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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WTA’s Emerging Leaders Are Just Getting Started
Feb 08, 2022
WTA welcomes a team of five new folks focused on building an inclusive community and learning leadership skills for working in the outdoors.
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Short Legislative Session, Big Goals for the Outdoors
Feb 07, 2022
WTA is leading exciting requests to the state legislature during this year's short session.
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Preview: WTA's 2022 Volunteer Backcountry Trip Schedule
Feb 04, 2022
It's only February, but Washingtonians know that the short, gray days mean it's primo planning season. Have you considered adding a WTA backcountry trip to your 2022 adventure schedule? You should. Here's why.
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Hiker Headlines: Hurricane Ridge Renovation, State Parks Survey, Committee Volunteers
Feb 03, 2022
The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center will be getting a major upgrade next year. State Parks wants your feedback through a new survey. On Groundhog Day we learned of more winter on the way, and we have a few other forecasts you might want to check. And, Olympic National Forest needs volunteers to serve on their Resource Advisory Committee.
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Hiker Headlines: Jobs, Permits, Bridges, Snow and Mud
Jan 27, 2022
WTA is hiring for several positions. North Cascades National Park permits will be processed through recreation.gov starting this season. Work has wrapped up on two historic bridges at Deception Pass. Hikers should avoid hiking on muddy trails in Eastern Washington. And, expect snow at the mountain passes this weekend.
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What Could the Future of Trails Look Like?
Jan 25, 2022
WTA’s trail team has been thinking about what it means to create the trail system of the future, and three of our staff members shared their hopes. Their thoughts show the importance of three key priorities: create more trails and accessible greenspace, innovate trail layouts and redesigns to improve hikers’ experiences on trails, and find ways to help people feel safe and welcome in the outdoors.
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Hiking Slow: What You Can Learn From a Snail
Jan 21, 2022
If you’re seeking to deepen your connection with nature, then just find the closest trail and go … slow.
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Hiker Headlines: Backcountry Permits, Winter Safety, Public Input
Jan 20, 2022
It’s time to start planning for backcountry camping permit applications. The Forest Service offers some winter safety reminders. A public comment period is open for a proposed communications tower in the Naches Ranger District. And, we lay out some of the winter conditions you can expect this week.
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Leaving a Legacy for Trails
Jan 19, 2022
Jake Robinson’s family is honoring his memory and his love for trails by supporting WTA’s work.
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Hiker Headlines: Sno-Park Status, WTA Advocacy, Icicle Road, MLK Day
Jan 13, 2022
Sno-parks are slow to reopen after last week’s snowstorm. The state legislative session just kicked off in Olympia. Icicle Road near Leavenworth will likely be closed through the weekend. And, entry fees will be waived at public lands on Monday, January 17 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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Get Inspired: How Four Hikers Accomplished Their 2021 Hiking Goals
Jan 12, 2022
You've picked your hike, checked the trip reports, and refreshed your trail smarts. But if you need a little more motivation getting out the door, read how these four hikers achieved their hiking goals last year.
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Hiking Firsts: Photos and Stories of Hikers Trying New Things
Jan 07, 2022
To celebrate the beginning of a new year, we're sharing some firsts, shared by contributors to our Northwest Exposure Photo Contest.
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Trip Reporters Talk Snow and Ice
Jan 07, 2022
One of the best sources of information and inspiration during winter are trip reports from hikers who are out there seeing conditions first hand. Here are some of the things trip reporters have been finding out on trail during the start of winter.
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Hiker Headlines: Avalanche Warning, Closed Passes and Roads, Winter Inspiration
Jan 06, 2022
The avalanche forecast is high for the Cascades and Olympics. A flood watch is in effect for much of Western Washington. Four major mountain passes are closed due to heavy snowfall, and it’s best to steer clear of trailheads in the I-90 foothills until road conditions improve. With the rough conditions out there, stay inspired by setting your hiking goals for the new year and check out our photo contest winners.
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2021 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest Winners
Jan 03, 2022
From bears to mountain peaks, take a look at all of the 2021 photo contest winners.
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Hiker Headlines: New Sno-Park, First Day Hikes, Bridge Over the Columbia
Dec 29, 2021
First Day Hikes are a great way to kick off the new year. A new Sno-Park just opened on the westside of Snoqualmie Pass. The eastern closure point for the North Cascades Highway will move a few miles down the road. And a pedestrian bridge across the Columbia River will open in 2022.
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Tips and Inspiration to Help You Set Goals for a Year of Happy Hiking
Dec 28, 2021
Resources and inspiration to help you create your own hiking goals and meet them.
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Hiker Headlines: Cold Snap, Winter Hiking, Fisher Release
Dec 23, 2021
Snowfall and very cold temperatures are expected across Washington this weekend. Read about the many ways hikers are getting outside at the start of winter. And more fishers have been reintroduced to the Olympic National Forest.
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Wild Society, a WTA Partner, Teams Up With Communities for Outdoor Adventures
Dec 20, 2021
Wild Society, a wilderness education nonprofit based out of Kitsap County, developed two amazing new partnerships that brought epic adventures and rewarding relationships.
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Planning for the Future of Trails Means Planning for Fires
Dec 17, 2021
Not every landscape or wildfire is the same. Depending on how hot the fire burns, there are different impacts to the environment. Just as each fire and landscape is unique, the on-the-ground response can be just as varied.
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Hiker Headlines: Winter Parking, WTA’s Impact, Blake Island, Yakima Loop, Parks Director
Dec 16, 2021
With winter recreation ramping up, it’s important to know how to park legally at mountain passes. The impact of the WTA community is getting noticed. Tillicum Village is closing on Blake Island. Planners aim to make Yakima more walkable. And the new director of the National Park Service has been sworn in.
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