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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A Hiker's Guide to National Park Week

Apr 22, 2013

Today marks the start of National Park Week, and to celebrate, the parks haved waived entrance fees Apr. 22-26. With three amazing National Parks here in Washington and a week of gorgeous weather predicted, it's the perfect time to check out these great spots fee-free.

Giving Back to Trails: A First Time Volunteer Experience

Apr 19, 2013

Sara Kiesler recently signed up to volunteer for her first day of trail maintenance, and then she blogged about the experience. From carpooling to learning about a cross-cut saw, read what it's like the first time you put on a green hat with Washington Trails Association.

Find a Safe, Snow-Free Trail to Hike

Apr 17, 2013

Spring is a tricky season for hikers and snowshoers in the Northwest. Because temperatures fluctuate so widely, dangers from avalanches can actually increase around this time. Get tips on trails to avoid and ideas for a fun safe hike. Plus: strategies for navigating the common hazards of springtime hiking.

North Cascades Highway Opens

Apr 16, 2013

After clearing snow, rock slides, and releasing avalanche chutes, Washington State DOT crews opened the North Cascade Highway today, which will make it easier for hikers to explore the Methow Valley.

Budget Proposals Contrast On State Park Funding

Apr 11, 2013

The Washington State House released its operating budget yesterday, allocating $23.7 million for Washington State Parks - $7.2 million more than what was allocated in the Senate's budget.

Camping and Hiking on Bainbridge Island by Bike

Apr 10, 2013

From views of a distant Mount Rainier to closeups of some of the small wonders found in wilderness, you can't help but want to get outside when you watch this video portrait of a bike camping adventure from central Seattle to Bainbridge Island by Daniel Penner. Watch it, and learn more about camping and hiking on Bainbridge Island.

Join Zachary, WTA's New Seattle-Area Blue Hat, on Trail

Apr 09, 2013

Meet Zachary McBride, an experienced crew leader who will be leading most day trips in the Puget Sound area all year long. When you end up on trail with Zachary, you're guaranteed to have fun while you get the work done.

New Hiking Guidebook for Eastern Washington

Apr 05, 2013

With 125 hikes in the brand new Day Hiking Eastern Washington guidebook, you can hike your way to wildflowers, hidden waterfalls and marshes full of birdsong; sweeping vistas of mountains and rolling hills; intimate canyons with steep basalt cliffs; lush forests and golden woodlands. Order or download your copy today.

First Volunteer Vacation: Sun, Fun on Second Beach Trail

Apr 03, 2013

The first WTA Volunteer Vacation of the season set out this week, working under blue skies to rebuild a trail on Second Beach. Read about the trip and check out the featured Volunteer Vacations that still have a few spots available.

Nature on Trail: Cliff Swallow, Black-Tailed Deer, Sword Fern

Mar 29, 2013

Northwest forests are teeming with life—much of which may go overlooked or unseen. On your next hike, look out for the little things and discover something new on your favorite trails. Cliff swallows make a trip to Dry Falls Lake in Sun Lakes State Park worth a visit.

Speak Up for State Parks on their 100th Birthday

Mar 28, 2013

Washington State Parks turn 100 this year, and they're showing their age. Please call your state senator and ask them to reinvest in our state parks.

Hike the New San Juan Islands National Monument

Mar 25, 2013

Today, President Obama announced the establishment of five new national monuments, one of which encompasses 1,000 acres in the San Juan Islands National Monument. The new national treasures include more than 60 uninhabited islands, headlands and lighthouse properties—plus some great hiking trails.

Trailblazers: Village Theatre Debuts Hiking Musical

Mar 25, 2013

Catch Issaquah’s Village Theatre's newest musical, Trails, which follows the journey of two childhood friends who reconnect in their early thirties and undertake the adventure of hiking the 2,180- mile Appalachian Trail.

Make the Most of REI's Dividend While Helping Trails

Mar 22, 2013

For REI co-op members, it's dividend season. Did you know that by shopping with your dividend on REI.com using this link you can help trails? When you do, WTA earns a percentage of your total purchase that we'll put to great use in our trail programs, from maintaining wilderness trails to saving state lands from closing.

Crew Leader Mike Owens Retires

Mar 21, 2013

After 13 years of crew leading day trips in the Puget Sound area, Mike Owens is finally retiring from Washington Trails Association. What's next for this trail work legend? Volunteering on trail, of course.

Then and Now: 100 Years at Kayak Point Park

Mar 19, 2013

With short beach strolls, evergreen forest, views of picturesque Port Susan and yurt camping, Kayak Point Park has attracted fun and families for more than a century. Explore a slideshow of scenes from the park in the early 1900's, and then sign up for a volunteer work party to take part in shaping the modern day trails on Kayak Point.

Snowshoe Walks, Avalanche Safety Talks

Mar 18, 2013

Learn the basics of avalanche safety while meandering in the Commonwealth Basin at Snoqualmie Pass on one of two upcoming guided snowshoe walks. Snowshoes are provided, and the walks will be led by avalanche safety instructors from Friends of the Avalanche Center and the U.S. Forest Service Snow Rangers.

A Trail Is ... Made by You

Mar 14, 2013

A trail is made with laughter, with family and with friends. A trail is made by hikers, by climbers, by runners, by students and grandparents. A trail is made by all of us, together. A trail is made by you.

Whatcom Welcomes New Forested Park

Mar 13, 2013

In great news for hikers, Whatcom County Council approved a new park for the county with a vote of 5-2 last night. The new Lake Whatcom Forest Preserve Park, at almost 8,844 acres, will be one of the largest local parks in the nation.

Photos: A Spring Weekend on Washington's Trails

Mar 11, 2013

Every Monday morning, we sip coffee and read about your adventures on trail in your weekend Trip Reports. With great weather over the weekend, you could almost smell the sunshine and spring in the Trip Reports that have already rolled in.

Expert Advice: Tami Asars on the Wonderland Trail

Mar 08, 2013

Want to hike part or all of the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park this year? We've got three great ways to learn about the Wonderland Trail from guidebook author and WTA correspondent, Tami Asars, who literally wrote the book on the 93-mile trail.