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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National Forest Urges Safety after Glissading Accident

Jul 27, 2012

After two recent injuries, one to a climber glissading (intentionally sliding down a snow chute) on Mount St. Helens, Gifford Pinchot National Forest has issued a warning urging climbers to exercise caution on their descents.

Take the Reader's Choice Survey and Win a Tent

Jul 26, 2012

Take Washington Trails' Reader's Choice Survey and enter to win a Kelty Grand Mesa 2 backpacking tent. Chime in on all that's great and wonderful about hiking and backpacking in Washington state, from the best dayhiking destinations and the prettiest waterfall hikes, to your favorite wildlife sightings and the tastiest post-hike chow

Welcome to Michael and Loren

Jul 26, 2012

This summer, Washington Trails Association has welcomed two important new members to our staff. Michael Stubblefield is WTA's new Trail Program Director, leading our trail maintenance program, and Loren Drummond is the new Digital Content Manager, managing WTA's website, social media and e-newsletter.

Take Action to Stop Goat Mountain Mine

Jul 25, 2012

The threat of exploratory drilling has returned to Goat Mountain, just north of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Add your voice to help protect one of SW Washington’s cherished recreation areas by sending a letter or email.

Duckabush Trail Opens To Hikers

Jul 24, 2012

Yesterday the Olympic National Forest re-opened the Duckabush River trail to hikers after almost a year of closure. (The trail remains closed to stock for now.) The trail has been closed since last September because of severe hazards after the Big Hump fire. Washington Trails Association and other volunteer organizations have been hard at work repairing the popular trail.

North Fork Sauk Road Opening Tomorrow

Jul 19, 2012

After being closed for more than a year, Forest Road 49 on the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest's Darrington Ranger District is scheduled to reopen Friday, July 20. This will restore access to the North Fork Sauk, Pilot Ridge and Round Lake trails on the west side of Glacier Peak.

Grab a Guidebook and Go!

Jul 19, 2012

Review of new hiking guidebooks for Washington and beyond

Lightning Safety Tips for Hikers

Jul 15, 2012

Do you know what to do when you're stuck on a mountain during a thunderstorm? With some wild weather predicted this week, review some key lightning safety tips before you hit the trail.

Meander Meadow: The Best Vacation You'll Ever Work

Jul 13, 2012

Help widen a neglected section of the Pacific Crest Trail in one of Washington's most beautiful valleys: Meander Meadow. Sign up for the August volunteer vacation today.

In Memory of John Wright

Jul 12, 2012

Hikers lost a real friend with the recent passing of WTA member John Wright of University Place. Many wta.org visitors may know John by his screen name Tomas. Over the years, he has submitted more than 100 trip reports of his adventures, and made WTA's list of top trip reporters for 2011.

Tiger Mountain and Mount Si: Have Your Say in their Future

Jul 11, 2012

How do you use lands in the Snoqualmie Corridor: for hiking, trail running, snowshoeing, mountain biking? Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants your input on how to use 53,000 acres of DNR-managed state trust lands and conservation areas in the Snoqualmie Corridor.

Community Partners Get Youth on Trails

Jul 05, 2012

WTA appreciates the effort our community partners put into organizing a day of volunteer trail maintenance for youth.

Big Things Coming (in 'Washington Trails' Magazine)

Jul 02, 2012

Summer is officially here. The skies are clearing, the snows are melting, the trails are drying out. It’s time to get out there and do what we love most—go hiking! And to celebrate all things about big hiking in Washington—big mountains, big views, big opportunities—we decided to “go big” with the next issue of Washington Trails too!

Register for Hike-a-Thon Today!

Jul 01, 2012

Young and old, newbie or thru-hiker, trail volunteer or climber -- anyone who loves hiking and hiking trails can participate in month-long community fundraiser for Washington Trails Association. Registration opens July 1, and hiking starts August 1. So sign up now, and start planning a month of hiking to make your miles count.

Congress Preserves Trail Funding in Transportation Package

Jun 29, 2012

The epic federal transportation package that just passed the U.S. Senate and will be taken up by the U.S. House Friday contains the Recreation Trails Program (RTP), a small program that helps fund Washington Trails Association's volunteer trail maintenance program. RTP inclusion had been in question as recently as last week.

Ten Hikes to Try Fourth of July Week

Jun 28, 2012

From family-friendly strolls to some substantial elevation gain, we've compiled a list of ten hikes all over the state to try the first week of July.

Take Your Hikes Twice As Far: Membership, Matched

Jun 28, 2012

By becoming a member of Washington Trails Association, you do more than just hike Washington trails, you protect them. You repair them. You help keep them open and maintained. You get kids outside and into the wilderness. As a member, you become a voice for the mountains, deserts, waterfalls, alpine lakes, beaches and wildlife you love. And if you become a member on June 28 or 29, you can double your impact for trails.

Comet Falls Trail Closed, Needs Volunteers

Jun 26, 2012

Over the winter, the Comet Falls trail at Mount Rainier National Park suffered a wash-out that has closed the popular trail to hikers indefinitely. The wash-out, about a mile in, has taken out a chunk of trail 10 feet across and 30 feet deep. Mount Rainier National Park is looking to Washington Trails Association and volunteers to help fix the Comet Falls trail and get it reopened for the prime hiking season. WTA will be at Comet Falls Friday through Sunday through July. Volunteers are encouraged to come out for a day or a weekend, and camping is even available for free for volunteers at Longmire.

New Wilderness on The Olympic Peninsula?

Jun 22, 2012

Yesterday, Congressman Norm Dicks (D-WA) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced new legislation that sets out to permanently protect more than 126,500 acres of Olympic National Forest wilderness and 19 rivers and their major tributaries (464 river miles in all) as Wild and Scenic Rivers.

Trail Funding in Jeopardy - Act Now!

Jun 21, 2012

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is in danger in DC. The House and Senate Transportation Budget Conference Committee is close to reaching a compromise that may remove this critical trail funding program from the transportation bill. RTP delivers nearly $2 million to Washington State each year and WTA receives $175,000 annually from RTP - nearly 20% of our Trail Maintenance Program budget. Call your U.S. Representative and Senators today and ask them reject any transportation budget reauthorization that does not include dedicated funding for the Recreational Trails Program.

Baker Lake, Baker River Restrictions until July 15

Jun 19, 2012

The Forest Service has closed the Baker Lake Road (Forest Service Road 11) at mile 25.1 until July 15.