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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Multipurpose Gear: Rethink Your Backpacking Basics

Aug 09, 2022

Being able to find multiple purposes for single pieces of gear can be a helpful skill to have in the backcountry. And many of the things you already bring on your trips can probably be used for a couple of different things.

Hiking with Kids: Trip Reporters' Tips, Tricks and Snacks

Aug 08, 2022

We reached out to three regular trip reporters who get out with their kids to hear about why they write trip reports, why they like hiking with kids and, of course, their favorite on-trail snacks and games.

Hiker Headlines: Hiking Guide Update, Free Day, Fire Restrictions

Aug 04, 2022

We've redesigned and updated our Hiking Guide! Today is Great American Outdoors Day, and parking fees are waived in some areas. Summer repaving continues on Highway 20. Hunting season is starting up on some public lands. And, more campfire restrictions have been put in place. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Creating Community During Hike-a-Thon

Aug 03, 2022

Meet three Hike-a-Thon participants and learn how they’re building community while enjoy time on trails all through August.

Protect the Future of Trails with WTA

Aug 01, 2022

Hundreds turned out this weekend for Washington Trails Day to join WTA in protecting the future of trails. You can join too.

Epic Backpacking, Epic Transit: A WTA Staff Member's Alternative Transportation Tips

Jul 29, 2022

Out-and-back and loop hikes make transportation to and from trailheads relatively simple. But what if you’re planning a long one-way thru-hike? One WTA staff member shares her experience using alternative transportation to get to and from a long hike and some tips she has for others looking to do something similar.

Hiker Headlines: Hike-a-Thon, Closures, Washington Trails Day

Jul 28, 2022

WTA’s 19th annual Hike-a-Thon starts August 1. The Snow Lake trail will be closed starting July 29 through October, and the roads to the Talapus Lake and Ira Springs trailheads continue to have ongoing closures. Campfire restrictions are in place on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Join us for Washington Trails Day this Saturday, July 30. And, incredibly hot weather is in the forecast this weekend.

Why Do We Fix Popular Trails?

Jul 26, 2022

Popular trails can need as much — or more — maintenance than less-well-known routes. Find out why.

Outdoor Leaders Who Inspire Us: the Service Board

Jul 26, 2022

We recently talked with a few groups we admire, including Shona Kerrick from the Service Board, to learn more about how they are building better futures for their communities.

Community-Based Solutions: Darrington Local Coordinating Mountain Loop Highway Trailhead Ambassador Program

Jul 25, 2022

Talking community and battling doomscrolling with the coordinator of the Mountain Loop Highway's newest trailhead ambassador program.

Hiker Headlines: Now Hiring, Campfire Restrictions, Summer Construction

Jul 21, 2022

WTA is hiring! Campfires restrictions are returning to some Washington areas due to wildfire danger. Some facilities will be closed as the Highway 20 repaving project continues. Recreation fee changes have been proposed by Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Rehabilitation efforts are starting up on Stevens Canyon Road. And, check out WTA’s interview with KUOW about what goes into saving a trail.

What Makes the Vivid Colors in Mountain Lakes?

Jul 20, 2022

If you’ve hiked to many mountain lakes, you’ve likely noticed that many of them are particularly blue — some almost seem otherworldly in their intensity. But what makes those lakes such an eye-popping color?

Outdoor Leaders Who Inspire Us: Trail Mixed Collective

Jul 19, 2022

We recently talked with a few groups we admire, including Quena Batres and Liselle Pires of Trail Mixed Collective, to learn more about how they are building better futures for their communities.

Field-Tested Favorites: Mealtime Experiences and Recipes from WTA Outdoor Leadership Training Leaders

Jul 18, 2022

Two leaders from WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program, Christine Zarker Primomo and Harper McFadden, share their experiences cooking with youth in the outdoors, and their favorite backpacking recipes from their trips.

Hiker Headlines: Artist Point Road Opening, Trail Closures, Sundaes Outside

Jul 14, 2022

The road to Artist Point is open for the season! Forest Service construction will close the Annette Lake trail through October. King County Parks construction will close some of the Cougar Mountain trail network through July. And join Golden Bricks Events for Sundaes Outside this Sunday, July 17 at Dash Point State Park.

Outdoor Leaders Who Inspire Us: Sea Potential

Jul 13, 2022

We recently talked with a few local outdoor groups we admire to learn more about how they are building better futures for their communities.

Find Your Hiking Community Through These Events

Jul 11, 2022

We’re highlighting a few of our favorites for you to check out this summer.

Hiker Headlines: Road Openings and Closures, Urban Forest Funding, Survey on E-Bikes

Jul 07, 2022

Sunrise Road has reopened for the summer. Mallardy Ridge Road will be closed from July 15 to September 15. Some Conconully State Park campgrounds are closed temporarily due to flood damage. $550,000 of funding was awarded by the Department of Natural Resources for urban and community forests. The state wants to hear your thoughts on e-bikes on trails. And, a retriever featured in WTA's Hiking with Dogs workshop is a semi-finalist in the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Award competition.

Share Your Thoughts on E-Bikes on Trails

Jul 06, 2022

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources are looking for your feedback on e-bikes on their land.

Snow Lake and Annette Lake Trails to Close for Several Months

Jul 05, 2022

The Annette Lake and Snow Lake trails, popular hikes along the I-90 corridor, will be closed for several months this summer due to trail construction work, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act. The work will require the use of potentially-dangerous tools, so the trails will close in the interest of safety.

5 Steps to Your Best Summer with Hike-a-Thon

Jul 01, 2022

Whether you’re hoping to discover new trails or hike more miles, you’ll find community in WTA’s 19th annual Hike-a-Thon.