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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Local Transit, National Action: Trailhead Direct is Back for 2023
May 10, 2023
Trailhead Direct is starting its 2023 season this weekend. The service provides transit access to nearby trailheads from Seattle. Nationally, WTA is working to improve transit options to trails for the future.
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5 Ways to Get Involved With WTA this Summer
May 09, 2023
While it's not officially summer yet, at WTA we're getting excited for warm days on trail. With that in mind, we have been planning events all summer long. We're looking forward to talking about trails (including some great hiking recommendations from WTA experts!) and helping hikers build a better future for Washington's trails. We hope you can join us!
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The Greg Ball Trail: Bridging Past, Present and Future
May 08, 2023
WTA volunteers memorialize longtime WTA leader, Greg Ball, by renovating a bridge in his honor at Wallace Falls State Park.
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Follow Major Changes Proposed for Visiting Mount Rainier
May 08, 2023
Mount Rainier National Park has released a draft plan proposing significant changes to how people visit popular areas of Mount Rainier National Park. Sign up with WTA to stay up to date and share your feedback.
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A Crew Leader’s Story of Woodinville’s New Trail Next Door
May 05, 2023
Volunteer Micki Kedzierski shares her account of a new trail that creates easy access to nature for locals in unincorporated King County. The Greenbrier Trail (and the story of its development) are full of surprises.
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Hiker Headlines: GiveBIG Thanks, Mountain Loop Closures, Volcanoes
May 04, 2023
It's May 4. We're so thankful for our WTA community for the support during GiveBIG. Some trails, trailheads, roads and campgrounds are going to be closed this season for upgrades. And May is both Mental Health Awareness Month and Volcano Preparedness Month. A good time to check out a volcano near you or to take a relaxing hike. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.
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WTA Work Party Puts Youth Volunteer on Path to an Outdoors Career
May 02, 2023
A WTA work party put a dedicated WTA youth volunteer on a path to a career in the outdoors.
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Young Trail Crews Lead the Way at Urban Glendale Forest
Apr 28, 2023
WTA youth volunteers and Emerging Leaders Program cohort members join forces to build a community trail. By Allie Tripp
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Hiker Headlines: GiveBIG, North Cascades Permits, Dog Mountain Shuttle, State Budget Wins
Apr 27, 2023
GiveBIG is on May 2-3! The Washington state Legislature adjourned this week, with some big wins for WTA and trails. All available North Cascades National Park wilderness permits will be available to the general public on May 1. The Dog Mountain shuttle will begin running on weekends starting this weekend. And, Olympic National Park has several upcoming bridge improvement projects this spring — expect some delays and closures.
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Historic State Funding Wins for Trails, Equity After a Decade of Work
Apr 26, 2023
WTA and hikers helped secure some incredible, and lasting, wins for ongoing trail funding in the 2023 state legislative session. WTA's Emerging Leaders Program in partnership with Washington State Parks was also funded, along with a number of other important projects and programs around the state.
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Trip Report Roundup: Earth Day 2023
Apr 25, 2023
Earth Day is a day to celebrate the earth, spend time outside and take action to take care of the environment. Here’s what some of our community members got up to this weekend.
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Supporting Trails is an Investment in Health
Apr 24, 2023
ALLtech knows the tangible health benefits of spending time on trails. That's why they encourage employees and partners to get outside and advocate for trails. By Adam Steinberg
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Trip Report Roundup: WTA Members On Wildflowers, Snowshoeing Conditions and Nesting Birds
Apr 20, 2023
Members make our work, including our website and trip reports happen. For Member Appreciation Day, a few went above and beyond to file trip reports on the lastest spring conditions.
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Hiker Headlines: Now Hiring, Earth Day, Meteors, Mount Rainier Permits
Apr 20, 2023
WTA is hiring! This Saturday is Earth Day, and parking fees in some areas will be waived. The Lyrids meteor shower will peak this weekend. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has new food storage rules. The Washington Department of Natural Resources wants to hear your thoughts about recreation on their Yakima County lands. And, all available Mount Rainier wilderness permits will be available to the general public on April 25.
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Honoring a Volunteer for Decades of Dedication to Trails
Apr 17, 2023
WTA thanks Pat Limberg for years of volunteering, both on and off trail, with our white hat award. By Laura Norsen
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Snapshot: Hikers Helping Hikers
Apr 14, 2023
"Where" and "when" are memorable parts of any hike, but "who" and how they made you feel sticks with you forever. Doug Diekema reflects on capturing a touching moment with family while on trail. By Doug Diekema.
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Hiker Headlines: Olympic Camping Permits & Road Closures, Urban Forest Funding, Wildflowers
Apr 13, 2023
Olympic National Park camping permits for the summer will be available to reserve on April 15. Expect some road closures and a trail closure in the Quinault area. The Forest Service is allocating over $9 million to support urban green spaces in Washington and Oregon. And, wildflowers are here!
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Hiker Headlines: Paradise Road Reopening Soon, Ski Season Extended, New Reservation System
Apr 06, 2023
The road to Paradise may reopen in the next couple of weeks. The ski season has been extended at some ski resorts. Staircase Campground in Olympic National Park will have a new reservation system this summer. And due to snow, Mount St. Helens climbing permit holders may be able to request refunds through April 20.
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Full Crews, Clear Trails, Can't Lose
Apr 06, 2023
Are you ready for spring? Washington's trails are, thanks to the volunteer crews who've been working all winter to prep them for hikers this season.
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How King County Parks Meets Local Trail Needs
Apr 04, 2023
WTA partners with King County Parks to make local trails more accessible. Check out their ongoing work to meet local residents at the parks they enjoy close to home.
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Hiker Headlines: WTA Now Hiring, Highway Spring Cleaning, Trails Reopen, Upcoming Snowy Weekend
Mar 30, 2023
WTA is hiring! The North Cascades Highway seasonal clearing has begun. Trails at the Cowiche Canyon Preserve have reopened. Be aware of prescribed burns starting this spring. Some campgrounds in Olympic National Park are temporarily closed. And, expect snow in the mountains this weekend.
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