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: Stay Off Muddy Trails, S&R Drill, Free Day, Climbing Closures
Mar 04, 2021
It’s March 4. In Eastern and Central Washington it’s important to stay off of muddy trails during the freeze-thaw cycle. Kittitas County Search and Rescue will be performing a practice drill on Hex Mountain this weekend. Entry to State Parks will be free on March 19. Two climbing areas in North Cascades National Park will be closed to protect peregrine falcon nesting habitat. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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GAOA Provides Vital Funding for Public Lands
Mar 03, 2021
The Great American Outdoors Act was a huge win for the outdoor community. Here’s some of the ways it will help Washington.
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Change Your Perspective -- Photos Just for the Fun of It
Mar 02, 2021
Can you capture the giddy, silly feeling of hiking in a photograph? From catching a waterfall in the palm of your hand to flying over the Cascades, these photographers put the fun in our photo contest.
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Meeting The Need: Investments on the Mountain Loop Highway
Feb 26, 2021
With more people discovering a love for trails, it's important to ensure the trail system can manage the increased needs. Here's how WTA is working on that goal in one part of Washington.
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Hiker Headlines: Clean Boots, Permits, Interior Secretary, Volunteer Safety
Feb 25, 2021
It’s February 25. Permit applications for many of Washington’s most popular recreation areas are either open now or will be soon. Confirmation hearings for Interior Secretary are ongoing. Learn what hikers can do to stop the spread of invasive species. And, it’s a good time to revisit safety guidelines if you’re thinking of volunteering on trail.
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1 Trail, 2 Decades, 15 Stories
Feb 25, 2021
WTA started as a way for hikers to share their experiences on trails, and those decades of stories (now shared as trip reports on wta.org) compose a collective memory of Washington’s hiking community. We’ve gone back through nearly 1,000 trip reports for Goat Lake along the Mountain Loop Highway to highlight the variety of experiences that this trail has supported over the years.
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Shoring Up the Neighborhood Trails that Provide Everyday Escapes
Feb 24, 2021
WTA is hard at work making sure urban parks all over Washington are getting the love they deserve, including a recent project in Tacoma.
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Hiking Alone in Winter, Finding Peace and Quiet on the Trail
Feb 19, 2021
Even those of us who relish this season can get mired in it, despairing that going outside will never be fun or easy again. In these doldrums of winter, one of the cures for finding joy is, counterintuitively, hiking alone.
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Hiker Headlines: Permit Changes, Snow Closures, Outdoor Jobs
Feb 18, 2021
It’s February 18. Mount Rainier National Park announced changes to their backcountry permitting system. Some popular trailheads are temporarily closed due to heavy snow. Many land managers are hiring for summer seasonal positions. Last weekend’s lowland snow transformed nearby parks into winter wonderlands. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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Mount Rainier Tries Out New Backcountry Camping Permits Process in 2021
Feb 18, 2021
Here's what you need to know start planning your summer adventures in Mount Rainier National Park and on the Wonderland Trail. The early access lottery starts March 2.
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Ask WTA: How Are Bear Cans Tested?
Feb 17, 2021
If you’ve ever hauled a bear canister along on a backpacking trip, you know they’re sturdy. And, if you’ve ever tried to open one while tired or in the dark, you know they can be tricky to get into. But how do the manufacturers of approved bear canisters actually know that a bear can’t get into them?
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Hiker Headlines: Weather Advisory, Lunar New Year, Backcountry Trips, LWCF
Feb 11, 2021
It’s February 11. This weekend promises to bring extreme winter weather. Lunar New Year is tomorrow. Registration for WTA’s backcountry trips goes live this Saturday. There are new changes to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. We have valentines for that special hiker in your life.
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Nature on Trail: Cougar and Licorice Fern
Feb 08, 2021
Washington's wild places are teeming with life. Learn a bit more about two local species, the cougar and licorice fern, and where you can find them.
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Hiker Headlines: Marmot Meteorologist, Permit Planning, Face Masks, New Statue
Feb 04, 2021
It’s February 4. A groundhog forecasts 6 more weeks of winter. Applications for backcountry permits will open soon with some changes due to the pandemic. The National Park Service announced a mask requirement in buildings, facilities and outside where physical distancing is not possible. A statue of Billy Frank Jr. may replace the current statue that represents Washington State at the National Capitol.
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See Wildlife on a Hike? Your Observations Help Conservation Researchers
Jan 29, 2021
Spot a bat, Pacific marten or Prairie falcon on your hike? After the ecological damage of recent wildfires, conservation researchers at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife need your observations from the trail more than ever.
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Hiker Headlines: New Sno-Park, Backcountry Trips, Take Action, Climate Plan
Jan 28, 2021
It’s January 28. A new Sno-Park was just announced. Sign up for WTA’s volunteer backcountry trips is almost here, with a few changes. New ways to take action for trails. And, the President lays out a plan for climate and conservation. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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WTA's Hiking Guide is Coming to Your Neighborhood
Jan 27, 2021
Having trails close to home is an important piece of the puzzle to create an extensive and accessible trail network. That's why we’ve added over 100 local parks and trails to our hiking guide. These descriptions include details like transit directions, park facilities, and parking information.
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Speak Up to Protect the Enchantments & Wilderness
Jan 26, 2021
The Enchantments in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is an iconic hiking destination in Washington. A proposed dam project on Eightmile Lake and other water projects have a new open comment period through Feb. 1. Join WTA in speaking up to reduce impact and ensure the project doesn't set new precedents for activities in wilderness areas.
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Get Ready for WTA's 2021 Backcountry Trips
Jan 26, 2021
Join WTA this summer. Backpack to a gorgeous place, do some trail work, and feel good about helping Washington's trail be some of the best.
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Hiker Headlines: Snow-Free Hikes, Wildfire Help, Changes to LWCF, Mask Up, Trail Closure
Jan 21, 2021
It’s January 21. Lowland hikes offer hassle-free winter outings. An executive order reinforces mask-wearing on public lands. House Bill 1168 offers help for wildfires. WTA is tracking and responding to last minute changes to the Land and Water Conservation Fund. And, the Snow Lakes Trail will be closed for several weeks this winter. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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Hiker Headlines: In Remembrance, MLK Day, Busy Slopes, Legislative Priorities, Public Planning
Jan 14, 2021
It’s January 14. We remember Leonard Sauer. A fee-free day is coming up on Monday in honor of MLK Day. Snow play areas are now open at Paradise, but busy slopes make alternate plans necessary. WTA has announced our priorities for the 2021 legislative session. And, check out two opportunities to provide input for public land planning. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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