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: Free pass, tree for 4th graders; winter hours and closures around the state

Dec 05, 2024

Olympic National Park has started its winter operations. Be aware of some closures, including an extension of the Lake 22 trail closure. The Washington Department of Natural Resources has started two large cleanup projects. And the Forest Service is reminding families with fourth graders that their Every Kid Outdoors program is offering free America the Beautiful passes and Christmas tree permits.

Celebrating the lives of those we lost in 2024

Dec 05, 2024

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.

Join WTA on trail and start a new family tradition

Dec 04, 2024

Family trail work, trail work for families, family tradition, work parties, youth, youth and families.

5 WTA partner organizations to support this Giving Tuesday

Dec 02, 2024

Washington Trails Association believes that trails are for everyone, forever. This year for Giving Tuesday, we are highlighting five WTA partner groups that are making sure everyone has access to experience nature in meaningful ways. Please consider sharing your generosity with these organizations.

Trip report roundup: Trees down, snow sticking around

Nov 22, 2024

With winter storms rolling into the region and a bomb cyclone knocking down trees (in addition to power for many communities), the conditions on trails have changed a lot in the last week. Some parks, like Wallace Falls State Park, are closed due to the extent of the damage.

WTA teams up with Everett to increase access to local trails

Nov 22, 2024

An exciting project and major victory for WTA's Trails Next Door campaign is now underway in South Everett. Crews will be working to increase accessibility and walkability to green spaces and trails.

Hiker Headlines: Highway 20, Mountain Loop Highway closing; WTA closed Thanksgiving week

Nov 21, 2024

Heads up: Highway 20 is closed for the winter, and the Mountain Loop Highway and Mount Pilchuck Road are closing this week. WTA is also closed next week for Thanksgiving. WTA is currently hiring for 2025 seasonal positions. And Mount Rainier National Park has announced its major 2025 construction projects.

5 surprising ways WTA members are making trails for everyone, forever possible

Nov 20, 2024

From equipping outdoor educators with snowshoes for their students to helping hikers at trailheads, here are 5 cool things our members support.

WTA helps open new Mount Spokane trail, builds bridges, trains trail and saw skills, celebrates one of our own

Nov 14, 2024

WTA has had a busy few months, training folks at Snohomish County and Washington Conservation Corps, working on trails across the state and celebrating one of our own winning an award from the Washington State Trails Coalition.

Hiker Headlines: Christmas tree permits available, rain and snow on the way, Hwy 20 weekend closure

Nov 14, 2024

Christmas tree-cutting permits are available now at Okanogan-Wenatchee and Gifford Pinchot national forests. And we’ve got lots of precipitation coming this weekend, which also means a weekend closure for Highway 20 in the North Cascades.

Behind the seams with local outdoor gear and apparel company, Outdoor Research

Nov 13, 2024

When you pass a hiker, trail runner or snowshoer this winter, there’s a chance you’ll be sharing the trail with one of the people designing or testing gear for iconic Seattle-based outdoor gear and apparel company, Outdoor Research (OR).

Take action: Forest Service cuts to seasonal staffing will hurt trails and recreational access

Nov 12, 2024

A budget crisis at the U.S. Forest Service will reduce its ability to maintain trails, clean restrooms, collect trash and steward public lands. Learn what is happening and how you can help.

Shape the next 10 years for Oyster Dome, Mount Si, Gothic Basin, Yacolt Burn and more

Nov 08, 2024

Washington Department of Natural Resources recently released its first-ever statewide plan to guide recreation and public access, including hiking, over the next 10 years and across 5.6 million acres. Give your feedback before November 21.

Hiker Headlines: Chinook and Cayuse passes close for season, sno-park permit season starts

Nov 07, 2024

Veterans day is Nov. 11 and parking fees will be waived on state and federal lands. More roads have closed for the winter — including Eightmile Road in the Enchantments and Chinook and Cayuse passes at Mount Rainier — and it’s sno-park season. And good news: New bear boxes have been installed in some wildlife areas in northeast Washington!

Looking ahead to 2025: WTA’s commitment to trails and to our community

Nov 06, 2024

In 2025, you can count on WTA continuing to be a fierce advocate for public lands. We’re eager to get to work protecting them for everyone, forever, together with all who love the outdoors. We hope you’ll become part of our movement for trails and public lands

The magic math of a single sleeping bag

Nov 04, 2024

When you are camping, a sleeping bag not only is an important survival tool but can provide a lot of comfort while you’re away from home. For people who are new to camping, a quality sleeping bag can make or break an entire trip.

Hiker Headlines: Winter schedule for national parks; new trail mural

Oct 31, 2024

Happy Halloween from all of us at WTA! Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park are now on winter recreation and road access schedules. Be aware of smoke that may come from planned fires. And check out a new mural on the Eastrail in the Puget Sound area.

Slate Creek: Not lost, but not quite found

Oct 31, 2024

I recently visited the Slate Creek Trail for a backcountry work party. I walked away from the experience with a new appreciation for trails in Eastern Washington — and for our volunteer community.

Volunteer Appreciation 2024: Celebrating our incredible community

Oct 28, 2024

Our gratitude for our volunteers happens every day. Once a year though, we dedicate one week to celebrate them especially — Volunteer Appreciation Week. Here's a roundup of how we welcomed longtime and new volunteers to celebrate their efforts this year.

Hiker Headlines: Naches area trail closures, new statewide recreation plan, snow levels dropping

Oct 24, 2024

The Mount Si trailhead will be temporarily closed and there are some trail closures in the Naches area. You can learn about a new statewide plan for recreation by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources at an upcoming meeting. A movie about explorer and cartographer Michi Meko is debuting in Portland. And snow is coming to the mountains this week!

$1.9 billion for public lands is at risk: your voice is needed

Oct 22, 2024

The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) created the Legacy Restoration Fund, which provides up to $1.9 billion annually to protect public lands and improve opportunities for the public to access them. With funding set to run out in 2025, we are gathering the support of people like you who love the outdoors to help us push to renew GAOA’s Legacy Restoration Fund.