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, new Poo Poo Point bench, snowy mountains

Jan 08, 2026

New trail and road closures. There's a lot of snow in the mountains! And, a new bench memorializing a local radio host and hiker has been installed at Poo Poo Point.

How Washington hikers kicked off 2026

Jan 08, 2026

Happy new year! Enjoying trails is one of the best ways to celebrate a new year. Here are a few trip reports that started 2026 on a beautiful note.

Report reveals Forest Service suffering from staffing cuts, trails at lowest maintenance levels in 15 years

Jan 06, 2026

According to a new U.S. Forest Service report, trail maintenance suffered dramatically in 2025 as a result of staffing cuts. The money to hire trail staff already exists. You can contact Congress and ask that the Forest Service be allowed to hire seasonal staff in 2026.

29 hiking resolution ideas to find joy in 2026!

Jan 03, 2026

Although number of hikes, mileage and elevation gain may seem like some of the most obvious hiking goals you can make, there are plenty of other hiking projects you can embark on that are just as fun and get you outside all the same. We've got some ideas for you.

Hiker Headlines: A handful of highlights from 2025

Dec 30, 2025

Before we head into 2026, here’s a quick look back at this last year. We got a truly incredible amount of work done with the WTA community — with you — on trail, at the Capitol and in our communities. We stood and spoke up for public lands, protecting their funding and keeping them public. And we got to share some fun, heartwarming stories from the community all year.

Ambassadors connect hikers to trails and WTA's mission

Dec 26, 2025

WTA ambassadors across the state connect with the public to share WTA’s mission of sustainable trails for everyone, forever. From talking to hikers at a popular trailhead, the state fair or conventions, ambassadors meet Washingtonians wherever they are to educate hikers and to highlight all the ways WTA supports Washington trails.

Keepsakes carried by WTA staff

Dec 22, 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, we asked Washington Trails Association staff about the tokens, trinkets and knickknacks they carry on trail and what makes them so important. By Joseph Gonzalez

What winter flooding will mean for towns and trails, and how hikers can help

Dec 19, 2025

Catastrophic flooding has hit communities hard and washed out major access routes to trails and public lands and trail towns like Stehekin, Greenwater and Marblemount. From coordinating with our partners to trail work to advocacy for access and funding, WTA and hikers stand ready to be part of the recovery.

Hiker Headlines: Snow dump, Hurricane Ridge lodge rebuild, Forest Service trails suffer, flooding fallout

Dec 18, 2025

Communities, roads, trails and ski areas continue to feel the impacts from recent flooding and wind storms, even as a fresh wave of storms drop snow on the high country. The Washington Post reported on what the loss of 6,000 Forest Service staff has meant for trails, bridges, the public and morale at the agency. Olympic National Park is taking the first steps toward rebuilding the Hurricane Ridge day lodge — public comments are now open.

Hiker Headlines: Widespread flooding impacts communities and closes roads, trails and campgrounds

Dec 11, 2025

Widespread and historic flooding from rain and melting snow continues to impact communities across Western Washington. Major roads including Hwy 2 and Blewett Pass, and trails all along the Cascades and Olympics have closed due to landslides and trees down. Other smaller roads, campgrounds and trailhead facilities have also been impacted or closed for safety. Landslide risk remains high, and hikers should consider delaying or shifting hiking plans.

Rebooting trails through planning, partnerships and volunteer power

Dec 10, 2025

For 6 years, WTA’s Trails Rebooted work has supported popular outdoor recreation areas to meet the needs of everyone who wants to get outside. It’s been a community effort — trail advocates, WTA members, volunteers and many partners have made this work possible. We’ve helped build new trails in the Teanaway and Lake Whatcom areas, and we’re now assembling a team to look at trails near Mount Rainier.

Make New Year's Day 2026 an outdoor adventure with First Day Hikes

Dec 10, 2025

Hiking on New Year's Day is the best tradition. Find a hike, join a guided adventure with Washington State Parks and spend the day outside to kick off 2026! Don't forget to post a trip report.

Hiker Headlines: Seasonal roads close in North Cascades, hiker hearts open across state

Dec 04, 2025

Thank you so much for all of your support during GivingTuesday this week! And, it’s December — things are starting to close for the winter, including the Mountain Loop Highway and Highway 20.

5 WTA partner organizations to support this GivingTuesday

Dec 02, 2025

Washington Trails Association believes that trails are for everyone, forever. We seek to create a community of avid outdoor enthusiasts. This year for GivingTuesday, we are highlighting five WTA partner groups. Please consider sharing your generosity with these organizations.

60,000 people make one strong voice for trails

Dec 01, 2025

This year showed us what we can do when we bring our voices together for public lands. WTA’s Trail Action Network — which is 60,000 hikers strong — protected state trails funding, prevented the sale of national public lands and inspired us with your dedication.

Hiker Headlines: GivingTuesday, WTA is hiring, stay overnight at Fort Worden State Park

Nov 20, 2025

GivingTuesday is coming up on Dec. 2! WTA is hiring for several 2026 seasonal positions — apply now. Gifford Pinchot National Forest has closed Forest Road 6808 due to a sinkhole, and its voicemail system is currently down. Christmas tree permits are now available in some national forests, and Washington State Parks is piloting a lodging program at Fort Worden State Park.

Warm hands, happy feet: WTA’s gear library and Outdoor Research’s gear help kids get outside

Nov 19, 2025

WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training program has been helping youth get outside for more than a decade. But getting outdoors often requires gear, which can be spendy. Support from partners like Outdoor Research, who donates winter gear, helps keep kids warm and dry when they get outside.

The deeply rewarding work of clearing a trail lost to time and brush

Nov 17, 2025

WTA crews have been working to restore the White River trail, which would open up loop options and smoother access to the PCT in the Glacier Peak Wilderness.

Hiker Headlines: Highway 20 closed this weekend, Summit at Snoqualmie parking fees

Nov 13, 2025

It’s Nov. 13. Highway 20 will be temporarily closed starting 5 p.m. today, Nov. 13, due to weather conditions. The Summit at Snoqualmie has announced its 2025-26 parking fees. And the government has resumed operations. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Volunteer appreciation 2025: Celebrating the people who give back

Nov 10, 2025

Our gratitude for our volunteers happens every day. Once a year though, we dedicate one week to celebrate volunteers and members who fuel our work — Volunteer Appreciation Week. Here's a roundup of how we welcomed longtime and new volunteers to celebrate their efforts this year.

Hiker Headlines: It's sno-park season, Carter Falls trail closed, fee-free day

Nov 06, 2025

Veterans Day is a fee-free day. WTA and other organizations will be at Summon the Snow at the Seattle REI this Saturday! Cayuse Pass is closed at Mount Rainier National Park boundary for the winter and the Carter Falls trail is closed due to a dislodged bridge. And it’s now sno-park pass season!