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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Hiker Destinations from August's Hike-a-Thon

Aug 29, 2013

Check out a slideshow of Hike-a-Thoners in action this August, and see where they've been hiking. You might just find your Labor Day hike in the list.

How to Poop in the Woods

Aug 21, 2013

Just because you’re miles away from the modern conveniences of indoor plumbing does not mean that doing your duty has to be a chore. Learn the right way to go to the bathroom in the woods. When do you need to pack it out? When and where should you bury your business following Leave No Trace principles?

Help Hikers Reach Their Goals

Aug 21, 2013

Hike-a-Thoners have already logged more than 2,525 hiking miles in 21 days of hiking, and they are making each mike count for trails with sponsorship dollars. With still a full week to go, these hikers need your help to reach their fundraising goals.

Cascade River Road and North Cascades Hwy Open

Aug 21, 2013

The Cascade River Road is now open to the Cascade Pass trailhead. The North Cascades Highway also reopened this week, after crews cleared mudslides and repaired damage from mudslides.

Backpacking with Baby: 15 Days 'Round Rainier

Aug 20, 2013

One family spends 15 days and 14 nights on the Wonderland Trail -- with a 9-month-old baby. For families who are wondering if they should backpack with baby, WTA trip reporter MikeOnAHike answers four of the most common questions they get along the trail. Check them out, and get inspired by their adventure.

Get Away with WTA this Labor Day Weekend

Aug 20, 2013

Everyone loves three day weekends. That's the problem - everyone gets that extra day and suddenly the solitude and quiet you were so looking forward to is nowhere to be found. What to do? How to escape the crowds? Join us on a Backcountry Response Team trip in the beautiful, secluded, 14,000 acre Salmo-Priest Wilderness, the only wilderness in the northeast part of Washington.

Break Out the S'mores, North Cascades Roads Update

Aug 16, 2013

The campfire ban on state lands is lifted west of the crest, but you'll have to celebrate National S'mores Day over a backpacking stove in most of the state. A section of the North Cascades Highway (Hwy 20) remains closed as crews work to clear massive mudslides. Cascade River Road closed to cars, open to foot traffic.

Keep Hiking News from Getting Lost in Your New Gmail Inbox

Aug 15, 2013

If you use Gmail, the new inbox tabs may mean you're missing hiking and volunteering information from WTA. If your love of hiking and the outdoors is primary to your life, then take these two simple steps to make it primary to your Gmail inbox, too.

Great Trails for Volunteering and Camping with WTA

Aug 14, 2013

Looking for a way to spend one of your last summer weekends? Gather some close friends or family and join WTA on an overnight trip! Volunteering on weekend work parties is a great way to give back to trails, have a fun camping experience and get to know other people who love being outdoors, all at the same time.

Mudslides Close Two Major North Cascades Roads

Aug 12, 2013

Thunderstorms with intense rains caused wash-outs of two very popular roads this past weekend in North Cascades National Park. Highway 20, the major east-west route through the park, is closed for further notice due to a series of at least eight mudslides between mileposts 150 and 155. Heavy rains also caused the Cascade River Road to wash out at milepost 18, affecting the popular Cascade Pass trailhead.

Spotlight on the Suiattle, Action on Trail Access

Aug 09, 2013

As repairs to the Suiattle River Road slowly begin to approach reality, Ron Judd, a staff writer for The Seattle Times, has written thoughtful article in examining the challenges that hikers are facing in accessing some of the wild places hikers love. Find out how you can get involved in access issues.

BINGO! A Hike-a-Thoner Game Gives Back

Aug 09, 2013

Hike-a-Thoner Holly Weiler is the first hiking BINGO winner in this year's Hike-a-Thon. Check out the five hikes in Eastern Washington that she hiked to win, or sign up to make your bid for more cool prizes in one of Hike-a-Thon's fun prize categories.

Fire Closes Trails in Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Aug 07, 2013

Two trails in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness have closed due to a small, lightning-caused fire that started over the weekend. A burn ban on state lands and other campfire restrictions remain in place across the state to prevent new fires from starting.

People (and Especially Hikers) Are Awesome

Aug 05, 2013

Here at Washington Trails Association, we see a generosity of spirit in hikers and volunteers every single day. We're constantly blown away by hikers' highly developed sense of kindness, adventure and fun. So, we're sharing four little stories that prove, once again, that people are awesome.

Governor's Proclamation: August 3 is Washington Trails Day

Aug 01, 2013

Today, Governor Jay Inslee declared this coming Saturday, August 3 as Washington Trails Day. The inaugural Washington Trails Day is a day for Washington to get out and hike!

Wildfire Season: Mount Si Closed, Fire Danger High

Jul 29, 2013

From Mount Si to Klickitat County, the North Cascades to Wentachee, the first of the season's wildfires have already started burning in Washington. Burn bans, poor air quality, hazy views and lightning storms in the forecast all have the potential to impact hikers and campers in the coming weeks. Stay informed about current wildfire threats and help prevent additional wildfires from starting.

Take Someone Hiking on Washington Trails Day (Aug 3)

Jul 27, 2013

WTA is celebrating Washington Trails Day on August 3 by getting hikers new and old out on trail. Spread your love of hiking by taking a friend or family member for their first hike.

Alpine Lakes Protection Bill Gets A House Hearing

Jul 25, 2013

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions bill continues to show momentum for passage in 2013. After having passed the U.S. Senate on June 19, its companion bill, H.R. 361, received a hearing in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation on July 23.

Homemade Bars: Three Ways

Jul 24, 2013

On your next hike, stay fueled up on trail with quick, easy and heart-healthy bar recipes made with all-natural ingredients.

Nature on Trail: Rufous Hummingbird, Northwestern Salamander, Elephant´s Head

Jul 22, 2013

Northwest forests are teeming with life. On your next hike, look out for the Rufous Hummingbird, Northwestern Salamander, and Elephant´s Head.

Taking Kids Camping for the First Time

Jul 19, 2013

Get tips for camping with kids and ideas for kid-friendly hikes near Mount Rainier from Youth Programs Manager Krista Dooley as she shares her experience taking her nephew camping and hiking for the first time.