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.
______________________________________________________
Hiker Headlines: Sno-Park Status, WTA Advocacy, Icicle Road, MLK Day
Jan 13, 2022
Sno-parks are slow to reopen after last week’s snowstorm. The state legislative session just kicked off in Olympia. Icicle Road near Leavenworth will likely be closed through the weekend. And, entry fees will be waived at public lands on Monday, January 17 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Read More
Get Inspired: How Four Hikers Accomplished Their 2021 Hiking Goals
Jan 12, 2022
You've picked your hike, checked the trip reports, and refreshed your trail smarts. But if you need a little more motivation getting out the door, read how these four hikers achieved their hiking goals last year.
Read More
Hiking Firsts: Photos and Stories of Hikers Trying New Things
Jan 07, 2022
To celebrate the beginning of a new year, we're sharing some firsts, shared by contributors to our Northwest Exposure Photo Contest.
Read More
Trip Reporters Talk Snow and Ice
Jan 07, 2022
One of the best sources of information and inspiration during winter are trip reports from hikers who are out there seeing conditions first hand. Here are some of the things trip reporters have been finding out on trail during the start of winter.
Read More
Hiker Headlines: Avalanche Warning, Closed Passes and Roads, Winter Inspiration
Jan 06, 2022
The avalanche forecast is high for the Cascades and Olympics. A flood watch is in effect for much of Western Washington. Four major mountain passes are closed due to heavy snowfall, and it’s best to steer clear of trailheads in the I-90 foothills until road conditions improve. With the rough conditions out there, stay inspired by setting your hiking goals for the new year and check out our photo contest winners.
Read More
2021 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest Winners
Jan 03, 2022
From bears to mountain peaks, take a look at all of the 2021 photo contest winners.
Read More
Hiker Headlines: New Sno-Park, First Day Hikes, Bridge Over the Columbia
Dec 29, 2021
First Day Hikes are a great way to kick off the new year. A new Sno-Park just opened on the westside of Snoqualmie Pass. The eastern closure point for the North Cascades Highway will move a few miles down the road. And a pedestrian bridge across the Columbia River will open in 2022.
Read More
Tips and Inspiration to Help You Set Goals for a Year of Happy Hiking
Dec 28, 2021
Resources and inspiration to help you create your own hiking goals and meet them.
Read More
Hiker Headlines: Cold Snap, Winter Hiking, Fisher Release
Dec 23, 2021
Snowfall and very cold temperatures are expected across Washington this weekend. Read about the many ways hikers are getting outside at the start of winter. And more fishers have been reintroduced to the Olympic National Forest.
Read More
Wild Society, a WTA Partner, Teams Up With Communities for Outdoor Adventures
Dec 20, 2021
Wild Society, a wilderness education nonprofit based out of Kitsap County, developed two amazing new partnerships that brought epic adventures and rewarding relationships.
Read More
Planning for the Future of Trails Means Planning for Fires
Dec 17, 2021
Not every landscape or wildfire is the same. Depending on how hot the fire burns, there are different impacts to the environment. Just as each fire and landscape is unique, the on-the-ground response can be just as varied.
Read More
Hiker Headlines: Winter Parking, WTA’s Impact, Blake Island, Yakima Loop, Parks Director
Dec 16, 2021
With winter recreation ramping up, it’s important to know how to park legally at mountain passes. The impact of the WTA community is getting noticed. Tillicum Village is closing on Blake Island. Planners aim to make Yakima more walkable. And the new director of the National Park Service has been sworn in.
Read More
Search and Rescue’s Tips for Wet-Season Hiking
Dec 14, 2021
Here are a few scenarios you might encounter while hiking in the wet months — and how to avoid having to make that 911 call for search and rescue.
Read More
A Year of Achievements in Glendale Park
Dec 13, 2021
WTA, partners and the local community have made incredible headway in bringing access to this local park.
Read More
Gift Guide: 13 Favorite Outdoor-Themed Books
Dec 10, 2021
These staff recommended reads are the perfect accompaniment to your shoulder-season adventures — or a way to stay busy while you wait out the high-country snow. We also think they'd make great holiday gifts for the nature lovers in you life.
Read More
Hiker Headlines: Avalanche Safety, Name Changes, Conservation, First Day Hikes
Dec 08, 2021
The experts at the Northwest Avalanche Center have a safety reminder. The Department of the Interior will work to remove derogatory place names from federal lands. Washington just designated 230 acres of land as Natural Resource Conservation Areas. And, First Day Hikes are coming back to state parks on January 1.
Read More
How to Help if You See Harassment or Bias on Trail
Dec 08, 2021
Trails should be welcoming and safe for everyone. Here's some ways you can help if you encounter incidents on bias on trail.
Read More
Celebrating the Lives of Those We Lost
Dec 06, 2021
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.
Read More
6 Ideas for Making New Outdoor Holiday Traditions
Dec 03, 2021
Spending the holidays outdoors is an annual tradition for some WTA trip reporters. Here's how they do it.
Read More
Hiker Headlines: Now Hiring, Giving Tuesday, Parks Director, New Year’s, Hoh Flooding
Dec 02, 2021
WTA is hiring for several positions, both in the field and the office. Giving Tuesday was a great success thanks to all your support. Chuck F. Sams III was confirmed to head the National Park Service. Reserve your spot now for New Year’s celebrations at Deception Pass State Park. The Hoh River entrance at Olympic National Park is closed due to flooding.
Read More
Rebooting Popular Trails for Year Round Hiking in Hood Canal
Nov 29, 2021
This summer, WTA's volunteer crews provided urgent maintenance to some of the Hood Canal’s most loved trails in order to ensure that these trails are accessible and safe for all users.
Read More