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.
______________________________________________________
Search and Rescue’s Tips for Wet-Season Hiking
Dec 14, 2021
Here are a few scenarios you might encounter while hiking in the wet months — and how to avoid having to make that 911 call for search and rescue.
Read More
A Year of Achievements in Glendale Park
Dec 13, 2021
WTA, partners and the local community have made incredible headway in bringing access to this local park.
Read More
Gift Guide: 13 Favorite Outdoor-Themed Books
Dec 10, 2021
These staff recommended reads are the perfect accompaniment to your shoulder-season adventures — or a way to stay busy while you wait out the high-country snow. We also think they'd make great holiday gifts for the nature lovers in you life.
Read More
Hiker Headlines: Avalanche Safety, Name Changes, Conservation, First Day Hikes
Dec 08, 2021
The experts at the Northwest Avalanche Center have a safety reminder. The Department of the Interior will work to remove derogatory place names from federal lands. Washington just designated 230 acres of land as Natural Resource Conservation Areas. And, First Day Hikes are coming back to state parks on January 1.
Read More
How to Help if You See Harassment or Bias on Trail
Dec 08, 2021
Trails should be welcoming and safe for everyone. Here's some ways you can help if you encounter incidents on bias on trail.
Read More
Celebrating the Lives of Those We Lost
Dec 06, 2021
We take a moment to reflect on the lives of some of those who we've recently lost. They are missed, but we will remember and celebrate their lives and contributions to our community for years to come.
Read More
6 Ideas for Making New Outdoor Holiday Traditions
Dec 03, 2021
Spending the holidays outdoors is an annual tradition for some WTA trip reporters. Here's how they do it.
Read More
Hiker Headlines: Now Hiring, Giving Tuesday, Parks Director, New Year’s, Hoh Flooding
Dec 02, 2021
WTA is hiring for several positions, both in the field and the office. Giving Tuesday was a great success thanks to all your support. Chuck F. Sams III was confirmed to head the National Park Service. Reserve your spot now for New Year’s celebrations at Deception Pass State Park. The Hoh River entrance at Olympic National Park is closed due to flooding.
Read More
Rebooting Popular Trails for Year Round Hiking in Hood Canal
Nov 29, 2021
This summer, WTA's volunteer crews provided urgent maintenance to some of the Hood Canal’s most loved trails in order to ensure that these trails are accessible and safe for all users.
Read More
Favorite Volunteer Memories of 2021
Nov 19, 2021
As 2021 comes to a close, we asked volunteers to share some of their best moments on trail with us. From learning new skills and self-reliance to rejoining the volunteer community, we're thrilled to hear what you remember from this year on trail.
Read More
Hiker Headlines: Avalanche Forecasts, Washouts, New Trailhead, Thankful for Trails
Nov 18, 2021
Avalanche forecasting has started for the winter season. Two areas at Mount Rainier National Park are closed due to winter storm damage. A new trailhead in Spokane Valley will open this weekend. Entry fees will be waived for state lands on November 26. #GivingTuesday is coming up. And WTA is taking thanksgiving week off.
Read More
5 Ways WTA Supports the Future of Trails
Nov 17, 2021
WTA is looking to the future for anyone who likes to use trails. Here's what we're working on — and how you can help.
Read More
Celebrating a Successful Return to Youth Volunteer Vacations
Nov 17, 2021
Thanks to a lot of careful planning and hard work, we had a safe and fun summer with teen volunteers — and we got a lot of work done, too! And we're already looking ahead to next year.
Read More
Ask WTA: How do Sleeping Bag Ratings Work?
Nov 11, 2021
Few things are as comforting and important as a good sleeping bag when camping. But how are sleeping bags tested and what do temperature ratings really mean? Luckily Feathered Friends, a top manufacturer of down sleeping bags, is based right here in Washington, and they had some answers for us.
Read More
Hiker Headlines: Closed Passes, Gorge Transit, Equity on State Lands, New Trail, Fishers
Nov 11, 2021
Three mountain passes are closed for the season due to winter conditions. The new GOrge Pass will improve transit options this year. The list of fee-free days on state lands for 2022 has been announced. A new section of trail in East King County is now open. DNR’s first ever director of equity and environmental justice has been hired. And, five fishers were released in Olympic National Park this week.
Read More
Congress Passed Infrastructure Funding: What it Means for Trails
Nov 10, 2021
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act just passed through Congress, and this secures support for trails across the country, including Washington.
Read More
Hiker Headlines: Free Entry, Tri-Cities Trails, Campsite Alerts, #CreateResponsibly, Survey
Nov 04, 2021
November 11 is a fee-free day at federal and state lands. A trail system in the Tri-Cities continues to expand. You can now get notifications when state park campsites become available. Artists and creatives can now take the pledge to #CreateResponsibly. Take a survey to help shape the future of trails in Washington.
Read More
Take This Quick Survey to Shape The Future of Trails
Nov 03, 2021
Important planning for outdoor recreation is happening at the statewide level and you can help!
Read More
Spooky Tales from the Trail
Oct 29, 2021
Most of us have an unexplainable trail story or two. If that tale is told often enough, it can become part of personal — or organizational — lore.
Read More
Hiker Headlines: Halloween Hikes, Highway 20 Closure Scheduled, SR 14 Survey
Oct 28, 2021
If you head out for a Halloween hike this weekend, be sure to share your photos in a trip report. The National Park Service has some great templates for pumpkin carving. The Highway 20 closure is on the calendar for November 15. Winter weather is ramping up this week with heavy rainfall in Western Washington and snowy mountain passes. Provide your input for SR 14 planning near Dog Mountain.
Read More
Trip Reporters Put the Fun in Fungus
Oct 27, 2021
Mushrooms begin popping up when rain returns to the forest and the variety of colors and shapes can stop hikers in their tracks. Trip reporters have been turning their cameras on these intriguing fungi this fall, giving us all a chance to share in the wonder. Check out some of the fungi found in recent trip reports.
Read More