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: Celebrate Trails, Park Planning, Maps in Libraries, Wildfires

Jul 29, 2021

Get ready for some upcoming hiking holidays. The public can comment on two different management plans, one for the Olympic National Forest and one for Mount Rainier. Hikers can borrow maps, guidebooks and Discover Passes from Seattle libraries. It’s fire season — keep up to date on the closures and fire bans that remain in place.

How Do You Enjoy the Olympics? Help Plan the Future of Olympic National Forest

Jul 29, 2021

The Olympic National Forest is looking to hear how you create in the region as part of their Sustainable Recreation plan.

Hiker Headlines: Wildfire Closures, Hike-a-Thon, Public Input, Nature and Health

Jul 22, 2021

All public land east of the Cascades managed by Washington State DNR will be closed starting Friday, July 23. WTA’s annual Hike-a-Thon, when hikers can support the trails they love while they hike, is underway. The public can provide input on two important recreation plans. A new study reaffirms that nature in cities improves health.

Take This Survey — And Help Make King County Parks More Equitable

Jul 22, 2021

King County Parks is soliciting community feedback via survey on priorities, needs and barriers related to park, trail and natural area access.

HOV Lanes, Drains, and Automobiles: Carpool to Your Next Work Party

Jul 20, 2021

You don’t have to go it alone: consider carpooling to your next work party. Carpooling is a great way to cut down on congestion on the road and at the trailhead, curb emissions and build community.

The Power of Loops & Connections

Jul 19, 2021

Creating trail systems that allow for loops makes a better experience for hikers — and it’s easier on the land, too.

Hiker Headlines: Fire Closures, Burn Bans, Lookout Restoration, New ADA Trail

Jul 15, 2021

Active wildfires have led to the closure of several recreation areas. Burn bans have been extended throughout the state. High Rock Lookout is receiving long-awaited restoration work. The Erinswood trail is looking forward to some upcoming ADA improvements. And, extended gear sizes may be coming to a retailer near you.

Reviving an Old Route to the Pratt

Jul 13, 2021

WTA has been hosting annual work parties and Backcountry Response Teams along the Pratt River Trail since 2016 as a part of our Lost Trails Found campaign. We're working to save this alternate access point into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and ensure plenty of hiking opportunities in a place that needs it most.

Outdoors Infrastructure Receives Big Boost in House, Looks for Support in Senate

Jul 09, 2021

The INVEST Act was passed through the U.S. House of Representatives with some legislation important to the outdoors — including the Legacy and Roads Trails Act, the Transit to Trails Act, and the Outdoors for All Act. But they are apart of a larger bill that is now in the hands of the Senate.

Writing Trip Reports to Remember a Loved One

Jul 09, 2021

Each year, Diego Moreno's sister and mother go backpacking as part of a memorial trip for Diego, Lizzie's son and Alejandra's brother. They find the time spent in nature is a balm for them, and helps them connect with Diego.

Volunteer Profile: Jade Tabony — Data Scientist, Outdoor Adventurer & Cheez-It Enthusiast

Jul 08, 2021

We talk technology, slacklining and what it's like to give back to a cause you care about.

Hiker Headlines: Burn Bans, Highway 18 Closure, Trails Reopened

Jul 08, 2021

Expect burn bans across much of the state. A major portion of Highway 18 near Tiger Mountain will be closed this weekend. The Sunrise Road is now open at Mount Rainier. Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge has reopened.

Making Friends on Trail, Thanks to WTA

Jul 06, 2021

WTA members Judy Cochran and Pascale Lelong met for the first time on a WTA volunteer vacation back in 2015 — and they've been hiking together ever since.

New Loops, New Hikes, New Views in the Columbia River Gorge

Jul 02, 2021

Thanks to a partnership between Washington Trails Association and Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust, the trail system at the land trust’s Lyle Cherry Orchard Preserve has been improved.

Hiker Headlines: Fire Restrictions, Equitable Outdoors, Tiger Mountain, New Website Feature

Jul 02, 2021

Fire restrictions have tightened across much of Washington. A new chief of the Forest Service has been named. There is a new opportunity for public comment about equity and access to public lands services. Portions of some trails on West Tiger Mountain will be temporarily closed. A new tool on wta.org suggests new hikes.

Hikers Carrying Dogs: A Gallery of Sweetness and Hilarity

Jun 30, 2021

If you hike with a dog, there are usually a few extra safety considerations you need to take into account before you head out on trail. Not only do you need to keep yourself safe and happy, but you need to keep your pup safe, too. And sometimes ... that means giving them a ride.

New Study: Investments in Public Lands Brings Jobs, Economic Benefits

Jun 28, 2021

With hiking up 16% last year, investments in public lands are critical to sustaining the growing benefits to local and national economies from recreation.

Hiker Headlines: Heat Advisories, Wildfire Risk, Burn Bans, Temporary Trail Closures

Jun 24, 2021

Heat advisories are in effect across Washington state with temperatures expected to reach triple digits in many regions. With the increased temperatures and dry weather, burn bans are in place and wildfire risk is a concern as hikers head into the backcountry. Franklin Falls and Denny Creek trails will be temporarily closed.

Your Next Hike: WTA's Newest Website Feature Makes Personalized Suggestions

Jun 22, 2021

Everyone experiences trails differently, which is why WTA's newest website feature suggests hikes just for you.

Volunteer Profile: Doris Wang

Jun 22, 2021

Doris is a well of positive energy. She came to WTA after a friend introduced her to trail work parties, and since then has brought her friends and her husband to trail work, and been a fantastic trail ambassador on social media. We asked her a few questions about why she likes volunteering and what keeps her engaged in WTA's community.

Nature on Trail: Pika, Paintbrush

Jun 21, 2021

Washington's wild places are teeming with life. Learn a bit more about two common species, the pika and paintbrush, and where you can find them.