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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Major Step Forward for Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail
Jul 14, 2023
The Forest Service has completed a comprehensive management plan for the Pacific Northwest Trail, which runs over 800 miles across Washington. WTA has long supported the development of the trail and we are thrilled by this critical step forward.
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Hiker Headlines: Mowich Road Open, Forest Protection Wins, Active Rainbow Fire, A Seattle Times Profile
Jul 13, 2023
Mowich Road at Mount Rainier is open! Be aware of several campfire and recreation use restrictions being put in place, as well as an active wildfire in the Lake Chelan area. Exciting news about some recent forest protections coming about as a result of the Great American Outdoors Act. And WTA’s CEO took a hike with The Seattle Times to outline WTA’s priorities in the outdoor recreation space.
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20 Years of Hikes, Community and Fun: Hike-a-Thon Participants Share Special Moments
Jul 07, 2023
WTA's annual fundraiser, Hike-a-Thon, is back this August. We asked members of the Hike-a-Thon community share what makes this time of year special for them. If you'd like to join in the fun this year, registration is open now!
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Hiker Headlines: Road and Trail Openings, Hurricane Ridge, New Trail Funding
Jul 06, 2023
Some roads and a trailhead have opened back up, and the Hurricane Ridge area is now allowing more private vehicles each day. Please also be aware of a couple of closures. And WTA is proud to have supported the Puget Sound to Pacific initiative to secure funding for the Great American Rail-Trail.
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Trip Report Roundup: Getting the Family Together — Outside
Jul 05, 2023
Hitting the trails is a great way to spend the day together as a family, and no one knows that better than our great hiking community! Here are some of our favorite recent trip reports from hikers who were able to round up the family to get outside.
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Silver Star Vision Plan is a North Star for the Future of a Special Area
Jun 30, 2023
Trails planning is a detailed process. The Silver Star area in Southwest Washington has been the focus of planning work for years. Now we're happy to announce the vision plan for the future of this area is complete!
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Hiker Headlines: Hike-a-Thon, Frog Mountain (and More!) Open, Get an Adventure Pack at the Library
Jun 29, 2023
Registration for Hike-a-Thon opens July 1! Several roads and trails are opening up for summer, but White River Road is temporarily closed. Be aware of some fee changes in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. More Adventure Packs — with Discover Passes — are available at libraries. And Happy Fourth of July weekend!
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Help Us Celebrate 20 Years of Giving Back to Trails
Jun 28, 2023
Hike-a-Thon is a community fundraising event that gives hikers the opportunity to raise funds for our work. Throughout August, Hike-a-Thon participants hit the trail, share stories of their outdoor adventures and raise funds that directly support trails in Washington. This year is extra special — it’s the 20th anniversary of Hike-a-Thon!
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Jokes to Keep in Your Back Pocket (or Backpack)
Jun 27, 2023
Why did the hiker laugh in the mountains? Because they're hill areas. At WTA, we love a good pun. Or any, pun, really. So we asked our Outdoor Leadership Training staff and partners to share some of their favorite punny jokes. Here they are — just in time to make your hiking companions laugh (or groan) on your next adventure.
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Hiker Headlines: Hurricane Ridge and Coldwater Areas Reopen, Chiwawa River Road Closure
Jun 22, 2023
This Saturday, June 24, is Washington Trails Day. The Hurricane Ridge area and Mount St. Helens Coldwater area are reopening to the public. The Chiwawa Road has a closure. And wildfire season has started.
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Y-WE gets Youth Outside. WTA is Proud to Support that Mission.
Jun 21, 2023
Y-WE empowers young women to be leaders in their communities — one of the ways they do that is by taking them outdoors. A strong partnership between Y-WE and WTA have had a strong partnership since 2015, helping thousands and youth and adults get outside.
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Speak Up for the Trails You Love
Jun 21, 2023
This June 24 is Washington Trails Day, a day in honor of our state’s spectacular outdoors and WTA’s stewardship of and advocacy for trails. This year, WTA is celebrating Washington Trails Day by inviting everyone who loves the outdoors to join our advocate community, Trail Action Network! By Linnea Johnson
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Hiker Headlines: Free Day, Big Four Ice Caves Open, Speak Up About Mount Rainier's Permit Plan, Hike the State
Jun 15, 2023
Plenty of exciting hiking events are coming up, including a fee-free day for Juneteenth, Washington Trails Day and Hike the State. The Big Four Ice Caves are open once again! And we're asking our community to speak up about Mount Rainier National Park’s plan to require permits for entry.
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Big Summer Plans: 3 Areas WTA is Excited to Work in 2023
Jun 14, 2023
WTA is excited for a summer season of trail work. Here's a preview of some of the key projects we're working on this summer to build trails that will last for years to come.
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Speak Up About Mount Rainier's Plan to Require Permits for Entry
Jun 13, 2023
Mount Rainier National Park has proposed requiring reservation for vehicles to enter the park at popular entrances. The change would limit access to beloved trails that are close to major population center. Washington Trails Association is concerned about this proposal and we’re asking our community to speak up about it by June 26.
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Help Hikers! WTA Needs Volunteers at Trailheads This Summer
Jun 09, 2023
WTA is teaming up with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to help with welcoming and educating hikers and other outdoor recreationists. We're looking for volunteers in Central and Northern Washington to help us out.
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Hiker Headlines: Join WTA for Hike the State, Free Days, Mountain Loop Closures
Jun 08, 2023
Join WTA for Hike the State and get recommendations for a summer of hiking. This weekend, parking fees will be waived in some areas. A bear got human food in North Cascades National Park, and the Park Service has closed some areas and asked visitors to be careful. We have info on trail and road closures — and openings — that could affect your hiking plans.
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Meet the Lost Trails Found Crew for 2023
Jun 08, 2023
Our Lost Trails Found Crew has some exciting work planned for 2023. Meet some of the crewmembers and learn what they're most looking forward to this summer. By Joseph Gonzalez
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Know Before You Go: Trails That Will be Closed this Summer
Jun 07, 2023
Heads up, hikers! A fair number of popular trails will be closed for all or part of the 2023 summer hiking season, due mostly to construction and much-need improvements (yay!) To help you plan better, here’s a roundup of closures we know about right now.
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A Landslide Closed Johnston Ridge Observatory. Here's Where to Hike Mount St. Helens This Summer
Jun 02, 2023
On May 14, a landslide South Coldwater Slide, caused significant damage to the road leading up to the Johnston Ridge Observatory northwest of Mount St. Helens. Several popular trailheads will be closed for the season, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy this area this summer.
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Hiker Headlines: National Trails Day, Spokane Hike Ideas, Closures
Jun 01, 2023
National Trails Day is this Saturday! Join WTA and Spokane Libraries for some hike suggestions in the Spokane area from a local expert. Make sure to check in with Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest rangers on forest road conditions before heading out. And, be aware of upcoming road and campground closures.
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