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: Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road Closed, Fighting Wildfires and a Return to Trailwork

Jan 02, 2020

It's Jan. 2, 2020. Welcome to the future! However, since the future still doesn't have flying cars, you should know that the Middle Fork Road along the Snoqualmie River is closed. WTA is back out working on trails. (Yup, we run volunteer work parties all year!) And we are so grateful for all of you.

I Picked Up 80 Pounds of Trail Trash in a Year. Here's What I Learned

Dec 30, 2019

If you're looking for hiking resolutions for 2020, here's what I learned from a year of collecting 80 lbs of light sabers, orange peels and water bottles.

Ring in the New Year with First Day Hikes in Washington State Parks

Dec 23, 2019

Free, guided hikes and snowshoe trips will be offered all across the state on January 1. Additionally, New Year's Day is a fee-free day in Washington State Parks. No Discover Pass is required.

Hiker Headlines: First Day Hikes, Fee-Free Days, Trail Re-Opens

Dec 19, 2019

It’s Dec. 19, 2019. It’s time to start planning 2020 hikes — and other adventures! And a trail recently reopened, thanks to some help from WTA volunteers. Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Gear Up For Winter

Dec 16, 2019

We reviewed some of our favorite cozy layers, sturdy backpacks and other winter essentials for a day on trail.

2019 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest Winners

Dec 13, 2019

Take a look at the winning images from WTA's 2019 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest.

Hiker Headlines: North Cascades Highway Closes, Meteors, Wildfire Science, Gifts

Dec 12, 2019

It's Dec. 12. The North Cascades Highway is closed for the season. A big meteor shower is this weekend. Scientists are studying how to predict wildfire behavior. And we have some ideas for non-material gifts for your loved ones.

A Tribute to 'Tribute to the Trails' and the Generosity of Trail Runners

Dec 09, 2019

Honoring 14 years of generosity from the trail running community.

Easy, Meaningful Gifts: Outdoor Experiences

Dec 06, 2019

How to DIY a last-minute gift that embodies your values, makes memories, brings joy and can be done on a budget.

Hiker Headlines: A Big Thank You, Mountain Passes, Guided Snowshoe Trips

Dec 05, 2019

It's Dec. 5, 2019. We can't thank you enough for your support on Giving Tuesday. While some passes are still open — we're looking at you North Cascades — many others are closed for the season. And if you'd like to try snowshoeing, guided hikes this winter might be just the thing.

Wait, That Happened this Decade? WTA Looks Back at the Last 10 Years

Dec 04, 2019

Washington Trails Association has been around since 1966, but we've had a pretty epic decade. We took a few minutes to look back at some of things that have happened since 2010.

5 Warm, Boozy Cocktails You Can Put In Your Thermos

Dec 04, 2019

These warm brunch cocktails are the perfect companion for your winter morning hikes.

10 Things WTA is Thankful For

Nov 27, 2019

When Washington spins into winter, the dark days can be challenging to endure. Fewer hours of daylight make it hard to get outside, but we believe it's a good time to reflect on how much we have to be thankful for: pikas, toilets, and a community who cares about each other.

The Path to Gratitude

Nov 27, 2019

Pause. Breathe. Remember what trails mean.

Behind the Scenes: Washington's Best-Kept Secret for Recreation Funding

Nov 26, 2019

Celebrating its 30th year, the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition is a behind-the-scenes powerhouse for the interests of outdoor recreation, including the hiking community.

Celebrating the Lives of Those We Lost

Nov 26, 2019

We take a moment to reflect on the lives of some of those who we've recently lost. They are missed, but we will remember and celebrate their lives and contributions to our community for years to come.

1 Summer, 300 Miles, 15 Friends

Nov 22, 2019

Annalise had two plans for the summer before her senior year of high school: take the SAT and hike 300 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Hiker Headlines: Getting Youth Outside, Fee-Free Day, Firefighting Jobs

Nov 21, 2019

It's Nov. 21. WTA recently celebrated an exciting milestone in our program to help kids get outside. Next Friday would be a great time to visit a state park — for free. And if you're interested in wildlands firefighting, the Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Take Your Book Club Outside

Nov 18, 2019

Your guide for starting an outdoorsy book club, complete with 27 book+hike pairings.

Hiker Headlines: Land Protected Forever, Roadless Area at Risk, Hiking with Lawmakers

Nov 14, 2019

It's Nov. 14. Forty-six acres of forest near Issaquah were recently protected and will provide access to a popular hiking area. You have a chance to use your voice to protect roadless areas. And we've been hiking with state lawmakers to talk about trails and public lands.

8 Uses for Trash Bags on Trail

Nov 12, 2019

And here you thought trash bags were just for trash.