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.

______________________________________________________

Discover Pass Bill Passes House

Feb 28, 2012

The Discover Pass bill that would allow for transferability between two vehicles, HB 2372, has passed the state House of Representatives.

Repairs to Index-Galena Road Delayed

Feb 28, 2012

Repairs to Snohomish County's Index-Galena Road have been put on hold while the county and Federal Highway Administration perform a full Environmental Assessment on the remainder of the the project.

WTA Meeting Elected Officials in Washington, DC this Week

Feb 27, 2012

WTA's Executive Director, Karen Daubert, and board member, Jeff Chapman are in Washington, DC meeting with our state's elected officials this week advocating on behalf of the Recreation Trails Program, which helps fund critical trail maintenance projects in Washington and other states.

Late Winter Hiking: Following a Less-Traveled Path

Feb 23, 2012

Hikers are exploring less-traveled front-country parks this winter. These are parks managed by city and county governments - oases within or at the edges of our urban areas. Learn about where they've been and how you can find a new park near you.

Keep Your Feet Fresh

Feb 17, 2012

the washington trails gear team gives their reviews on their favorite hiking socks, including styles from teko, icebreaker, smartwool, thorlo, bridgedale and goodhew.

Act Now To Help Protect Trails!

Feb 15, 2012

The Recreation Trails Program (RTP) - the grant program in the federal transportation funding bill that provides essential support for trail maintenance all over Washington state - is in jeopardy and we need you to call your senators to support an amendment that would restore RTP to the Senate bill (MAP-21).

Tips for a Romantic Hike

Feb 13, 2012

With Valentine's Day on a Tuesday this year, you may be looking to the long President's Day weekend for a dreamy outing with your sweetie. WTA shares some thoughtful ideas to make your next hike both memorable and romantic.

DNR Starts Planning For Snoqualmie Corridor

Feb 13, 2012

The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has kicked off its recreation planning process for the Snoqualmie Corridor. A 12-member planning committee will help inform the decision-making process and is currently taking applications.

Hikers Track the Not-So-Elusive Snowy Owl

Feb 09, 2012

Sunny weather had hikers out looking for snowy owls last weekend. While the Skagit Wildlife Area didn't pan out, those who visited Damon Point State Park on the Washington coast or Boundary Bay Regional Park south of Vancouver, BC, were well rewarded.

Enchantments Permit Window Begins February 22

Feb 08, 2012

This year, lottery applications for the popular Enchantment Permit Area will be accepted from February 22 to March 13, 2012. From June 15 to October 15 each year, all overnight visitors must obtain a quota-based permit to camp in this wilderness area.

Registration Begins Today for Volunteer Vacations

Feb 06, 2012

Registration for Washington Trails Association's backcountry work parties opens today at 10am. On the agenda for 2012 are 28 adult Volunteer Vacations, 16 Youth Vacations and 39 Backcountry Response Team (BCRT) trips.

Composing Your Outdoor Photos

Feb 04, 2012

washington trails "snapshot" article on photo composition. tips and tricks for identifying and framing outdoor and nature photos. by dave schiefelbein.

Trails Activists Hike in Olympia Today

Feb 01, 2012

Program that Helps Fund Volunteer Vacations on the Chopping Block

Jan 31, 2012

Dueling federal Surface Transportation Funding bills create uncertainly for the Recreation Trails Program that helps fund Washington Trails Association's Volunteer Vacations, Backcountry Response Teams and Youth trail work.

Summer Backcountry Trips Unveiled

Jan 27, 2012

Washington Trails Association's 2012 backcountry schedule is revealed. On the agenda for 2012 are 28 adult Volunteer Vacations, 16 Youth Vacations and 39 Backcountry Response Team (BCRT) trips. Sign-ups begin February 6 at 10am sharp.

SB 5977 Passes Senate!

Jan 27, 2012

SP 5977, the bill that would allow two license plates to share a Discover Pass, passed the Washington State Senate by a vote of 44-0 on January 27, 2012.

Storms Take Toll on Trails

Jan 25, 2012

The past week of snow, ice and wind have taken their toll on a number of trails throughout the state, and particularly in King County where WTA trail crews and hikers have reported many downed trees and debris.

Mount St. Helens Permits Available Feb. 1

Jan 23, 2012

Permits for climbing Mount St. Helens from April 1 through Oct. 31 go on sale on a first-come, first-served basis starting Feb. 1.

Bear in the Backyard

Jan 20, 2012

washington trails jan+feb 2012 nature on trail feature, "bear in mind" by tami asars. rehabilitating bears using karelian bear dogs.

Wedding Ring Found - Four Months Later

Jan 19, 2012

In one of the best lost and found stories of the year, a 12-year old boy finds a wedding ring lost four months before at Wallace Falls and reunites it with its owner on Christmas Eve.

Where to Go Snowshoeing

Jan 18, 2012

Now that there is plenty of snow, get outside and enjoy it! WTA provides tips on how to choose a destination, get to the trailhead and stay safe on your snowshoeing adventure.