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.
______________________________________________________
Video: Citizen Scientists in Search of Olympic Pine Marten
Jun 11, 2014
This winter, adventure science volunteers donated three months of their time to help Olympic National Forest biologists study pine marten. Watch the video and hear from WTA volunteers about what its like to become citizen scientists.
Read More
Outdoor Recreation: Tell Governor's Task Force Your Ideas for Washington
Jun 09, 2014
This year, Governor Inslee formed a Blue Ribbon Task Force to boost the state recreation economy. Attend a meeting or answer a few questions online to make sure that the task force hears what matters most to you as they chart the future of recreation in Washington.
Read More
Instagram Weekly Roundup: From Cave to Summit
Jun 06, 2014
This week on Instagram, summit Red Mountain, go inside Ape Caves, and enjoy views of light, clouds and water through the eyes of hikers in Washington. On Instagram? Follow us @washingtontrails and tag #washingtontrails when you're out adventuring this summer!
Read More
Finally! Suiattle River Road to Reopen in Late Fall
Jun 06, 2014
Repairs on the Suiattle River Road is scheduled to be completed by late fall. Here's what hikers who want to access the corridor during construction need to know, and a glimpse of what you have to look forward to next year.
Read More
Olympic National Park Proposes Temporary Move of Enchanted Valley Chalet
Jun 05, 2014
Teetering on the bank of the East Fork Quinault River in Olympic National Park, the Enchanted Valley Chalet likely cannot withstand another harsh Olympic winter. Park officials want to temporarily move the chalet away from the river, a plan that WTA supports. Share your thoughts on the proposed move by midnight June 5.
Read More
Learn, Lead & Inspire: WTA's New Outdoor Leadership Program
Jun 04, 2014
WTA’s new Outdoor Leadership Training Program (OLT) will be offering four resources to adults interested in leading trips on their own: workshops on a variety of trip-leading topics, a free gear-lending library, mini-grants for transportation and trip costs and ongoing community support to foster connections and crowdsource solutions to common problems.
Read More
Five Trails That Need Your Help in June
Jun 04, 2014
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.
Read More
Borrow Free Gear to Take Youth Groups Camping
Jun 03, 2014
Sign up for an overnight, entry-level course that covers the knowledge and skills to lead an overnight camping experience with a youth group. When you attend a workshop this summer, you’ll get access to high-quality camping and hiking gear through our free gear lending library. Workshop graduates can apply for $250 mini-grants to support outdoor youth experiences.
Read More
IslandWood CEO: Your Couch Is Far More Dangerous Than You Think
Jun 03, 2014
Do parents really need to fear animal attacks, abduction and accidents? After looking more deeply into the facts and figures of these perceived threats, IslandWood's president and CEO Ben Klasky raises the question of whether we do children more harm than good in trying to keep kids "safely" indoors.
Read More
Instagram Weekly Roundup: #washingtontrails
May 30, 2014
Take a trip through Washington's wild places through the eyes of hikers and explorers on Instagram. From Mount St. Helens to Lake Chelan, get inspired by some of our favorite shots from the week, and tag #washingtontrails when you're out adventuring this summer!
Read More
Destination Darrington: Hike and Visit This Mountain Loop Hub
May 30, 2014
If you've been itching to get out on the gorgeous trails along the Mountain Loop Highway, now is the time to visit. A coalition of outdoor and recreation partners have made visiting the area around Darrington easy with a map guide to outdoor destinations and local businesses.
Read More
Hacking Your Tortillas for the Trail
May 29, 2014
From sweet potatoes to smoked trout, pinto beans to hommous, you blew us away with filling ideas and alternatives to the tortilla (waffles are a revelation). Get the recipes and try out some the kid-friendly filling ideas on your next family picnic.
Read More
Backpack Review: Ten Pack Picks from Hydration to Trekking
May 24, 2014
From hydration pack to day pack to ultralight and backpacking, WTA's gear team field-tested and rated ten new packs: the Osprey Rev 12, Outdoor Research Levitator 16, Outdoor Products Amphibian 20, Osprey Stratos 34, Gregory Z40, REI Crestrail 48, Gregory J53, GoLite Quest 65, Granite Gear Nimbus Trace Access 70.
Read More
Tent Review: Six Top 2-3 Person Tents
May 24, 2014
Looking to invest in your first tent or replace an old one? WTA gives you the low-down on six great tents for 2-3 people: The Mountain Hardwear Optic 2.5, NEMO Galaxi 2, Big Agnes Fishhook UL2, Sierra Designs Flashlight 2UL, MSR Hubba Hubba NX (redesigned), The North Face Talus 3.
Read More
Hike, Backpack and Camp: Tips for Memorial Day Weekend
May 22, 2014
With Memorial Day weekend coming early this year, you might still be nailing down your hiking, camping and backpacking plans. Read out tips for exploring snow-free destinations and scoring last-minute camping spots.
Read More
Spring Onto a New Trail, Meet a New Crew Member
May 21, 2014
What a spring we've had! Our trail maintenance program has been hard at work opening trails, building bridges, and improving trails in new areas.
Read More
Lend a Hand on National Trails Day
May 21, 2014
Mark your calendars; June 7th is National Trails Day! This year is the 22nd anniversary of this nationwide effort, when volunteers across America rally together to celebrate this single day reserved for trails everywhere.
Read More
Take Better Nighttime Photos
May 16, 2014
Learn how to take better nighttime photos with this new photography guide from Mountaineers Books.
Read More
Now Open: North Cascade Hwy, Mount St. Helens
May 12, 2014
In sure signs of spring, the North Cascades Highway and Mount St. Helen's visitors centers are now open. Spring runoff has also caused the closure of Twisp River Road.
Read More
Climbers Honor Mother's Day on Slopes of Mount St. Helens
May 06, 2014
Each year on Mother's Day, at 6 a.m., sleepy mountaineers begin making their way up the normally imposing, often snow-covered volcano for the annual Mount St. Helens Mother's Day Climb in honor of moms everywhere.
Read More
Lyle Community Trails Plan Moves Forward
May 05, 2014
A draft plan for a system of non-motorized trails adjacent to the town of Lyle will be presented at a public meeting from 6-8 pm on May 7th. WTA looks forward to engaging volunteers in helping to build and maintain this new trail system, but we need your support to help make it the best trail plan it can be.
Read More