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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Breaking Ground on Independence Pass
Oct 05, 2021
For just over a decade, sections of the Independence Pass trail have been lost to treacherous washouts that prevent hikers from travelling its full length. Now, WTA and partners are working to bring it back.
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This Summer Was WILD
Oct 04, 2021
InterImCDA’s WILD program, Wild Society and Wild Grief all took teens backpacking this summer (with gear from WTA's gear library). We ask them to reflect on the value of time spent in the “wild” for the youth they work with and some unexpected logistical challenges they encountered.
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Hiker Headlines: Lookout Tower, Parks Planning, Prescribed Burns, Local Stonehenge
Sep 30, 2021
A new lookout tower is nearing completion on Pinnacle Peak outside of Enumclaw. Take a survey to help Seattle Parks and Recreation plan for the future. State parks is holding a meeting to share proposed plans for the Palouse Falls area. Land managers have announced some upcoming prescribed burns. And a Stonehenge memorial in the Columbia River Gorge was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
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What Do You Want From Seattle Parks? Let Them Know
Sep 29, 2021
The city of Seattle's Parks and Recreation Department wants to hear from you to help them shape their priorities for the coming years.
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Miles the Marmot Reports Back on a Record-Breaking Year for Hike-a-Thon
Sep 24, 2021
Our spokesmarmot shares thanks for all the amazing Hike-a-Thoners who did so much for trails.
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Hiker Headlines: Public Lands Day, Burn Bans Lifted, Parks Survey, Mapping Rainier
Sep 23, 2021
Celebrate National Public Lands Day by thanking a ranger. Burn bans have lifted in several areas across the state. King County Parks wants to hear from you as they plan for the future of parks, trails and natural areas. And you may come across signs of a new mapping project at Mount Rainier this week.
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New Book Shares Stories of Northwest Women Who Helped Shape Our History
Sep 20, 2021
Joan Burton's new book, “Footprints in Snow: Seven Brave Women Who Shaped the History of the Northwest Mountains,” shares the story of other iconic women in the history of the outdoors.
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Hiker Headlines: Wet Weekend Weather, Latinx Heritage Month, Lands Reopen, National Parks Nominee
Sep 16, 2021
Wet weather is expected this weekend in Western Washington, including snow at higher elevations. Celebrate National Latinx Heritage Month this September. Wildfire closures are lifting in parts of the state. The first Native American has been nominated to head the National Park Service.
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Hiking Doesn't Have to be Hard: Be Easy on Yourself and Each Other
Sep 09, 2021
Hiking is always worthwhile but it’s not always easy and it’s not always pleasant. Acknowledging the whole spectrum of experiences will make for a more welcoming hiking culture, and being easy on yourself and others can add a little sunshine to a rainy day.
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Hiker Headlines: Shorter Days, Trip Report Milestone, Highway 542 Weekend Closure, After Fire
Sep 09, 2021
Daylight hours are growing shorter as we transition into fall, emphasizing the importance of hike planning and packing a flashlight. We are celebrating the milestone of 200,000 trip reports. A portion of the Mount Baker Highway will be closed Sunday morning for a group bicycle ride. Wildfire closures are still in place across Washington, and the Forest Service gives some insight into the process of safely reopening an area after it burns.
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Exploring the State Through Volunteering
Sep 08, 2021
Our varied, far-reaching volunteer opportunities have the added benefit of giving volunteers a fun opportunity to see and explore new parts of Washington.
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Hiker Headlines: Hunting Season, Long Weekend, Back to School
Sep 02, 2021
Hunting season is ramping up on many public lands across the state. The last long weekend of summer is right around the corner. And, it's time to head back to school.
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El Centro de la Raza on the Trail: An Outdoor Field Trip for Teens
Sep 02, 2021
This trip, which was supported by WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program, was a chance for teens to connect with each other and the outdoors.
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You Know You're in Washington When...
Aug 31, 2021
Washingtonians are known for our love of hiking and outdoor recreation. This love of trails often bleeds into a lot of other aspects of our lives, too, like the clothes we wear and the cars we drive.
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Worth the Weight: WTA Staff Add to the 10 Essentials
Aug 30, 2021
The little luxuries we like to add to our backpacks.
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Hiker Headlines: Gear Libraries, Lyle Cherry Reopening, Wolverines, Community Science
Aug 26, 2021
WTA is excited to open our second gear library in Puget Sound. Lyle Cherry Orchard trails are once again open to hikers. Wildfire season isn't over yet — but we can help you plan around it. Wolverines are making a comeback in the Cascades. And, our local pikas could use your help. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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Two Programs Emerge to Benefit the Health and Well-Being of Washington's Children and Adults
Aug 25, 2021
Two successes from the 2021 legislative session will help connect the benefits of nature with the people of Washington state: The Parks Rx Pilot Program and Licensing for Outdoor, Nature-Based Child Care.
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Trails Next Door Are Always There For Me
Aug 24, 2021
The way I hike has been altered drastically, but my enjoyment of nature is unchanged.
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WTA Opens Second Gear Library in South Puget Sound
Aug 20, 2021
New location will make it easier for more groups to get the gear they need to get outside with kids and families.
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A Trails Rebooted Plan for a Special Area Near Mount Rainier
Aug 19, 2021
WTA is working with our partners to create new and improved opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Snoquera area, which offers an excellent area to disperse use from Mount Rainier National Park and other trails.
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Hiker Headlines: Photo Contest, Road to Artist Point Open, Planes in Parks, National Park News
Aug 19, 2021
WTA’s annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is open. Highway 542 is open all the way to Artist Point for the first time this summer. Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks want input on their Air Tour Management Plans. The White House plans to nominate a new director for the National Park Service. All national parks are requiring face masks in all indoor spaces and outdoors where distancing is not possible, a good rule to remember if you visit on Aug. 25, for the upcoming fee-free day.
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