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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How WTA is Building a Path to Outdoor Jobs With Leadership and Collaboration
Sep 26, 2023
WTA's Emerging Leaders Program, which helps increase access to jobs in the outdoor sector, is heading into its fourth year. We're now accepting applications for the 2024 cohort. And we're looking back at what the program has accomplished so far.
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15,000+ miles and $244,000+ raised: a recap of our biggest Hike-a-Thon yet
Sep 19, 2023
We're excited to share the results of Hike-a-Thon 2023. We’re so grateful for every Hike-a-Thon participant and supporter that made Hike-a-Thon a part of their summer and dedicated time and energy to trails. WTA thanks you — and so do trails!
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Highlights of the 2023 Lost Trails Found Season
Sep 19, 2023
WTA's Lost Trails Found crews have been busy this season. We checked-in to see what they've been up to. | By Joseph Gonzalez
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Hiker Headlines: 30 Years of Trail Maintenance, More Highway 20 Trails Reopen, Hurricane Ridge Road to Close Temporarily
Sep 14, 2023
We’re celebrating 30 years of trail maintenance at WTA! Sept 23 is National Public Lands Day. Take a survey to help Gifford Pinchot National Forest develop a sustainable trails strategy. There are some current and upcoming closures you might want to note when planning your weekend, but — in good news — some of the North Cascades wildfire closures have lifted.
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Share Your Hopes for Trails in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Sep 14, 2023
Gifford Pinchot National Forest is creating a sustainable trail system plan to guide future recreation opportunities across the forest and to support visits to iconic places like High Rock Fire Lookout, Goat Rocks Wilderness, Mount Adams and Mount Saint Helens. The forest’s leadership wants to hear from you by Sept. 30 to learn what you value about access to this landscape and where you see opportunities to better meet needs in the future.
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Crazy in Love (with Hiking): Trails to Pair with Your Favorite Beyoncé Songs
Sep 11, 2023
Beyoncé is bringing her Renaissance World Tour to Seattle on Thursday, Sept. 14. To celebrate, here are seven hikes to go along with seven iconic songs by Queen Bey.
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Hiker Headlines: WTA's Favorite Central WA Hikes, Some Hwy 20 Trails Reopen, New Trail Fire Closures
Sep 07, 2023
Join WTA staffers for a virtual chat about some of our favorite Central Washington hikes on Sept 14. Some trails along Highway 20 have reopened, but make sure you’re also aware of some closures throughout the state. And celebrate Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend this weekend!
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Partnerships Made the Popular Suntop Lookout ADA-Accessible
Sep 05, 2023
Fire lookouts are perhaps the last destinations most people would recommend to someone searching out trails that meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards. These locations often come with long, grueling hikes on trails that can be in terrible shape. But thanks to work from a legion of volunteers, nonprofit and agency staff, the Suntop Fire Lookout off Highway 410 will soon be ADA-accessible, truly a trail for everyone.
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Hiker Headlines: Hurricane Ridge Fire, Same-Day Camping Reservations, Fun Finder Map
Aug 31, 2023
Highway 20 has reopened, but recreation is still closed in the area. The Hurricane Ridge Area has closed due to a lightning-sparked fire, and Highway 970 near Cle Elum will have some closures and delays this weekend. Some good news: King County Parks has a new Backyard Fun Finder and there are now more state parks where you can reserve same-day campsites. And happy Labor Day Weekend!
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Trip Report Roundup: Hike-a-Thon Adventures All Across the State!
Aug 30, 2023
Throughout the month of August, Hike-a-Thon participants enjoyed adventures on trail. Here are some of our favorite trip reports from across the state.
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Hiking Families Celebrate Summer’s Last Hurrah
Aug 25, 2023
Although Washington’s peak hiking season lasts well into fall, families are saying farewell to summer as they prepare to return to school. Check out these trip reports for ideas for your own end-of-summer hikes — or for weekend adventures this fall.
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Hiker Headlines: Family-Friendly Work Party, Alpine Lakes Wilderness Survey, Wildfires Rage On
Aug 24, 2023
Join WTA on a family-friendly work party at Panorama Dome on September 2. Take the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Visitors Survey to help shape the future of the area. Wildfires continue across the state.
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Tour These Trail Maintenance Projects: A Summer Status Report
Aug 23, 2023
So far this year, we've cleared 2,520 drains, cut 1,297 logs, and hung out with 1,424 new volunteers! We've also done a ton of other projects all over the state. Here's a few of them.
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WTA's New Map Layer Helps Plan Hikes in Wildfire and Smoke Season
Aug 21, 2023
As we enter into the thick of wildfire and smoke season, WTA releases new tools and planning tips to stay safe and
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Grab Your Cameras: WTA's Photo Contest is Now Open
Aug 17, 2023
Lace up your boots and grab your camera to enter WTA's Northwest Exposure Photo Contest.
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The Power of Annual Trail Maintenance
Aug 17, 2023
WTA's Claire Thompson reflects on why the less-glamorous tasks of annual trail maintenance are some of the most important, cost-effective and impactful trail work we do.
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Hiker Headlines: Photo Contest Opens, Highway 20 Closure Expands, New Fire Restrictions, Art in Parks
Aug 17, 2023
WTA's 2023 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is open! The recent Blue Lake Fire in the North Cascades has caused more trail and road closures, and there are new fire restrictions in place across the state. Take a King County Parks survey on plans for art and culture in our parks. And join other volunteers in a coastal cleanup effort on Sept 16.
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Volunteer Profile: The Pie Guy Is Delivering Smiles to the Backcountry One Slice at a Time
Aug 14, 2023
Meet Mike Read, the "Pie Guy," whose passion for conservation, community, and culinary delights has brought joy to the trail crews of Washington.
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At Trailheads and Festivals, WTA Volunteer Ambassadors Support the Hiking Community
Aug 11, 2023
So far this year, 74 WTA ambassadors have volunteered at more than 30 events around the state. From trailheads to festivals around the state, these outreach volunteers support the hiking community, encourage responsible recreation and connect people with WTA resources and opportunities to protect trails and public lands.
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Hiker Headlines: Highway 20 Fire, Trail Work at Artist Point, Perseid Meteor Shower
Aug 10, 2023
It’s August 10. Highway 20 had reopened and then closed again as the Sourdough Fire continues to burn. Trail work at Artist Point means some trails there may have detours. Bear hunting season approaches, the Perseids meteor shower is this weekend, and some fun events are coming up next weekend! Read on to see what you might have missed while on trail this week.
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4 Ways To Refresh Summer Hikes Close To Home
Aug 08, 2023
When it feels a little too hot for a full day of adventure, look to the trail next door for inspiration.
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