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.

______________________________________________________

Olympic National Park seeks hiker feedback on new overnight permit limits for Enchanted Valley

Jun 07, 2024

This summer, for the first time, Olympic National Park will have a limit on overnight camping in the Enchanted Valley. This is a pilot project and park staff want to hear from hikers about this new quota system and how it impacts your outdoor experience.

Hiker Headlines: Fee-free days, Stevens Canyon Road reopens, warm days coming

Jun 06, 2024

Parking fees will be waived in some areas this weekend. Stevens Canyon Road has reopened after a 2-year-long improvement project. The Forest Service has invested over $1.2 million in future Pacific Northwest forest restoration projects. Watch out for some upcoming closures and construction delays. And we’ve got some hot weather coming this weekend!

Meet the 2024 Lost Trails Found paid crews

Jun 04, 2024

WTA's Lost Trails Found paid crews have a big summer of trail work planned. Meet some of the maintainers doing this tough work and learn what they're looking forward to in 2024. By Joseph Gonzalez

A gift to WTA that spans generations

Jun 04, 2024

One volunteer's gift honors family memories while sustaining the trails of tomorrow. By Adam Steinberg

Hiker Headlines: National Trails Day, Kopachuck State Park year-long closure, new wide socks

May 30, 2024

June 1 is National Trails Day! Be aware of a few closures that might affect your hiking plans. And Darn Tough has created a new line of socks made for wide feet.

Trip report corner: Decades of hikes and stories

May 29, 2024

Peer into years of hiking experience with longtime WTA trip reporters Bob and Barb.

No Child Left Inside gets more kids outdoors than ever

May 28, 2024

WTA and our partners — Youth Experiential Training Institute, The Wilderness Society and others — succeeded in securing No Child Left Inside's highest level of funding to date from the state legislature. This investment of $7 million for grants from 2023-2025 is now funding 92 programs around the state, supporting tens of thousands of Washington’s youth in getting outdoors.

Before and after: Trails get a glow-up from WTA crews

May 24, 2024

Nearly halfway through the year (what, how is that possible), WTA has done more than 350 work parties. We've opened trails, improved staircases and even improved a climbing area!

Hiker Headlines: Now hiring, Pratt River Trail closed, Cayuse Pass opening, hike planning with WTA

May 23, 2024

WTA is hiring for a South Puget Sound trail crew leader. Join WTA hiking experts on May 30 for tips on how to plan your next adventures. Some places are opening up for the season, but there are also some temporary closures. The Forest Service is asking the public for help to limit the spread of a fungus that can be fatal to bats in the Boulder Cave area. And Memorial Day weekend is here!

How to hack your s’mores recipe for your next camping trip

May 22, 2024

When you’re packing for your adventure, consider bringing along the ingredients for a s’more buffet station. Create your own fun or ridiculous recipes, or get some inspiration here.

New local map makes the Carbon River corner of Rainier easier to explore

May 20, 2024

On the northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park is a series of communities and outdoor experiences that make an ideal getaway for visiting the park, even when you don’t have reservations. The town of Wilkeson has collaborated with partners, including WTA, to create a locally-designed visitor access map to guide your visit.

Partnership helps WTA get more done for Mount St. Helens trails

May 17, 2024

Washington Trails Association and the Mount St. Helens Institute team up to make it easier to hike near the iconic volcano.

Hiker Headlines: Trailhead Direct is back, it's backcountry overnight permit season, Mount St. Helens trail closures

May 16, 2024

Trailhead Direct is starting back up again for the hiking season — and bringing back some routes! The backcountry overnight permit seasons for North Cascades National Park and the Enchantments are starting. And there are some funding wins to celebrate this week.

WTA's Emerging Leaders Program ends on a high note

May 16, 2024

"It has been fulfilling to see where ELP alumni interests propel them on their endeavors after completing this program."

Join WTA on May 21 for trail recommendations from our local experts

May 14, 2024

Build your hiking wish list with WTA staff experts.

Hiker Headlines: Tiger Mountain trail closures, North Cascades summer operations, safety tips for warm weekend

May 09, 2024

Be aware of some trail and road closures. North Cascades National Park has announced its summer operations. And we have a warm weekend coming up!

How to find (and protect) wildflowers on your spring hikes

May 06, 2024

Tap the incredible community of trip reporters to follow the bloom across Washington. Plus, get tips on how to get stunning photographs of flowers, without ever stepping foot off trail.

Hiker Headlines: Hike the State, Big Four Ice Caves, Longmire to Paradise Road

May 02, 2024

Join WTA for Hike the State on May 21. GiveBIG for trails is May 7-8! Be aware of some closures that could affect your hiking plans, including a temporary closure of the Big Four Ice Caves trail. The Longmire to Paradise Road nightly closures are over for the season. There’s also some exciting campground news — many are opening up and one has just undergone a big improvement project.

Using technology to help people connect with and protect wild places since 1966

Apr 29, 2024

How WTA continues to embrace technologies old and new in order to meet the needs of the day.

Hiker Headlines: GiveBIG, WTA jobs, North Cascades grizzlies, Mountain Loop Highway

Apr 25, 2024

GiveBIG early giving is open! WTA is hiring for a full-time volunteer and training coordinator. Timed-entry permits for all dates in Mount Rainier National Park this summer will be available to reserve on May 1. Permits will be required to park at the Dog Mountain and Augspurger Mountain trailhead starting April 27. A decision on restoring grizzlies to the North Cascades has been announced. Part of the Mountain Loop Highway has reopened after the winter season.

5 ways to connect with WTA this spring

Apr 18, 2024

Check out these tips and tricks to connect with trails this spring. By Nicole Masih-Théberge