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.
______________________________________________________
Where Does Your Gift to WTA Go?
Mar 13, 2023
Donations to WTA go toward moving forward our vision of Trails for Everyone, Forever. We checked in with WTA staffers to see what donations of different amounts actually look like when helping WTA accomplish our goals.
Read More
Trip Report Roundup: And the Oscar Goes to…
Mar 10, 2023
The WTA Oscars are here! These seven award-worthy trip reports highlight hiking etiquette, demonstrate inclusiveness and inspire the trail community to get outside.
Read More
Hiker Headlines: Mount Rainier Entry Goes Cashless, State Park Work, REI Inclusivity and Sustainability
Mar 09, 2023
Mount Rainier National Park is going cashless for its fee collection, starting May 26. Sunset Beach at Lake Sammamish State Park is getting some improvements later this year. East Larch Mountain Road near the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon is closing for the rest of the year. The House passed a bill to support communities most at risk during wildfire season. And, REI updated their standards for their brand partners to be more inclusive and more sustainable.
Read More
5 Items You Need to Survive ‘The Last of Us’ (Hiking Edition)
Mar 08, 2023
All the info you need to endure and survive a fungal takeover. (Hint: As a hiker, you're most of the way there.)
Read More
Dreaming about Camping This Summer? Why (and How) to Start Planning Right Now
Mar 06, 2023
Camping is one of the great joys of a Washington summer — and because of that, it’s also popular. Finding a campsite to reserve can be challenging. You may want to start planning your summer (or spring or fall) now. Here are some tips to get you started. And if your schedule or personality calls for a last-minute approach, we have some ideas for that, too.
Read More
Hiker Headlines: Last Call for Hiker Rally Day, Free Day, North Cascades Permits, New Trail Bypass
Mar 02, 2023
It’s your last chance to sign up for Hiker Rally Day! March 9 is Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday, and some areas will have their parking fees waived. The North Cascades early access lottery opens March 6. Some state park campgrounds may be closed due to weather conditions. And a new bypass trail between Ralson and Marengo along the Palouse to Cascades Trail has opened.
Read More
Shared Stories: Show us Your Snowy Adventures
Mar 01, 2023
We put out a call to our Instagram community to hear about your snowy adventures. Our community answered! These stories were featured in the spring edition of our Washington Trails Magazine.
Read More
WTA Partner Profile: Y.E.T.I. Gets Kids Outside While Building Community
Feb 28, 2023
Since 2015, WTA has been collaborating with the Youth Experiential Training Institute (Y.E.T.I.), which works to make it easier for young people in South King County to get outdoors. Building community is at the heart of their work. WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program provides gear and resources for Y.E.T.I.'s outings.Their work fits in well with our vision of Trails for Everyone, Forever, and we're so excited to see the program keep growing.
Read More
Five Reasons to Take a Winter Hike Next Door
Feb 24, 2023
Winter hikes close to home offer new perspectives during the colder months.
Read More
Hiker Headlines: WTA in D.C., Dog Mountain Permits, Closures, Freezing Temps
Feb 23, 2023
WTA went to Hike the Hill in Washington, D.C., last week to advocate for our trails! Dog Mountain permits go on sale starting March 1. The Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge is closing some of its visitor services for the season. Heart O’ the Hills campground and trail are closing for construction. Be prepared for water at some campgrounds to be turned off due to freezing temperatures. And expect more snow and freezing temperatures at low elevations across the state.
Read More
Hike the Hill: WTA Staff Advocate for Trails, Funding and Equity in D.C.
Feb 22, 2023
WTA staff traveled to Washington, D.C. alongside partners to meet with the congressional leaders and leaders of federal land management agencies. We talk about our vision of creating trails for everyone and discussed how to better maintain trails and recreation infrastructure in Washington.
Read More
5 Tips for Safe Winter Travel to Trailheads
Feb 17, 2023
Winter is a great time to be a hiker in Washington. With the right tools and knowledge, you can get outside year-round! We chatted with our friends, the Western Washington Honda Dealers, about how to stay safe while traveling to trailheads in winter.
Read More
Hiker Headlines: Free Day, Mount Rainier Permits, Great Backyard Bird Count
Feb 16, 2023
Monday is Presidents Day, and parking fees in some areas will be waived. The Mount Rainier National Park early access reservation lottery opens on Feb. 21. Part of the Cowiche Canyon Preserve has been permanently closed. The Great Backyard Bird Count is this weekend. And, be prepared for snow this weekend.
Read More
Why We Love Winter Trail Work
Feb 15, 2023
Trail work is a year-round endeavor for WTA. Winter lends itself to work on the Trails Next Door campaign, which focuses on trails close to urban communities. Joining a work party isn't just an opportunity to work on trails — it's a chance to build community.
Read More
Shared Stories: The Joy of Hiking Mentors
Feb 10, 2023
We asked our community on Instagram to tell us about their hiking mentors. The stories we heard were powerful and sweet. Here are three of those stories.
Read More
Hiker Headlines: Enchantments Permit Lottery, Local Trail Trip Report Giveaway, Volcano Week
Feb 09, 2023
Enter our #lovelocaltrails giveaway by filing a trip report on your favorite urban hike before the end of the month. The Enchantments permit lottery opens on February 15. North Cascades National Park wants your comments on a couple of potential park projects. And, it’s Volcano Week!
Read More
Patch Your Gear: These Affordable and DIY Repairs Bring Joy to Your Hiking Kit
Feb 08, 2023
In the darkness of winter, a patch is the cheap fix for down jackets and wool sweaters everyone needs to bring light and originality to their hiker-wear wardrobe.
Read More
Summer Trail Work: Be Ready for WTA's Backcountry Trips
Feb 02, 2023
Endless rain, snow, and gray days gotcha down? Today you can start dreaming of long days full of light and a little bit of trail work, because WTA's backcountry trip schedule is ready to preview!
Read More
Hiker Headlines: WTA Backcountry Preview, Hiker Rally Day, 6 More Weeks of Winter
Feb 02, 2023
Keep an eye out for a preview of WTA’s volunteer backcountry trip season. Join WTA for Hiker Rally Day on March 14 to advocate for trails. Part of the Cape Horn trail will be closed through July 15. Legislation to support wildfire prevention efforts and reduce the negative effects of wildfires has been introduced. And, the groundhog predicted 6 more weeks of winter this year.
Read More
Hiker Headlines: New Partnership, New Funding, New Names
Jan 26, 2023
WTA has announced a new partnership with the Western Washington Honda Dealers! Washington’s National Park Fund awarded $1.1 million to our three national parks this week. King County Parks is moving on to the next phase of development of the Foothills Trail between Enumclaw and Puyallup. Four name change proposals for features containing derogatory terms have been approved by the Committee of Geographic Names. And, be prepared for snow at higher elevations this weekend.
Read More
Improvements on Their Way to Trails and Lands Near You
Jan 23, 2023
During the 2022 state legislative session, WTA rallied our partners and hiking community to make an ambitious ask. It paid off when lawmakers agreed to provide $5 million annually to each of Washington’s three largest land management agencies. This funding is already helping the agencies clear trails, improve parking lots, repair roads, removing hazard trees, install water sources and more.
Read More