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.

______________________________________________________

Upper Icicle Road Reopens Saturday

Oct 06, 2011

The Upper Icicle Road near Leavenworth will reopen to motorized use on Saturday, October 8. This popular road has been closed beyond Ida Creek since May 2008 when a landslide and flooding took out a portion of the roadbed. WTA offers three fall hiking choices for autumn beauty.

Amgen Foundation Grant Supports Youth Volunteers

Sep 29, 2011

The Amgen Foundation has awarded the WTA youth program a $15,000 grant. Two employees also helped out by delivering ice cream to a group of high school volunteers in August.

WTA Celebrates National Public Lands Day

Sep 28, 2011

WTA helped celebrate our national public lands by taking 151 volunteers out on 13 work parties for this year's National Public Lands Day.

Pete Dewell Nears 1000 Days on the Trail

Sep 27, 2011

Of the 29,565 days (give or take a couple hundred) that he has been living, Pete Dewell has given 1000 of those days to trail work. On October 13th, at age 81, he will become the first WTA crew-leader to hit 1000 days of all-volunteer trail work with WTA.

2011 Top Trip Reporters

Sep 26, 2011

The top trip reporters of 2011, as well as a summary of this year's trip report statistics so far.

Volunteers Restore Kelly Butte Lookout

Sep 21, 2011

On September 11th, the Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest hosted a Kelly Butte Lookout re-opening dedication and volunteer appreciation ceremony. WTA member and assistant crew leader Bob Adler was recognized for his five years of work to restore the lookout. And Washington Trails Association was recognized for its assistance in building a series of rock steps on the trail to Kelly Butte. And

Secret Trail Unveiled

Sep 19, 2011

On Saturday, the Jennifer Dunn trailhead and the Beckler Peak Trail #1240 were officially dedicated by the Forest Service and is open for hikers!

Duckabush Fire Trail Closures

Sep 15, 2011

The Big Hump fire has closed The Brothers Wilderness north of The Brothers mountain, closing the Duckabush and Mount Jupiter trails. Lena Lake, in the south part of the wilderness area, remains open to hikers.

Midnight Deadline for Cape Horn Match

Sep 15, 2011

The National Forest Foundation will DOUBLE all gifts made to WTA's Cape Horn Trail project by midnight tonight, September 15. They will match your gift, dollar-for-dollar, up to our $13,000 goal.

Hike with Sure Footing

Sep 14, 2011

This summer several hikers have fallen to their deaths on the trail. In light of these tragedies, it is important to remind hikers to hike with sure footing. WTA provides some common sense tips to keep you safe.

Chance to Give Back to Trails on National Public Lands Day

Sep 14, 2011

Washington Trails Association is fielding a dozen trail work opportunities for hikers on National Public Lands Day. There is something for everyone on the schedule - a Volunteer Vacation, two Backcountry Response Teams, a weekend work party, a family work party, a celebration, and a half-dozen other one-day work parties spread across the state.

REI Grant Supports Volunteers

Sep 12, 2011

Trail maintenance volunteers recently received a big boost from REI in the form of a $20,000 grant for WTA's trail maintenance program.

Suiattle River Road Open House: September 15

Sep 09, 2011

The Forest Service is looking for public input about rebuilding the Suiattle River Road at an open house on the Darrington Ranger Station on Thursday, September 15.

Wildfire Doubles in Size Along Duckabush Trail

Sep 08, 2011

A wildfire burning along the Duckabush Trail in Olympic National Forest more than doubled in size yesterday to 475 acres. As a result of warm and dry conditions that have triggered a rare red flag warning, both the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie and Olympic National Forests have imposed strict fire restrictions.

5 Year Campaign Aims to Create Nearly 60 New Miles of Hiking Trails in the Gorge

Sep 06, 2011

The Friends of the Gorge recently launched a new campaign aimed at creating a linked network of new hiking trails in the Columbia River Gorge. Dubbed "Gorge Towns to Trails" or simply GT2T, the guiding vision calls for a comprehensive trail system that improves access to the Gorge's many outstanding natural landscapes, waterfalls and vistas while supporting tourism in Gorge communities.

Survey: Share Your Thoughts on the Discover Pass

Sep 01, 2011

Hike-a-Thon Donations Matched Today

Aug 31, 2011

Thanks to a group of generous donors, when you donate to your favorite Hike-a-Thoner today, your pledge will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $2,500.

Guidebook Author Craig Romano Raises $4200 for WTA

Aug 29, 2011

As 139 hikers head into the mountains for their final days of Hike-a-Thon 2011, WTA gives a big thanks to Craig Romano. He did his own "Hike-a-Thon" on July 30th, finishing the White River 50 Mile Trail Run and raising $4200 for WTA

WTA Meets with Rep. Herrera Beutler to Discuss Trail Funding

Aug 25, 2011

WTA and other user groups met last week with Representative Jaime Herrera Buetler (3rd district) to discuss trails funding.

Being a Part of a Team

Aug 24, 2011

Angella Wieben guest blogs for The Signpost Blog about participating on a team for Hike-a-Thon.

Two Arrested at Mount Rainier

Aug 23, 2011

Two people were arrested Sunday morning in Mount Rainier National Park after a car prowl at Crystal Lakes trailhead.