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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Tribes and Treaty Rights: An Acknowledgment of Indigenous Lands
Oct 12, 2020
We respectfully acknowledge the lands we are visiting are the homelands of Indigenous tribes of the Pacific Northwest, some of whom have reserved rights on these lands. Please tread gently and treat these places with respect.
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Hiking Makes You Happy. These Photos Are Proof
Oct 08, 2020
Hiking is scientifically proven to be good for our minds and bodies. Plus, it makes for some great photos, the kind that can bring a smile to your face months and years later.
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Hiker Headlines: Artist Point Closing, Fee Free Day, Lahar Monitoring, Tonasket District, Aggressive Owls
Oct 08, 2020
It’s October 8th. State Parks are free this Saturday. Mount Rainier National Park wants your thoughts on changes to volcanic monitoring. The Tonasket Ranger District is now administered by the Colville National Forest. The good kind of forest fires, prescribed burns, are scheduled for the fall. And unseasonably frequent owl attacks have been reported. Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.”
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Outdoor Ed: Head Outside for Fun and Learning
Oct 07, 2020
What a year. We're planted in front of glowing screens more than ever before, and parents have it especially rough, what with juggling jobs, childcare and trying to manage schooling at home. If you find yourself called upon to be a teacher as well as a parent these days, let WTA help you out.
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Tacos for the Trail
Oct 02, 2020
In celebration of National Taco Day, we bring you some the WTA staff's favorite riffs on trail tacos.
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Hiker Headlines: More Camping, Snow Falling, Plan a Park, Waterfall Reservations
Oct 01, 2020
It's October! State parks are extending the reservation and camping season at some parks. Snow is starting to fall in the mountains. elp plan the Miller Peninsula State Park near Sequim. And if you want to visit Multnomah Falls, you'll want to plan ahead. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.
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Finding a Little Bit of Balance in the Outdoors
Sep 28, 2020
For long-time WTA member Archana Bhat and her family, there’s no such thing as an uneventful backpacking trip.
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Hiker Headlines: Fall, Outdoor Learning, Road Closures
Sep 24, 2020
It's Sept. 24. We definitely recommend fall hiking. We're excited to be able to resume our Outdoor Leadership Training program. And some roads are closing soon in the Olympic National Forest. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.
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Outdoor Leadership Training Workshops and Gear Library Restart with New Safety Protocols
Sep 22, 2020
Outdoor Leadership Training experiential workshops and gear library lending are starting back up with new safety protocols to support community groups and organizations with their outdoor learning plans.
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Hiker Headlines: Refuge Outdoor Festival and Film Release, Mount Rainier Survey
Sep 17, 2020
It's Sept. 17. Many outdoor areas continue to be closed due to fires and smoke. Find your joy at (online) Refuge Outdoor Festival or with a film release about Washington's Dark Divide area. Also: the future of Paradise is in your hands.
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Changes are Coming to Mount Rainier National Park
Sep 15, 2020
Mount Rainier National Park wants to hear from visitors about the most popular access point to the park. The park is focusing on Paradise Road, and the facilities along it, from the Nisqually entrance near Ashford, all the way up to Paradise. The public has until Oct. 5 to comment on the plan.
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Reclaiming Joy in Unprecedented Times
Sep 14, 2020
By producing events that truly welcome everyone, Chevon Powell combines her love of nature and event planning to bring people together and create a powerful community.
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Hiker Headlines: Wildfires, Burn Bans, Giving Back to Public Lands
Sep 10, 2020
It's Sept. 10. Many outdoor areas are closed due to fires and smoke. We were overjoyed and so grateful for the success of this year's Hike-a-Thon. And there are more chances to give back to trails coming up. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.
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Creating More Open Space in Cities
Sep 03, 2020
Street closures have made it clear that we need room for people to move and enjoy green spaces in urban areas.
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9 Tips to Show Lands Some Love on National Public Lands Day
Sep 02, 2020
Trails have seen a lot of love this summer. It's time to return the favor. Be part of the national effort to make trails cleaner from Sept. 19-26.
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Four Gear Tips for Family and Group Camping
Aug 31, 2020
Are you headed out this long weekend to enjoy an outdoor adventure with your household or social pod? Here’s a few gear tips from WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training program staff to make things a bit easier, and maybe even help to reduce the environmental and social impact of your group’s outing.
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Your Daily Dose of Cute Wildlife
Aug 31, 2020
You're welcome.
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Hiker Headlines: Photo Contest, Leading by Example, Hike-a-Thon
Aug 27, 2020
It's Aug. 27. Our annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is now open. We're excited to see how many hikers are leading by example on trail. And our Hike-a-Thon has less than a week to go — there's still time to support WTA and help participants meet their goals.
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Photos We Love: WTA Staff Picks From Northwest Exposure Contest
Aug 24, 2020
See some staff favorite photos from recent years — and get inspired to enter your own photos.
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Masks, Trash & Parking: 3 Easy Ways to Lead by Example on Every Hike
Aug 22, 2020
Every time you lace up your hiking shoes and head out on trail, it's an opportunity to help keep the outdoors a refuge during tough times. Here are some easy ways to lead by example, keep it positive and create the outdoor community of your dreams.
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Q&A: Camping Responsibly Outside Campgrounds During a Pandemic
Aug 21, 2020
How to find a great campsite for some physically distanced camping — while staying safe and protecting the landscape.
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