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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Check Out These Boots!

Jan 13, 2012

hiking boot reviews by the washington trails gear team. includes lowa, la sportiva, the north face, montrail, keen, scarpa, ahnu, salomon, vasque, and garmont.

The Impacts of Ranger Layoffs

Jan 12, 2012

In the week between Christmas and New Year's, 83 Washington State Parks rangers were handed pink slips in the first wave of layoffs spurred by agency revenue shortfalls. Maintaining and patrolling State Parks in the absence of full-time rangers will be a major challenge in the coming year.

MLK Weekend First of State Park Free Days for 2012

Jan 11, 2012

This coming three-day Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend is the first of ten fee-free days at Washington State Parks in 2012. These are days when visitors will not need to have a Discover Pass at State Parks.

Planning For The Future Of Recreation in the Snoqualmie Corridor

Jan 10, 2012

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is launching a planning process that will culminate in a plan to manage DNR recreation, conservation and trust lands. This is a great opportunity to get involved the long-term outlook for some of our most prized hiking lands!

An Evening on the Elwha River

Jan 09, 2012

The National Parks Conservation Association and other community partners will be hosting an event on Wednesday evening at the Seattle REI flagship store called An Evening on the Elwha River - Dam Removal and Restoration.

State Legislative Session Kicks off Today

Jan 09, 2012

Washington Trails Wants You!

Jan 06, 2012

Washington Trails magazine is recruiting regional correspondents to write and photograph articles for our Take-a-Hike guide and editorial and feature content. Assignments may also be offered.

Thank YOU!

Jan 05, 2012

I want to take a moment to say thanks to the more than 650 individuals who made a special year-end contribution - and helped us surpass our $50,000 year-end goal.

Where We Hiked: Dec 26 - Jan 1

Jan 04, 2012

A summary of Trip Reports posted the last week of 2011 and New Year's Day, including visits from rare wildlife.

Mt. Rainier National Park Ranger Shot and Killed

Jan 01, 2012

A federal law-enforcement park ranger was shot and killed at Mount Rainier National Park earlier today. The gunman remains at large. He is on foot and armed with a long rifle.

WTA's Top Ten

Dec 31, 2011

For the past two weeks on Facebook, we have been celebrating the Top Ten reasons to make a year-end donation to Washington Trails Association. They are too good not to compile here on the Signpost Blog - as a compilation of 2011 and what hikers have done for trails in the past year.

A Final Challenge

Dec 29, 2011

Donate to WTA by midnight on Thursday, December 29, and your gift will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $9,000.

Take a "First Day Hike"

Dec 28, 2011

Washington State Parks is offering three guided "First Day Hikes" on New Year's Day this year. It's part of a nationwide effort to connect individuals and families with the outdoors while supporting healthy lifestyle habits.

Guided Snowshoe Walks

Dec 27, 2011

New to snowshoeing? Consider a guided walk on Snoqualmie or Stevens Pass this winter.

Holiday Season Hikes

Dec 22, 2011

This holiday season give your family a healthy, environmentally-friendly present: a day of enjoyment on a Washington State trail.

Highest charity rating for WTA (again!)

Dec 20, 2011

Washington Trails Association has received the highest possible rating from Charity Navigator.

Special Session Adjourns

Dec 15, 2011

The Washington State legislature adjourned its special session during the hearing that was taking up vehicle transferability for the Discover Pass. We expect that this bill will move in 2012.

Microsoft Employees Walk for WTA

Dec 14, 2011

Microsoft employees raised more than $16,000 for trails during their 5K Run/Walk in October. Thank you!

Legislation Would Make Discover Pass Transferable Between Vehicles

Dec 09, 2011

Senator Kevin Ranker has introduced a bill that would allow each purchaser of a Discover Pass to use it on two vehicles, effective immediately. The legislation applies to current pass holders as well as future ones.

State Parks To Cut 161 Jobs

Dec 07, 2011

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission voted yesterday on a budget proposal that would result in the loss of 161 jobs at the agency. WTA explores what that would mean for hikers.

December Decisions

Dec 06, 2011

A summary of trip reports posted the weekend of December 3rd and 4th, 2011.