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: New Trail Opens, Grizzly Bears, Road Closure and Outdoor Preschools

Oct 03, 2019

It's Thursday, Oct. 3. WTA helped open up a new section of trail at Lake Whatcom Park. The public has a chance to comment on a plan to reintroduce grizzly bears to the North Cascades. Washington state is the first in the U.S. to license outdoor preschools. Washington State Parks has been honored as one of the best. And a new bill in the U.S. House could help get more people outside.

Throw Wide the Gates: Why Gatekeeping is Harmful to Hikers

Oct 01, 2019

Trails are for everyone, but not everyone feels welcome. Here are tips to be a more inclusive hiker.

Share Your Passion: Help WTA Do More for Trails

Sep 30, 2019

WTA is looking for volunteer ambassadors to be champions for trails and public lands all across the state. Can you help? Apply now!

Hiker Headlines: Celebrate Public Lands Day, Recycle Responsibly and Build Community

Sep 26, 2019

It's Thursday, Sept. 26. This Saturday is Public Lands Day. Watch for orange vests in Olympic National Forest. Dispose of old gas canisters responsibly. And find community at the Refuge Outdoor Festival. Here’s what you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Get Outside to Celebrate on Public Lands Day

Sep 26, 2019

Earlier this year, Washington’s legislature officially recognized Public Lands Day. It’s coming up on Saturday. Here’s everything you need to know about the day and how you can celebrate.

Nature on Trail: Northern Saw-Whet Owl, Lupine

Sep 23, 2019

Washington's wild places are teeming with life. Learn a bit more about two local species, the Northern Saw-Whet Owl and Lupine, and where you can find them.

Lost Trails Youth Crew Spends Five Weeks in the Pasayten Wilderness

Sep 23, 2019

Our Lost Trails Youth Crew made big impacts (and big memories) this summer as they improved trails in the remote Pasayten Wilderness.

How Youth are Building Trails and Community — Now and For the Future

Sep 19, 2019

Here's a look at what WTA's youth crews accomplished this summer.

Hiker Headlines: Celebrating Public Lands with Fee-Free Day, Hike-a-Thon Wins

Sep 19, 2019

There’s a fee-free day coming to our national — and state! — public lands. A new federal transit policy might make it easier for everyone to get outside. The U.S. Forest Service is hiring. The ranger station in Forks is limiting its hours. And WTA's annual Hike-a-Thon wraps up another successful season of fundraising for trails.

Hike-a-Thon 2019: Hikers Cover 15,000 Miles, Give Back in a Big Way

Sep 17, 2019

From amazing moms to guidebook author Craig Romano to a crew from GeekWire, a record number of Hike-a-Thoners hiked over 15,000 miles in August and raised more than $155,000 for trails.

One Trip Reporter You Otter Get to Know

Sep 13, 2019

Most trip reporters are humans, but sometimes a clever critter chimes in with valuable insight from their most recent hike. Meet River, who is helping fellow hikers — and sharing a lot of joy.

Hiker Headlines: Discover Pass Fees, Kids Hike Free, Olympics Campgrounds Close for Season

Sep 12, 2019

The new Transit to Trails bill makes it easier for everyone to get outdoors, nationwide. State park goers might see a Discover Pass fee increase, while fourth graders get a free pass to play outside in national recreation areas. It’s the last weekend to camp at some Olympic National Forest campgrounds. And do you love trails? Apply to be an ambassador!

Recovering the Pasayten: A Coordinated Effort

Sep 10, 2019

There's a whole lot of work to be done in the great Pasayten Wilderness — which is why we couldn't be happier to tackle it together with these fellow nonprofits.

Young Stewards Explore and Lend a Hand on Washington Trails

Sep 09, 2019

The power of partnerships helps the Deaf T-Birds, a high school group, get out to explore and clean up Olympic beaches.

Hiker Headlines: New E-Bike Rules, Enchantments Parking Changes, Fire Control

Sep 05, 2019

A new federal policy changes the rules regarding e-bikes on trails. Parking is no longer allowed along Eightmile Road. Upcoming road closures may mean re-routing your adventure. And planned fires may have some hikers smelling smoke.

Blanca Lake: Just One Place WTA is Working to Save Iconic Trails

Sep 04, 2019

Our Trails Rebooted campaign is working to protect some of the most popular and iconic trails all across the state.

Hiker Headlines: Wildfires, Columbia Gorge Trails, Hunting & Hiking

Aug 29, 2019

It’s wildfire season...isn’t it? After the burn comes the build: trails are reopening in the Columbia River Gorge. And hunting season is soon to be in full swing in the Pacific Northwest.

Hiker Headlines: Outdoor Voices Wanted, Parking Passes Required, and a Fee-Free Day

Aug 22, 2019

Help shape the future of Washington’s state parks. Here's a quick refresher on passes for visiting public lands. And, if you want to visit a state park or national park but don't have a pass, this Sunday is your day. Finally, High Rock lookout is getting some restoration love.

Nation's Most Important Environmental Law at Risk

Aug 20, 2019

Big changes are being proposed to the country’s first major environmental law — the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA. Some of the changes would drastically roll back public comment periods, eliminating the voices of hikers like you in proposals that impact our public lands, and the activities we enjoy on them.

Hiker Headlines: New Boss for Forests, Ellinor Closes, Trails Get Rebooted

Aug 15, 2019

There’s a new Deputy Regional Forester in town, and she’s stoked to supervise. Upcoming trail and road closures mean opportunities for new hiking discoveries. And thanks to our hiking community, trails are successfully getting rebooted.

Meeting Hikers' Needs: 5 Wins for Trails

Aug 13, 2019

We recently asked the hiking community which trails needed the attention of our Trails Rebooted campaign. Here are five trails you mentioned and what WTA is doing to improve the hiking experience on them.