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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Hiker Headlines: A Big Thank You, Mountain Passes, Guided Snowshoe Trips

Dec 05, 2019

It's Dec. 5, 2019. We can't thank you enough for your support on Giving Tuesday. While some passes are still open — we're looking at you North Cascades — many others are closed for the season. And if you'd like to try snowshoeing, guided hikes this winter might be just the thing.

Wait, That Happened this Decade? WTA Looks Back at the Last 10 Years

Dec 04, 2019

Washington Trails Association has been around since 1966, but we've had a pretty epic decade. We took a few minutes to look back at some of things that have happened since 2010.

5 Warm, Boozy Cocktails You Can Put In Your Thermos

Dec 04, 2019

These warm brunch cocktails are the perfect companion for your winter morning hikes.

10 Things WTA is Thankful For

Nov 27, 2019

When Washington spins into winter, the dark days can be challenging to endure. Fewer hours of daylight make it hard to get outside, but we believe it's a good time to reflect on how much we have to be thankful for: pikas, toilets, and a community who cares about each other.

The Path to Gratitude

Nov 27, 2019

Pause. Breathe. Remember what trails mean.

Behind the Scenes: Washington's Best-Kept Secret for Recreation Funding

Nov 26, 2019

Celebrating its 30th year, the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition is a behind-the-scenes powerhouse for the interests of outdoor recreation, including the hiking community.

Celebrating the Lives of Those We Lost

Nov 26, 2019

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.

1 Summer, 300 Miles, 15 Friends

Nov 22, 2019

Annalise had two plans for the summer before her senior year of high school: take the SAT and hike 300 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Hiker Headlines: Getting Youth Outside, Fee-Free Day, Firefighting Jobs

Nov 21, 2019

It's Nov. 21. WTA recently celebrated an exciting milestone in our program to help kids get outside. Next Friday would be a great time to visit a state park — for free. And if you're interested in wildlands firefighting, the Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Take Your Book Club Outside

Nov 18, 2019

Your guide for starting an outdoorsy book club, complete with 27 book+hike pairings.

Hiker Headlines: Land Protected Forever, Roadless Area at Risk, Hiking with Lawmakers

Nov 14, 2019

It's Nov. 14. Forty-six acres of forest near Issaquah were recently protected and will provide access to a popular hiking area. You have a chance to use your voice to protect roadless areas. And we've been hiking with state lawmakers to talk about trails and public lands.

8 Uses for Trash Bags on Trail

Nov 12, 2019

And here you thought trash bags were just for trash.

The Wild Nearby: Hikers Benefit from Investments in Southwest Washington

Nov 11, 2019

Since 1993, we've been working towards a sustainable trail system in the Columbia River Gorge. Thanks to dedication, partnerships, member support and the hard work of volunteers, we can claim these successes in 2019.

Hiker Headlines: Veteran's Day, Stay Safe for Hunting Season

Nov 07, 2019

It's Nov. 7. On Monday, you won't need to pay to park at state parks or on federal lands. Hunting season is still going on.

Trailhead Direct Ends On A High Note

Nov 06, 2019

The two year pilot project is over, and it was a huge success. Now, let's make sure the service continues.

Trail Champions in the House: Meet Five Leading Women in Washington's Legislature

Nov 06, 2019

This fall, we hiked with five Washington state representatives on trails in their home districts. We recently walked and talked outdoor recreation, physical health and economic benefits with Representatives Entenman, Jinkins, Leavitt, Robinson and Ryu.

Hiker Headlines: Wallace Falls Camera, Big Four Closure, Transit-to-Trails Ridership Soars

Oct 31, 2019

It’s Oct. 31. Happy Halloween! Trailhead Direct wrapped up its season and reported soaring ridership. There's a new camera telling hikers how full the Wallace Falls parking lot is. The Big Four Ice Caves trail is currently inaccessible. Páatstel Creek gets it's name back. The Recreation Not Red-Tape Act gets a hearing the Senate.

Halloween on Trail: Sith Lords and Zombies and Bears, Oh My!

Oct 28, 2019

As autumn rolls in, our favorite summertime forests and lakes turn moody with moss and mist. What better way to celebrate this holiday than to swap out your usual trail attire with a quirky costume.

Hiker Headlines: Last Weekend for Trailhead Direct, State Park Winter Hours and Columbia Gorge Planning

Oct 24, 2019

It’s Oct. 24. It's the last weekend to catch Trailhead Direct. Washington State Parks are shifting their hours for the winter. You can have a say on the future of the Gorge. And don’t forget about trip reports! Here’s what you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Collin Tasaka, New OLT Instructor, Gets Youth Stoked to Go Outside

Oct 24, 2019

The newest member of WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program is an enthusiastic advocate and role model for getting youth outside and on trail.

Energy, Purpose, Excitement: Coming Full Circle At Hidden Lake

Oct 18, 2019

In 2018, a group of friends attended a work party at Hidden Lake to help with a major construction project. A year later, two of that group returned to finish the task as a thank you to the woman who introduced them the trail work.