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: Road to Artist Point opens, WTA wildfire and AQI map layers, new Elwha River Bridge nearly complete

Jun 27, 2024

WTA’s wildfire and AQI map layers on the Hike Finder Map are live for the summer. The road to Artist Point is for the season, but be aware of some road construction projects that might affect your hiking plans. Hikers have a few fun events to look forward to this summer. And happy early 4th of July!

58 years of Signpost magazine: Vintage finds from the early years of WTA

Jun 25, 2024

We delve into the archives to celebrate the 58th anniversary of the first issue of Signpost magazine and the origin story of Washington Trails Association.

Outdoor educators who inspire: Whatcom Intergenerational High School

Jun 24, 2024

Science teacher Cameron Kolk on how place-based education that integrates Western and Indigenous ways of knowing can foster a stronger sense of student identity, community and lasting, trusting relationships.

Hiker Headlines: Hot weather, new trail segments open, SE burn ban, helicopters, Governor talks trails

Jun 20, 2024

It’s June 20. Flood watch on near the Bolt Creek burn scar in the Index/Skykomish area. Washington DNR bans dispersed campfires throughout its Southeast Region. New urban trail segments open in Spokane and Bellevue. Chelan Lakeshore trail closes fully; the Swale Canyon section of the Klickitat closes for repair through 2025. Helicopters at work in the North Cascades. Governor Inslee talks about the value of trails and taking action to protect them for Washington Trails Day.

Go camping with a WTA work party this summer

Jun 20, 2024

Having a hard time snagging a campsite this summer? WTA may be hosting a work party with camping right where you want to be. Check out the schedule today!

Outdoor educators who inspire: Tacoma Online

Jun 19, 2024

Assistant Principal Ruth Schlattmann on why it's vital for all kids to have the opportunity to experience community, set goals and stretch their comfort zones with outdoor experiences, even when they go to school in a largely online environment.

Hiker Headlines: Mountain Loop Highway and Mount Pilchuck Road reopen, fire at Chelan Lakeshore, WTA is hiring

Jun 14, 2024

June 19 is Juneteenth, and parking fees will be waived in some areas. The Mountain Loop Highway and the road to Mount Pilchuck open this week! Wildfire season is here, and there is a partial closure on the Chelan Lakeshore Trail. And WTA is hiring for a South Puget Sound trails coordinator!

Outdoor educators who inspire: Swiftwater Learning Center

Jun 12, 2024

Educator Michele Montgomery on how she uses hands-on learning and the outdoor classroom to share a sense of place and comfort and the outdoors. For high school students growing up in a recreation and tourism town at the foot of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, those lessons can lead to lifelong passions and potential future careers.

Olympic National Park seeks hiker feedback on new overnight permit limits for Enchanted Valley

Jun 07, 2024

This summer, for the first time, Olympic National Park will have a limit on overnight camping in the Enchanted Valley. This is a pilot project and park staff want to hear from hikers about this new quota system and how it impacts your outdoor experience.

Hiker Headlines: Fee-free days, Stevens Canyon Road reopens, warm days coming

Jun 06, 2024

Parking fees will be waived in some areas this weekend. Stevens Canyon Road has reopened after a 2-year-long improvement project. The Forest Service has invested over $1.2 million in future Pacific Northwest forest restoration projects. Watch out for some upcoming closures and construction delays. And we’ve got some hot weather coming this weekend!

Meet the 2024 Lost Trails Found paid crews

Jun 04, 2024

WTA's Lost Trails Found paid crews have a big summer of trail work planned. Meet some of the maintainers doing this tough work and learn what they're looking forward to in 2024. By Joseph Gonzalez

A gift to WTA that spans generations

Jun 04, 2024

One volunteer's gift honors family memories while sustaining the trails of tomorrow. By Adam Steinberg

Hiker Headlines: National Trails Day, Kopachuck State Park year-long closure, new wide socks

May 30, 2024

June 1 is National Trails Day! Be aware of a few closures that might affect your hiking plans. And Darn Tough has created a new line of socks made for wide feet.

Trip report corner: Decades of hikes and stories

May 29, 2024

Peer into years of hiking experience with longtime WTA trip reporters Bob and Barb.

No Child Left Inside gets more kids outdoors than ever

May 28, 2024

WTA and our partners — Youth Experiential Training Institute, The Wilderness Society and others — succeeded in securing No Child Left Inside's highest level of funding to date from the state legislature. This investment of $7 million for grants from 2023-2025 is now funding 92 programs around the state, supporting tens of thousands of Washington’s youth in getting outdoors.

Before and after: Trails get a glow-up from WTA crews

May 24, 2024

Nearly halfway through the year (what, how is that possible), WTA has done more than 350 work parties. We've opened trails, improved staircases and even improved a climbing area!

Hiker Headlines: Now hiring, Pratt River Trail closed, Cayuse Pass opening, hike planning with WTA

May 23, 2024

WTA is hiring for a South Puget Sound trail crew leader. Join WTA hiking experts on May 30 for tips on how to plan your next adventures. Some places are opening up for the season, but there are also some temporary closures. The Forest Service is asking the public for help to limit the spread of a fungus that can be fatal to bats in the Boulder Cave area. And Memorial Day weekend is here!

How to hack your s’mores recipe for your next camping trip

May 22, 2024

When you’re packing for your adventure, consider bringing along the ingredients for a s’more buffet station. Create your own fun or ridiculous recipes, or get some inspiration here.

New local map makes the Carbon River corner of Rainier easier to explore

May 20, 2024

On the northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park is a series of communities and outdoor experiences that make an ideal getaway for visiting the park, even when you don’t have reservations. The town of Wilkeson has collaborated with partners, including WTA, to create a locally-designed visitor access map to guide your visit.

Partnership helps WTA get more done for Mount St. Helens trails

May 17, 2024

Washington Trails Association and the Mount St. Helens Institute team up to make it easier to hike near the iconic volcano.

Hiker Headlines: Trailhead Direct is back, it's backcountry overnight permit season, Mount St. Helens trail closures

May 16, 2024

Trailhead Direct is starting back up again for the hiking season — and bringing back some routes! The backcountry overnight permit seasons for North Cascades National Park and the Enchantments are starting. And there are some funding wins to celebrate this week.