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: Trail and road closures, a new trail bypass, burn bans, plan your fall hiking

Jul 16, 2026

It's July 16. The Palouse to Cascades Trail has a new bypass for a section of trail that washed out at Olallie State Park. The Pratt River Trail will be closed for a few day for trail work. DNR is adding a burn ban for campfires and other burning in Eastern Washington. If you're going to be on U.S. 2 near Leavenworth, be prepared for some delays. And we hope you'll join us for Hike the State in September to get free hiking recommendations! Here's some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Alpine Lakes Wilderness: 1 landscape, 50 years, lasting inspiration

Jul 10, 2026

This year marks a major milestone. Alpine Lakes Wilderness celebrates 50 years on July 12, the day that it was designated as wilderness five decades ago.

Hiker Headlines: Forest Service funding, Staircase area reopens, closure at High Rock and Hidden Lake Lookout, upcoming fun

Jul 09, 2026

WTA joined Sen. Patty Murray to discuss concerns about cuts to Forest Service funding and staffing. The developed area at Staircase on the Olympic Peninsula has reopened after a yearlong closure! However, be aware of some other closures, like the High Rock trail and the road to Hidden Lake. Hike-a-Thon registration has begun and check other fun events are coming up.

Hike-a-Thon is back! Be ready to hit the trail in any weather with this year’s prizes.

Jul 07, 2026

Bottles, backpack covers and more! This year’s Hike-a-Thon prizes are here.

Congress works to fund trails in 2027 and beyond — you can help

Jul 06, 2026

Funding is critical to protect our national public lands and keep them open for people to enjoy. WTA is heartened to see Congress’s recent progress to fund trails in 2027 and beyond. Take 60 seconds to ask Congress to provide the vital funding that our outdoor places need.

What's your why? Statewide party celebrates Washington Trails Day

Jul 02, 2026

Hikers and volunteers shared their love for trails in Washington's statewide celebration of trails -- Washington Trails Day.

Hiker Headlines: Sunrise Road opening, fee-free weekend, be careful with fire

Jul 02, 2026

We’ve got a big weekend coming up: Sunrise Road opens on July 4, and there are some fee-free days on federal lands. More fires have broken out, including at Lyle Cherry Orchard trail and in North Cascades National Park. And construction is closing roads for several weeks, including the road to Rialto Beach.

Building community and trails: WTA work parties for veterans

Jul 01, 2026

Veterans are finding belonging while supporting trails at volunteer work parties. By Joseph Gonzalez

Q&A: Youth volunteer's stories from 8 years with WTA

Jul 01, 2026

After 8 years of being a youth volunteer, this spring, Sophie has been interning with WTA. As an intern, he has worked on-trail and assisted with Youth & Families work parties. He has also had the opportunity to complete training, including Wilderness First Aid, and meet the communications team at WTA. As he’s wrapping up his internship, he answered some questions about his experiences with WTA.

Meet the volunteer Northwest Exposure judging panel

Jun 30, 2026

Hiker Headlines: Olympic National Park fire, national park fire bans, speak up for trails, rainy weekend

Jun 25, 2026

Washington Trails Day is this Saturday, June 27! A fire is burning in Olympic National Park. More areas have added restrictions on campfires, including a parkwide ban at Mount Rainier and North Cascades national parks. Twanoh State Park will be closed for part of the summer. Help speak up for trails by asking Congress to revive the Legacy Restoration Fund. And there’s rainy weather in the forecast!

Hiker Headlines: Wildfire season starts, now hiring, free day, closures

Jun 18, 2026

This Friday is Juneteenth, and parking fees will be waived on state-managed lands. WTA is hiring for a seasonal trail crew leader. Join us at a backpacking workshop in mid-July. Goodell Creek Campground and Mallardy Road are currently closed. And wildfire season is upon us!

Hiker Headlines: Highway 20 will open soon, road to Artist Point open, free weekend, fire restrictions start

Jun 11, 2026

The road to Artist Point is open for the season, and Highway 20 is expected to open soon. Both days this weekend are fee-free days for some federal lands. Fire restrictions are starting in some areas. Join us at Hiker Happy Hour! And the World Cup is coming to Seattle soon — we’ve got some resources on how to be a good steward of our trails as more visitors come to Seattle.

A new Teanaway trailhead and 18 miles of trail — a victory 13 years in the making

Jun 09, 2026

Over the weekend, community members and trail users came out to the Teanaway Community Forest to celebrate the grand opening of the West Fork Teanaway trailhead and 18 miles of trail for hikers and other non-motorized trail users. WTA helped lead the planning and trail work in the area.

Hiker Headlines: WTA storm damage webinar, Lake 22 closure, free weekend, Teanaway Community Forest ribbon cutting

Jun 04, 2026

Join WTA's webinar to learn how this winter’s storm damage could affect your summer hiking. Saturday, June 6, is National Trails Day and also the opening of the West Fork Teanaway trailhead; join us to celebrate! And, be aware of several construction projects that may cause closures or delays, including on the Lake 22 trail and Cascade River Road.

Help trails recover from storms: Your trip reports needed

Jun 03, 2026

This spring, people are going outside and encountering damage from this past winter’s storms. Land managers and their partners, including WTA, are working to recover trails and your ability to get outside — but we need your help.

WTA staff share their self-care habits on trail

Jun 01, 2026

Going outside, for many of us, is a form of self-care. But hiking and backpacking can also certainly tire us out, and it’s nice to have a way to take care of yourself or a packed creature comfort. We asked WTA staff what they do to take extra good care of themselves at camp or when taking a break on an especially brutal section of trail.

Hiker Headlines: Rainier roads open, Enchanted Valley permits releasing soon, Marblemount bridge nightly closures

May 28, 2026

Multiple roads at Mount Rainier National Park have opened for the season! Work on Graves Creek Road has completed, and backcountry permits for Enchanted Valley for the summer are releasing soon. The Skagit River Marblemount Bridge will undergo nightly closures every weekday from June 1–19 for repairs. And the Wedekind and Greenline trails at Capitol State Forest are closed until further notice.

3 ways to make the trip to the trailhead more affordable

May 28, 2026

From taking transit to carpooling, here are three ways to save a buck and keep hiking.

Hiker Headlines: Trailhead Direct service starts, free day, Hurricane Hill weekday closures

May 21, 2026

Memorial Day is a fee-free day on federally-managed lands. Trailhead Direct service starts up this weekend! Ahead of the long weekend, multiple national forests have shared info about road work this summer. And be aware of other closures too, including weekday closures of Hurricane Hill Road and a segment of the East Lake Sammamish Trail.

A pathway to outdoor leadership: Volunteering with Outdoor Asian

May 20, 2026

Saira Shahid shares her path to the outdoors and becoming a volunteer leader with Outdoor Asian.