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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2022 Trail Work Through the Seasons
Nov 30, 2022
Although the seasons change throughout the year, the enthusiasm of our volunteers and field staff to get out and get some trail work done never does. No matter the time of year, we make sure to get our hands on some tools and our feet in the dirt. Check out what a typical year of trail work looks like for us.
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Support Our Community During #GivingTuesday
Nov 29, 2022
On this #GivingTuesday, we are highlighting three of our community partners and the amazing work they are doing connecting youth to the outdoors. Please consider sharing your generosity and supporting them today.
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Ask WTA: How is Food Freeze Dried?
Nov 23, 2022
Backpackers have come up with many innovative ways of reducing that weight, including freeze-drying. But what IS freeze drying?
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Hiker Headlines: WTA Now Hiring, Trail Reopens, Winter Closures and Hiking
Nov 17, 2022
WTA is hiring for our 2023 seasonal crew leaders and assistant crew leaders. The Annette Lake trail has reopened. Some roads may be closed intermittently or entirely for the winter season. And, make sure to take advantage of online resources to check conditions before heading out on your snowy hike.
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How Friends of the Children Seattle Made 'Trail Tuesdays' a Reality, with a Little Help from WTA
Nov 16, 2022
Friends of the Children Seattle spent the summer exploring local trails and introducing youth to the fun of hiking. (And the joy of eating frozen yogurt during a hike.) WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program helped them have a successful summer of exploration.
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E-bikes: You Gave Input, What Comes Next?
Nov 15, 2022
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources asked for your opinion on the use of e-bikes. Over 7,000 people responded to the survey, including WTA’s Trail Action Network advocates — thanks for your input! Based on this input, WDFW and DNR recently shared a report of their recommendations for e-bikes going forward. Here are the main takeaways and what happens next.
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WTA and Our Members: The Perfect Combo for Trails
Nov 14, 2022
WTA gets a lot of work done each year to help hikers get outside. But we can only do this work because of our dedicated base of 27,000 members who fund our work.
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Hiker Headlines: Free Day, Highway Closures, Bridge Replacement, Art Contest
Nov 10, 2022
Parking fees will be waived in many places on Veteran’s Day. The North Cascades Highway and Mountain Loop Highway are closed for the season. A bridge replacement project at Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve is closing part of the area through at least this month. And, an art contest for high-schoolers to spread awareness about invasive species has opened.
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Small Steps Lead to Big Things
Nov 08, 2022
A green space close to home can be a grounding element in a fast-paced world.
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Step by Step: How WTA's Community Partner Used Boots From Our Gear Library to Get Outside
Nov 07, 2022
Whether it's for hiking Mount Rainier, taking early steps to leading the way for environmental justice or celebrating being comfortable outdoors, we caught up with community partners to learn more about how they've utilized hiking boots from WTA's gear lending library.
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Hiker Headlines: Share Your Thoughts, Highway 20 Updates, Name Changes, New Bridge
Nov 03, 2022
Share your thoughts on multiple proposed long-term plans for our trails and outdoor spaces. Part of Highway 20 will be temporarily closing starting tonight, but some fire closures in the national park have been lifted. Nine derogatory names for natural features have been changed. A new bridge has been completed in the Black Diamond Open Space.
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Find A Hike You Like With WTA's Trailblazer App
Nov 01, 2022
Our team of incredibly generous and hardworking volunteer developers and designers have been working hard to get you some crucial updates to our app!
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Shared-Language Hikes Helped Break Down Barriers to the Outdoors This Summer
Oct 31, 2022
Last month, ECOSS wrapped up its summer season of shared-language hiking trips to Little Si — aiming to expand outdoor access to underserved communities — using the Trailhead Direct program. We connected with some of the ECOSS staff and trip leaders to talk about their experiences hiking with their communities.
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Hiker Headlines: Sno-Park Permits, Reopenings and Closures, More Snow
Oct 27, 2022
It’s October 27. Sno-Park permits are on sale November 1. Some trails affected by the Eagle Creek Fire in 2017 have reopened. Key recreation roads are closing for winter, and prescribed burns are happening in some areas in Washington. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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WTA’s Hike Recommender Can Help You Plan Your Winter
Oct 26, 2022
As the temps drop and the days get shorter, hiking changes a bit, too. You'll need extra layers and warm treats in your pack, but if you’re seeking trail inspiration, WTA’s hike recommender can help you out!
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Happy Hours and Happy Hikers: Building Community Among WTA's Fireside Circle
Oct 21, 2022
When you hang out with WTA's Fireside Circle members, it's impossible not to be inspired by their passion for trails and spirit of stewardship.
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Hiker Headlines: Permits and Wildfire Updates, Closures, Rain
Oct 20, 2022
The Forest Service extended Mount St. Helens' permit season. Some key roads are closed. Wildfires are still burning, but we finally have some rain in the forecast. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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King County Voters: This "Yes" Vote Will Help Save Green Spaces
Oct 18, 2022
Voters have the chance in this election (Nov. 8) to vote "yes" to Conserve Our Future, King County Proposition 1. Vote "yes" so this program can continue to protect lands that support the health of our communities, ecosystems and climate.
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Lost Trails Found Crews, Volunteers, Return to Trails in the Entiat
Oct 17, 2022
The Entiat has suffered from a number of wildfires over the last decade, and the damage from those burns is still being felt today. But thankfully, our crews have been chipping away at those damages.
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Hiker Headlines: Now Hiring, Volunteer Appreciation Week, Closures, Park Improvements
Oct 13, 2022
WTA is hiring! Join WTA for Volunteer Appreciation Week. Be aware of closures in North Cascades National Park and Mount Rainier National Park. A Seattle park has fully reopened with multiple improvements. And, wildfire prevention efforts continue — and it seems they are working. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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A Path to an Outdoor Career: Shape Your Future with WTA's Emerging Leaders Program
Oct 11, 2022
WTA's Emerging Leaders Program is now accepting applications for the 2023 season! We caught up with some past participants to find out what they're up to now.
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