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.

______________________________________________________

Hiker Headlines: More Roads Close, Spooky Fun and Sno-Park Permits

Oct 17, 2019

It’s Oct. 17. More roads are closing for the season. This is a great weekend to enjoy some spooky outdoor fun. And it’s time to start thing about snow. Here's some news you might have missed this week.

Tips for Hiking in Harmony with Dogs

Oct 14, 2019

Whether you have a dog or not, some advice to ensure harmony on trail.

Workplace Giving (in GIFs): Double Your Impact, Not Your Donation Amount

Oct 11, 2019

Through workplace giving, employers match your donation with funds or gifts of their own, so you can double your impact without doubling the money you give. Of course, if you want to up your donation level, we won't say no.

Story Behind the Photo: Little Gem, Close Look

Oct 11, 2019

Every year, WTA invites photographers to share their favorite photos for our annual contest. Photographer Cathy Clark shared this up-close butterfly shot during last year's contest.

Stability and Strength: Choosing the Right Trekking Poles for You

Oct 11, 2019

Here's what you need to know to pick a pair of trekking poles — and make hiking and backpacking just a bit easier.

Hiker Headlines: Hunting Season, Road Closures and Mount St. Helens Memories

Oct 09, 2019

It's the first full week of October and fall is truly here. Hunting season is in full swing across many areas of the state. The road to Artist Point is now closed. And if you have memories of Mount St. Helens, now's the time to share them.

Hiker Headlines: New Trail Opens, Grizzly Bears, Road Closure and Outdoor Preschools

Oct 03, 2019

It's Thursday, Oct. 3. WTA helped open up a new section of trail at Lake Whatcom Park. The public has a chance to comment on a plan to reintroduce grizzly bears to the North Cascades. Washington state is the first in the U.S. to license outdoor preschools. Washington State Parks has been honored as one of the best. And a new bill in the U.S. House could help get more people outside.

Throw Wide the Gates: Why Gatekeeping is Harmful to Hikers

Oct 01, 2019

Trails are for everyone, but not everyone feels welcome. Here are tips to be a more inclusive hiker.

Share Your Passion: Help WTA Do More for Trails

Sep 30, 2019

WTA is looking for volunteer ambassadors to be champions for trails and public lands all across the state. Can you help? Apply now!

Hiker Headlines: Celebrate Public Lands Day, Recycle Responsibly and Build Community

Sep 26, 2019

It's Thursday, Sept. 26. This Saturday is Public Lands Day. Watch for orange vests in Olympic National Forest. Dispose of old gas canisters responsibly. And find community at the Refuge Outdoor Festival. Here’s what you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Get Outside to Celebrate on Public Lands Day

Sep 26, 2019

Earlier this year, Washington’s legislature officially recognized Public Lands Day. It’s coming up on Saturday. Here’s everything you need to know about the day and how you can celebrate.

Nature on Trail: Northern Saw-Whet Owl, Lupine

Sep 23, 2019

Washington's wild places are teeming with life. Learn a bit more about two local species, the Northern Saw-Whet Owl and Lupine, and where you can find them.

Lost Trails Youth Crew Spends Five Weeks in the Pasayten Wilderness

Sep 23, 2019

Our Lost Trails Youth Crew made big impacts (and big memories) this summer as they improved trails in the remote Pasayten Wilderness.

How Youth are Building Trails and Community — Now and For the Future

Sep 19, 2019

Here's a look at what WTA's youth crews accomplished this summer.

Hiker Headlines: Celebrating Public Lands with Fee-Free Day, Hike-a-Thon Wins

Sep 19, 2019

There’s a fee-free day coming to our national — and state! — public lands. A new federal transit policy might make it easier for everyone to get outside. The U.S. Forest Service is hiring. The ranger station in Forks is limiting its hours. And WTA's annual Hike-a-Thon wraps up another successful season of fundraising for trails.

Hike-a-Thon 2019: Hikers Cover 15,000 Miles, Give Back in a Big Way

Sep 17, 2019

From amazing moms to guidebook author Craig Romano to a crew from GeekWire, a record number of Hike-a-Thoners hiked over 15,000 miles in August and raised more than $155,000 for trails.

One Trip Reporter You Otter Get to Know

Sep 13, 2019

Most trip reporters are humans, but sometimes a clever critter chimes in with valuable insight from their most recent hike. Meet River, who is helping fellow hikers — and sharing a lot of joy.

Hiker Headlines: Discover Pass Fees, Kids Hike Free, Olympics Campgrounds Close for Season

Sep 12, 2019

The new Transit to Trails bill makes it easier for everyone to get outdoors, nationwide. State park goers might see a Discover Pass fee increase, while fourth graders get a free pass to play outside in national recreation areas. It’s the last weekend to camp at some Olympic National Forest campgrounds. And do you love trails? Apply to be an ambassador!

Recovering the Pasayten: A Coordinated Effort

Sep 10, 2019

There's a whole lot of work to be done in the great Pasayten Wilderness — which is why we couldn't be happier to tackle it together with these fellow nonprofits.

Young Stewards Explore and Lend a Hand on Washington Trails

Sep 09, 2019

The power of partnerships helps the Deaf T-Birds, a high school group, get out to explore and clean up Olympic beaches.

Hiker Headlines: New E-Bike Rules, Enchantments Parking Changes, Fire Control

Sep 05, 2019

A new federal policy changes the rules regarding e-bikes on trails. Parking is no longer allowed along Eightmile Road. Upcoming road closures may mean re-routing your adventure. And planned fires may have some hikers smelling smoke.