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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You Voted for Trails: Here's What's Next
Nov 04, 2020
The results of 2020 elections continue to be reported across the country. This year, many voters have submitted their ballots by mail. As a result, the counting of those ballots will occur over the next few days and weeks.
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Meet Our Favorite Hiking Cat Trip Reporters
Oct 29, 2020
Move over hiking dogs — it's time for cats to take the spotlight (at least for #NationalCatDay).
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Hiker Headlines: Sno-Parks, New Public Land, Twisp Area Restoration
Oct 29, 2020
Starting this Sunday, hikers can prep for winter adventures by purchasing a Sno-Park permit. The Every Kid Outdoors pass is receiving an extension. New public land is coming to the Little Spokane River. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest released plans for a Twisp River drainage restoration project. And, a new community forest in Kittitas County wants to hear from you.
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Hiker Headlines: Hiker Survey, Rainier Roads Close, Forest Jobs, New Plan for Gorge, Bat Week
Oct 22, 2020
Tell us about your hiking season by taking a short survey. Roads close at Mount Rainier National Park due to winter conditions. The forest service is hiring. A new plan for the Columbia River Gorge looks toward the future. And, it’s Bat Week! Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.
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Found in Recent Trip Reports: Hikers Helping Hikers
Oct 21, 2020
If you keep up with trip reports, you're bound to hear plenty of inspiring stories. Hikers hitting the trail for the first time, hikers reaching a new personal milestone, hikers experiencing awe, or one our favorites — hikers helping other hikers.
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Hiker Headlines: Snow in the Mountains, Photo Contest, Winter Camping, Hunting Season
Oct 15, 2020
Snow is falling, temperatures are dropping, and the days are getting shorter — the late fall hiking season is here. Submit your photos to our annual photo contest. Sno Park permits will go on sale November 1 and Washington State Parks just released the list of campgrounds that will remain open through the winter. Fall is also peak hunting season.
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Trail Planning Takes Time: Scouting Trails in the Teanaway Community Forest
Oct 13, 2020
WTA is helping bring the Teanaway Community Forest trail plan to life, scouting an existing web of unofficial trails for the ones that will be able to sustain hikers, bikers and riders for years to come.
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Science Says Building the Outdoors for Kids is Better for Everyone
Oct 12, 2020
Research has confirmed that nature is good for kids. That's why WTA has been working to create a future that ensures kids have more access to nature.
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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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