyer

Hiker Headlines: Highway 20 opening, free days, meteor shower, tick season

Apr 18, 2024

The North Cascades Highway will open on April 19! Parking fees will be waived in some areas on April 20 and April 22. Construction work has started along US 101 that will cause delays this summer. There’s a meteor shower this weekend, and we’re officially in tick season.

Young hikers build interactive art exhibit to educate about trails

Apr 12, 2024

A group of six students designed a built a tool to encourage responsible hiking and volunteering on Badger Mountain in the Tri-Cities. And they will show it off at a national event.

Hiker Headlines: Olympic National Park backcountry permits, prescribed burns, partial trail closure

Apr 11, 2024

Overnight permits in Olympic National Park for the peak summer season will be available to reserve on April 15. Prescribed burns are planned in national forests this month. A portion of the Spokane River Centennial Trail will be closed for several months this summer. And read about what a day volunteering on trail with WTA looks like in The Seattle Times.

Join WTA for live music set to photos of Washington's trails

Apr 05, 2024

Love mountains? Love music? Join us for a hiking-themed concert with photos from around the state set to live music. By Brynna Counts-Morgan