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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Hiker Headlines: Spring Forward, National Park Public Input, Good Fire
Mar 10, 2022
Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades want your input on two new proposals. Learn how GirlTrek is celebrating Harriet Tubman’s 200th birthday. Prescribed burns are scheduled in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Identify trees with the helpful Trees PNW app. And, don’t forget to spring forward on March 13.
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Q&A With a GirlTrek Leader: Harriet Tubman, Walking and Community
Mar 04, 2022
On March 10, GirlTrek encourages folks to walk in honor of Harriet Tubman's 200th birthday. We talked with Trina Baker, a leader for GirlTrek and a member of WTA's board, about why this event is so important — and why she's so passionate about the power of walking and community.
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4 Ways to Practice Mindfulness on Trail
Mar 03, 2022
Mindfulness in the outdoors doesn’t require perfection, simply sharing a thoughtful space with yourself or someone else is practicing mindfulness.
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Hiker Headlines: Road Washout, North Cascades Permits, Free Day
Mar 03, 2022
The Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road is closed at milepost 9 due to a washout. The North Cascades National Park early access lottery opened today. Access to Washington state recreation lands will be free on March 9 in honor of Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday. And, be sure to check conditions before heading out since some areas are still recovering from all the rain this week.
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Hiking From Home: Explore your City Surroundings
Feb 28, 2022
A hike doesn’t have to involve a long drive to a trailhead deep in the backcountry. You can get the same physical and mental health benefits by going for a walk right from your front door.
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Three Trips WTA's Lost Trails Found Work Made Possible
Feb 25, 2022
Over the years, we have loved seeing hikers return to some of the notoriously rough and difficult-to-navigate trails that we've prioritized in our Lost Trails Found work. We take a look at three trips that benefited from trail maintenance and advocacy efforts.
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Hiker Headlines: Permits, Carbon River, Glacial Art, Jobs
Feb 24, 2022
Backpacking permits, day hiking permits and even driving permits are starting to open up for this spring and summer. The Carbon River corner of Mount Rainier is back open after winter damage closed the area. Olympic National Park is looking for artists to create work to immortalize glaciers. And, we are hiring for two exciting positions.
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How WTA Members are Making a Difference, Month by Month
Feb 22, 2022
We caught up with three monthly donors to hear about their favorite hikes and trail snacks and how trails help them be mindful.
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Hiker Headlines: Free Day, Mountain Snow, State Parks Jobs, Forest Funding
Feb 17, 2022
Fees will be waived at national forests on President’s Day. Be prepared for snow on the mountain passes this weekend. Washington State Parks is hiring for seasonal summer positions. And, funding has been allocated to Washington forests to fix damage caused by recent natural disasters.
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Expert Voices: 3 Ways Time Outside is Good for Your Mental Health
Feb 15, 2022
We talked with three of our partners, all mental health professionals, about the benefits they see when youth and families spend time outside.
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Beating the Winter Blahs Thanks to WTA’s Gear Libraries
Feb 14, 2022
WTA has been excited to see our partners borrowing snowshoes to get outside with youth. We wanted to know how the trips were going, so we asked three groups to share the highlights of their snowy adventures.
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What's Your Hiking Love Language?
Feb 11, 2022
How do you show your special someone you care about them (on trail)?
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Hiker Headlines: Seal Pup, Muddy Trails, Applications, Trail Love
Feb 10, 2022
A seal pup was born at Deception Pass, prompting some trail detours. Some trails in Central Washington are closed due to muddy conditions. It’s almost time to sign up for WTA’s backcountry volunteer trips. Enchantments permit applications will open on Feb 15. We have some valentine cards for that special hiker in your life. And, you can take action for trails by letting your legislators know you support reducing the maintenance backlog for state parks and lands.
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WTA’s Emerging Leaders Are Just Getting Started
Feb 08, 2022
WTA welcomes a team of five new folks focused on building an inclusive community and learning leadership skills for working in the outdoors.
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Short Legislative Session, Big Goals for the Outdoors
Feb 07, 2022
WTA is leading exciting requests to the state legislature during this year's short session.
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Preview: WTA's 2022 Volunteer Backcountry Trip Schedule
Feb 04, 2022
It's only February, but Washingtonians know that the short, gray days mean it's primo planning season. Have you considered adding a WTA backcountry trip to your 2022 adventure schedule? You should. Here's why.
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Hiker Headlines: Hurricane Ridge Renovation, State Parks Survey, Committee Volunteers
Feb 03, 2022
The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center will be getting a major upgrade next year. State Parks wants your feedback through a new survey. On Groundhog Day we learned of more winter on the way, and we have a few other forecasts you might want to check. And, Olympic National Forest needs volunteers to serve on their Resource Advisory Committee.
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Hiker Headlines: Jobs, Permits, Bridges, Snow and Mud
Jan 27, 2022
WTA is hiring for several positions. North Cascades National Park permits will be processed through recreation.gov starting this season. Work has wrapped up on two historic bridges at Deception Pass. Hikers should avoid hiking on muddy trails in Eastern Washington. And, expect snow at the mountain passes this weekend.
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What Could the Future of Trails Look Like?
Jan 25, 2022
WTA’s trail team has been thinking about what it means to create the trail system of the future, and three of our staff members shared their hopes. Their thoughts show the importance of three key priorities: create more trails and accessible greenspace, innovate trail layouts and redesigns to improve hikers’ experiences on trails, and find ways to help people feel safe and welcome in the outdoors.
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Hiking Slow: What You Can Learn From a Snail
Jan 21, 2022
If you’re seeking to deepen your connection with nature, then just find the closest trail and go … slow.
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Hiker Headlines: Backcountry Permits, Winter Safety, Public Input
Jan 20, 2022
It’s time to start planning for backcountry camping permit applications. The Forest Service offers some winter safety reminders. A public comment period is open for a proposed communications tower in the Naches Ranger District. And, we lay out some of the winter conditions you can expect this week.
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