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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What Could the Future of Trails Look Like?

Jan 25, 2022

WTA’s trail team has been thinking about what it means to create the trail system of the future, and three of our staff members shared their hopes. Their thoughts show the importance of three key priorities: create more trails and accessible greenspace, innovate trail layouts and redesigns to improve hikers’ experiences on trails, and find ways to help people feel safe and welcome in the outdoors.

Hiking Slow: What You Can Learn From a Snail

Jan 21, 2022

If you’re seeking to deepen your connection with nature, then just find the closest trail and go … slow.

Hiker Headlines: Backcountry Permits, Winter Safety, Public Input

Jan 20, 2022

It’s time to start planning for backcountry camping permit applications. The Forest Service offers some winter safety reminders. A public comment period is open for a proposed communications tower in the Naches Ranger District. And, we lay out some of the winter conditions you can expect this week.

Leaving a Legacy for Trails

Jan 19, 2022

Jake Robinson’s family is honoring his memory and his love for trails by supporting WTA’s work.

Hiker Headlines: Sno-Park Status, WTA Advocacy, Icicle Road, MLK Day

Jan 13, 2022

Sno-parks are slow to reopen after last week’s snowstorm. The state legislative session just kicked off in Olympia. Icicle Road near Leavenworth will likely be closed through the weekend. And, entry fees will be waived at public lands on Monday, January 17 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Get Inspired: How Four Hikers Accomplished Their 2021 Hiking Goals

Jan 12, 2022

You've picked your hike, checked the trip reports, and refreshed your trail smarts. But if you need a little more motivation getting out the door, read how these four hikers achieved their hiking goals last year.

Short Legislative Session, Big Goals for the Outdoors

Jan 11, 2022

WTA is leading exciting requests to the state legislature during this year's short session.

Hiking Firsts: Photos and Stories of Hikers Trying New Things

Jan 07, 2022

To celebrate the beginning of a new year, we're sharing some firsts, shared by contributors to our Northwest Exposure Photo Contest.

Trip Reporters Talk Snow and Ice

Jan 07, 2022

One of the best sources of information and inspiration during winter are trip reports from hikers who are out there seeing conditions first hand. Here are some of the things trip reporters have been finding out on trail during the start of winter.

Hiker Headlines: Avalanche Warning, Closed Passes and Roads, Winter Inspiration

Jan 06, 2022

The avalanche forecast is high for the Cascades and Olympics. A flood watch is in effect for much of Western Washington. Four major mountain passes are closed due to heavy snowfall, and it’s best to steer clear of trailheads in the I-90 foothills until road conditions improve. With the rough conditions out there, stay inspired by setting your hiking goals for the new year and check out our photo contest winners.

2021 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest Winners

Jan 03, 2022

From bears to mountain peaks, take a look at all of the 2021 photo contest winners.

Hiker Headlines: New Sno-Park, First Day Hikes, Bridge Over the Columbia

Dec 29, 2021

First Day Hikes are a great way to kick off the new year. A new Sno-Park just opened on the westside of Snoqualmie Pass. The eastern closure point for the North Cascades Highway will move a few miles down the road. And a pedestrian bridge across the Columbia River will open in 2022.

Tips and Inspiration to Help You Set Goals for a Year of Happy Hiking

Dec 28, 2021

Resources and inspiration to help you create your own hiking goals and meet them.

Hiker Headlines: Cold Snap, Winter Hiking, Fisher Release

Dec 23, 2021

Snowfall and very cold temperatures are expected across Washington this weekend. Read about the many ways hikers are getting outside at the start of winter. And more fishers have been reintroduced to the Olympic National Forest.

Wild Society, a WTA Partner, Teams Up With Communities for Outdoor Adventures

Dec 20, 2021

Wild Society, a wilderness education nonprofit based out of Kitsap County, developed two amazing new partnerships that brought epic adventures and rewarding relationships.

Planning for the Future of Trails Means Planning for Fires

Dec 17, 2021

Not every landscape or wildfire is the same. Depending on how hot the fire burns, there are different impacts to the environment. Just as each fire and landscape is unique, the on-the-ground response can be just as varied.

Hiker Headlines: Winter Parking, WTA’s Impact, Blake Island, Yakima Loop, Parks Director

Dec 16, 2021

With winter recreation ramping up, it’s important to know how to park legally at mountain passes. The impact of the WTA community is getting noticed. Tillicum Village is closing on Blake Island. Planners aim to make Yakima more walkable. And the new director of the National Park Service has been sworn in.

Search and Rescue’s Tips for Wet-Season Hiking

Dec 14, 2021

Here are a few scenarios you might encounter while hiking in the wet months — and how to avoid having to make that 911 call for search and rescue.

A Year of Achievements in Glendale Park

Dec 13, 2021

WTA, partners and the local community have made incredible headway in bringing access to this local park.

Gift Guide: 13 Favorite Outdoor-Themed Books

Dec 10, 2021

These staff recommended reads are the perfect accompaniment to your shoulder-season adventures — or a way to stay busy while you wait out the high-country snow. We also think they'd make great holiday gifts for the nature lovers in you life.

Hiker Headlines: Avalanche Safety, Name Changes, Conservation, First Day Hikes

Dec 08, 2021

The experts at the Northwest Avalanche Center have a safety reminder. The Department of the Interior will work to remove derogatory place names from federal lands. Washington just designated 230 acres of land as Natural Resource Conservation Areas. And, First Day Hikes are coming back to state parks on January 1.