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: Share Your Thoughts, Highway 20 Updates, Name Changes, New Bridge
Nov 03, 2022
Share your thoughts on multiple proposed long-term plans for our trails and outdoor spaces. Part of Highway 20 will be temporarily closing starting tonight, but some fire closures in the national park have been lifted. Nine derogatory names for natural features have been changed. A new bridge has been completed in the Black Diamond Open Space.
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Find A Hike You Like With WTA's Trailblazer App
Nov 01, 2022
Our team of incredibly generous and hardworking volunteer developers and designers have been working hard to get you some crucial updates to our app!
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Shared-Language Hikes Helped Break Down Barriers to the Outdoors This Summer
Oct 31, 2022
Last month, ECOSS wrapped up its summer season of shared-language hiking trips to Little Si — aiming to expand outdoor access to underserved communities — using the Trailhead Direct program. We connected with some of the ECOSS staff and trip leaders to talk about their experiences hiking with their communities.
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Hiker Headlines: Sno-Park Permits, Reopenings and Closures, More Snow
Oct 27, 2022
It’s October 27. Sno-Park permits are on sale November 1. Some trails affected by the Eagle Creek Fire in 2017 have reopened. Key recreation roads are closing for winter, and prescribed burns are happening in some areas in Washington. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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WTA’s Hike Recommender Can Help You Plan Your Winter
Oct 26, 2022
As the temps drop and the days get shorter, hiking changes a bit, too. You'll need extra layers and warm treats in your pack, but if you’re seeking trail inspiration, WTA’s hike recommender can help you out!
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Happy Hours and Happy Hikers: Building Community Among WTA's Fireside Circle
Oct 21, 2022
When you hang out with WTA's Fireside Circle members, it's impossible not to be inspired by their passion for trails and spirit of stewardship.
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Hiker Headlines: Permits and Wildfire Updates, Closures, Rain
Oct 20, 2022
The Forest Service extended Mount St. Helens' permit season. Some key roads are closed. Wildfires are still burning, but we finally have some rain in the forecast. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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King County Voters: This "Yes" Vote Will Help Save Green Spaces
Oct 18, 2022
Voters have the chance in this election (Nov. 8) to vote "yes" to Conserve Our Future, King County Proposition 1. Vote "yes" so this program can continue to protect lands that support the health of our communities, ecosystems and climate.
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Lost Trails Found Crews, Volunteers, Return to Trails in the Entiat
Oct 17, 2022
The Entiat has suffered from a number of wildfires over the last decade, and the damage from those burns is still being felt today. But thankfully, our crews have been chipping away at those damages.
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Hiker Headlines: Now Hiring, Volunteer Appreciation Week, Closures, Park Improvements
Oct 13, 2022
WTA is hiring! Join WTA for Volunteer Appreciation Week. Be aware of closures in North Cascades National Park and Mount Rainier National Park. A Seattle park has fully reopened with multiple improvements. And, wildfire prevention efforts continue — and it seems they are working. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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A Path to an Outdoor Career: Shape Your Future with WTA's Emerging Leaders Program
Oct 11, 2022
WTA's Emerging Leaders Program is now accepting applications for the 2023 season! We caught up with some past participants to find out what they're up to now.
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Lost Trails Found Crews Crush 2022 Season With 58 Miles of Trail Work
Oct 10, 2022
WTA’s Lost Trails Found crews have earned a nice rest and many thanks from hikers after spending a whopping 6,790 total hours in the field doing trail maintenance this summer! Check out all the work our crews got done over the season.
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Hiker Headlines: Free Day, Climate Lecture, Trail Plans, New Open Space
Oct 06, 2022
Parking fees will be waived in some areas for World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10. Visit Town Hall on Oct. 18 to listen to the University of Washington College of the Environment’s annual Doug Walker Lecture. Share your thoughts on a new comprehensive plan for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. An emergency closure has been implemented on a part of Stevens Canyon Road for construction. And, a new recreation area has opened on Vashon Island.
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Honorable Mention: 5 Northwest Exposure Favorites from WTA’s Photo Judges
Oct 03, 2022
We asked our photo contest judges to pick honorable mentions from last year’s contest — and explain what they love about the images.
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How to Get to King County Trailheads Without a Car
Sep 27, 2022
Get to parks, trails and green spaces in King County using these public transportation routes.
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Having Fun on Trail: Work Party Selfies!
Sep 23, 2022
Trail work can be hard and tiring, but WTA trail crews also know how to have fun. Just check out all the smiles, silliness and selfies from our work parties!
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Creating Even Better Hiking for the Port Gamble Forest
Sep 22, 2022
An effort is underway to protect critical areas within the Port Gamble Forest. The area is popular with hikers and many other outdoor enthusiasts. The work is a continuation of earlier work to protect a large section of forest.
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Hiker Headlines: Now Hiring, Free Day, Bridge Replacement Project
Sep 22, 2022
WTA is hiring! A big thanks to everyone who joined us for Hike-a-Thon this August! This Saturday is National Public Lands Day; parking fees will be waived in some areas, and some celebration events will be held. A bridge replacement project in the Black Diamond Open Space will cause some closures in the area this October. And, make sure to check wildfire statuses and the air quality index if you're heading out this weekend.
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Hike-a-Thon 2022: A Recap with Miles the Marmot
Sep 21, 2022
Miles the Marmot here! I'm sharing the final numbers for WTA's 19th annual Hike-a-Thon. What a great year — all thanks to our hikers! Join us next year for the 20th anniversary of Hike-a-Thon.
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Let’s Play: King County Coalition Comes Together to Get Youth Outside
Sep 20, 2022
King County Play Equity Coalition is a network of organizations dedicated to making changes that make it easier for young people in all communities to move their bodies outside — and to get all of the benefits that come with play.
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Hiker Headlines: Reopenings, Construction Closures and Wildfires Continue
Sep 15, 2022
Snow Lake and Ruby Beach have both reopened after a summer of construction work! A couple of trails in Beacon Rock State Park will be closed next week for an improvement project. And, wildfires continue to burn throughout the state. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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