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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What Makes the Vivid Colors in Mountain Lakes?
Jul 20, 2022
If you’ve hiked to many mountain lakes, you’ve likely noticed that many of them are particularly blue — some almost seem otherworldly in their intensity. But what makes those lakes such an eye-popping color?
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Outdoor Leaders Who Inspire Us: Trail Mixed Collective
Jul 19, 2022
We recently talked with a few groups we admire, including Quena Batres and Liselle Pires of Trail Mixed Collective, to learn more about how they are building better futures for their communities.
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Field-Tested Favorites: Mealtime Experiences and Recipes from WTA Outdoor Leadership Training Leaders
Jul 18, 2022
Two leaders from WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program, Christine Zarker Primomo and Harper McFadden, share their experiences cooking with youth in the outdoors, and their favorite backpacking recipes from their trips.
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Hiker Headlines: Artist Point Road Opening, Trail Closures, Sundaes Outside
Jul 14, 2022
The road to Artist Point is open for the season! Forest Service construction will close the Annette Lake trail through October. King County Parks construction will close some of the Cougar Mountain trail network through July. And join Golden Bricks Events for Sundaes Outside this Sunday, July 17 at Dash Point State Park.
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Outdoor Leaders Who Inspire Us: Sea Potential
Jul 13, 2022
We recently talked with a few local outdoor groups we admire to learn more about how they are building better futures for their communities.
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Find Your Hiking Community Through These Events
Jul 11, 2022
We’re highlighting a few of our favorites for you to check out this summer.
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Hiker Headlines: Road Openings and Closures, Urban Forest Funding, Survey on E-Bikes
Jul 07, 2022
Sunrise Road has reopened for the summer. Mallardy Ridge Road will be closed from July 15 to September 15. Some Conconully State Park campgrounds are closed temporarily due to flood damage. $550,000 of funding was awarded by the Department of Natural Resources for urban and community forests. The state wants to hear your thoughts on e-bikes on trails. And, a retriever featured in WTA's Hiking with Dogs workshop is a semi-finalist in the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Award competition.
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Share Your Thoughts on E-Bikes on Trails
Jul 06, 2022
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources are looking for your feedback on e-bikes on their land.
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Snow Lake and Annette Lake Trails to Close for Several Months
Jul 05, 2022
The Annette Lake and Snow Lake trails, popular hikes along the I-90 corridor, will be closed for several months this summer due to trail construction work, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act. The work will require the use of potentially-dangerous tools, so the trails will close in the interest of safety.
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5 Steps to Your Best Summer with Hike-a-Thon
Jul 01, 2022
Whether you’re hoping to discover new trails or hike more miles, you’ll find community in WTA’s 19th annual Hike-a-Thon.
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How One Forest Service Leader is Inspiring a New Generation
Jun 30, 2022
For over two decades, Aleta Eng has been working to connect people to public lands and inspiring the next generation of U.S. Forest Service leaders. As the partnership specialist for the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Aleta has been thoughtful, innovative and creative in building a strong youth and community engagement program.
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Hiker Headlines: Hike-a-Thon, Highway 20 Repaving, Dog Mountain Trailhead to Move, Firework Safety
Jun 30, 2022
Registration opens for WTA’s Hike-a-Thon on July 1. Some roads and parking lots on Highway 20 will be affected by a repaving project this month. Plans to move the Dog Mountain trailhead have kicked off. And, please help prevent wildfires this weekend.
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9 Tips for Being Everyone’s Favorite Hiking Buddy
Jun 27, 2022
The next time you head out with a new hiking companion, whether it’s a brand-new friend or someone you’ve known for decades, we have some tips for how to have a great time — and ensure you’re always on the invite list for future hikes.
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Hiker Headlines: Volunteer Trailhead Ambassador Program, Closures and Openings, State Park Expansion
Jun 23, 2022
Join Glacier Peak Institute in a pilot volunteer trailhead ambassador program at Barlow Pass this summer. Baker Lake and Baker River roads will be closed for repair through July 1. Near Winthrop, trails and campgrounds are open after reconstruction from the Cub Creek fire in 2021. And Beacon Rock State Park is getting expanded after a land acquisition.
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This Summer: Volunteer on the Mountain Loop Highway
Jun 22, 2022
Spread knowledge about Leave No Trace and responsible recreation by volunteering as a trailhead ambassador on the Mountain Loop Highway this summer.
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Summer Survival Guide: Hiking with Babies, Kids and Teens
Jun 21, 2022
Motivating reluctant kids, backpacking with a baby or knowing when your teen is ready to hike without you — here are 5 articles to help you get your kids, from babies to teens, out on trail this summer.
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Clearing the Way for Summer Adventures: Where We've Worked so Far
Jun 20, 2022
Spring is an exciting time at WTA. The snow is melting, the flowers are blooming and our intrepid backcountry volunteers make their way out on trail to begin clearing the path for summer.
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Hiker Headlines: Free Day, Closures, Youth Trail Work Parties
Jun 16, 2022
This Sunday, Juneteenth, is a fee-free day at state managed lands. Ruby Beach is now closed for construction. A restoration project in the Upper South Fork Skokomish and repaving projects along Highway 20 will impact some trailhead access. Your hike can help inform research on pink snow. And, WTA invites you to join us on a youth trail work party this summer.
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5 Tips to Get Your Friends to Help Protect Trails
Jun 15, 2022
We recently talked to three hikers who have advocated for trails in official and unofficial ways about what works best to get friends on board for saving trails.
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Hiker Headlines: Free Days, Outdoor Rec Funding, Road Openings, Methow Planning
Jun 09, 2022
Enjoy a fee-free visit to the trailhead weekend. The Department of Agriculture unveiled $503 million of funding for outdoor recreation projects. Chinook Pass is set to reopen on June 10. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting a public workshop to discuss development of the Methow Wildlife Area. And, Washington State Parks will be starting up their summer outdoor concert series.
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Using Trails to See the Bigger Picture
Jun 08, 2022
Bri Ross, a member of WTA's Emerging Leaders Program, has long been interested in using recreation ecology to understand the natural world.
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