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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Q&A: The Value of Trip Reports for Hiking with Kids
Jun 18, 2021
Trip reporter Robert “Ups n Downs” Shirk loves to get out on trail with his kids, and trip reports are a big part of how he researches trails. Ups N Downs is also a prolific trip reporter, and we caught up with him recently to hear more about why trip reports are so important to him for his adventures.
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Hiker Headlines: New Spokane Area Trails, Peninsula Planning, Smoke Forecast, Juneteenth
Jun 17, 2021
Exciting new trail work projects are getting underway in the Spokane area. The public can participate in planning for Miller Peninsula and Sequim Bay State Parks. Discover Passes can now be checked out at Seattle Public Libraries. A new smoke forecast map will aid in finding clean air during the wildfire season. On Juneteenth, learn about and support organizations working to make the outdoors more inclusive.
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Worn Wear: WTA Staff's Favorite Gear With a Story
Jun 16, 2021
All of our gear has a story to tell. It comes along with us on all of our adventures, big or small, and accumulates layers of sweat, dirt and memories over the years.
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Trip Reporter Q&A: The Joy of Hiking One Area Over and Over
Jun 11, 2021
Trip reporter Birb has hiked nearly all of the trails in the Issaquah Alps — and found beauty and peace along the way.
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Hiker Headlines: Get Outdoors, Federal Wins, Umtanum Bridge, Free Campsites, Artist Point
Jun 10, 2021
This Saturday is National Get Outdoors Day. WTA leaders joined Rep. Kim Schrier to promote the Legacy Roads and Trails Act in Congress. The Umtanum bridge has reopened after extensive repairs to the structure. Eddi Bauer is giving away 1,000 campsites at state parks in Washington and Oregon. Work has begun on clearing the road to Artist Point. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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Trip Reports: Hikers Helping Hikers
Jun 10, 2021
Trip reports make WTA a uniquely helpful resource for hikers in Washington. Here are a few trip reports where hikers helped out a little extra.
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WTA Joins with Rep. Kim Schrier to Promote Funding for Trails and Roads
Jun 09, 2021
WTA and leaders from the recreation community in Washington gathered to promote the introduction of the Legacy Roads and Trails Act in Congress. The act would help fun road and trail maintenance, as well as environmental restoration and fish passage.
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Hiker Headlines: the Great Outdoors, Trail Conditions, Hike the State
Jun 03, 2021
National Trails Day is coming up this Saturday. If you’re heading out for a hike, remember that winter conditions still exist on many trails. June is officially Great Outdoors Month. WTA’s annual Hike the State event is coming up on June 9. And you can now buy a gift card to Washington State Parks.
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Meet WTA's Backcountry Pro Crew
Jun 03, 2021
This summer, WTA is excited to welcome our first professional backcountry crew! The six-person crew will spend the next few months improving trails within three stunning wilderness areas on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. They'll be working on hard-to-reach areas that don't see regular maintenance.
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Where the Sidewalk Ends: Finding Gaps in the Trail Network
Jun 02, 2021
Putting a focus on trails and other ways for people to safely move around urban areas can make for a stronger trail system and a healthier community. Having nature nearby is one thing — but getting to it safely is another. A new state effort is working to eliminate gaps that make it hard for walkers, bikers or wheelchair users to get around.
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Passion Projects Bring WTA Volunteers Back to Favorite Trails
Jun 01, 2021
Our volunteers often find themselves replacing worn-out structures, rebuilding tread or even rerouting trails built by WTA crews who came before them. We’re grateful for the volunteers who were part of those original crews and continue to go back, over and over again, to maintain the projects they started.
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Hiker Headlines: Open Passes, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Trail Closure, Lookout For Rent
May 27, 2021
Chinook and Cayuse Passes are scheduled to open tomorrow. Remember to recreate responsibly this Memorial Day weekend. Juneteenth is the newest fee-free day on Washington recreation lands. The Baker Lake Trail is closed after several cougar encounters in the area. The Steliko lookout near Entiat is now available for rent.
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Q&A: Why Trails are Important to Athletic Brewing
May 26, 2021
As the opportunity to actually get a beer with good friends opens up, we chatted with Mark Koks of Athletic Brewing to learn a bit more about why he loves trails, and how Athletic Brewing is giving back.
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Hiker Headlines: Mental Health, Wildlife Win, Fire Safety, Parking Reservations, Forest Expansion
May 20, 2021
Get some #FreshAir4MentalHealth this Saturday. Wild fishers born in the North Cascades are a landmark in bringing this endangered species back. It’s wildfire awareness month: brush up on campfire safety. Visitors to the Lewis River Recreation Area will need a parking reservation this summer. A new land acquisition nearly doubled the Nisqually Community Forest. Get trail smart with WTA’s new email series.
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A Treasured Moment Together
May 14, 2021
Every year, WTA invites photographers to share their favorite photos for our annual contest. Hiker Giselle Pichardo shared a shot with her family at Ebey's Landing last summer.
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