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: Free Day, Sourdough Mountain Trail and Lakes Angeles Area Closures, FR 25 Closure Reduced
Aug 03, 2023
Parking fees will be waived in some areas tomorrow, Aug. 4, for Great American Outdoors Day. Be aware of some new closures and restrictions, and a reduction in the Forest Road 25 closure. And sign a petition to protect the Green River Valley from mining activity.
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What Do I Do if I Find Old Stuff on Trail?
Aug 01, 2023
What should you do if you see an old, human-made object on a hike? It could be a historical artifact that's best left untouched. By Linnea Johnson
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Discover Frog Mountain Trail: A Triumph of Conservation and Recreation in Wild Sky Wilderness
Jul 28, 2023
The opening of the new Frog Mountain Trail in Wild Sky Wilderness is a testament to the power of collaboration, conservation and responsible recreation.
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Hiker Headlines: Hike-a-Thon, Annette Lake Trail Closure, New Youth Outdoors Funding
Jul 27, 2023
Hike-a-Thon starts Aug. 1! As you’re planning your upcoming trips outside, be aware of closures and fire restrictions. Share your thoughts on a sustainable trails strategy in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. And we’re excited about some new funding to connect youth with the outdoors.
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Photography: Spot Wildlife Without The Drive
Jul 26, 2023
You don't have to go far to find unique and interesting wildlife on trails near you. See what you can find in your neighborhood park.
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Upper Cowlitz Valley Trails Coalition: a Team-up of Hikers, Mountain Bikers and Equestrians
Jul 26, 2023
Historically, hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers haven’t always shared the same goals about using trails. WTA and our trail maintenance partners in Southwest Washington are a part of ongoing work to change that. By Joseph Gonzalez
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How One Outdoor Leadership Training Leader Creates Outdoor Experiences Through Science-Based Programs
Jul 24, 2023
A Lincoln High School science teacher teams up with WTA to get students learning outside alongside their peers and community partners.
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Hiker Headlines: Mountain Loop Hwy Fully Open, More Campfire Restrictions, PNT Win
Jul 20, 2023
The Forest Service approved the comprehensive management plan for the Pacific Northwest Trail, and it is now headed to Congress. The Mountain Loop Highway is fully open! And be aware of some campfire restrictions and closures when you’re planning your hikes in these next few weeks.
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Help Shape the Future of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Jul 19, 2023
The Alpine Lakes Collaborative needs your input on the wilderness. Take the survey now.
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Find your Hiking Community this Summer
Jul 17, 2023
Itching to get outside, but need someone to go with? Check out these groups that are making it easier to connect in nature.
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Major Step Forward for Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail
Jul 14, 2023
The Forest Service has completed a comprehensive management plan for the Pacific Northwest Trail, which runs over 800 miles across Washington. WTA has long supported the development of the trail and we are thrilled by this critical step forward.
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Hiker Headlines: Mowich Road Open, Forest Protection Wins, Active Rainbow Fire, A Seattle Times Profile
Jul 13, 2023
Mowich Road at Mount Rainier is open! Be aware of several campfire and recreation use restrictions being put in place, as well as an active wildfire in the Lake Chelan area. Exciting news about some recent forest protections coming about as a result of the Great American Outdoors Act. And WTA’s CEO took a hike with The Seattle Times to outline WTA’s priorities in the outdoor recreation space.
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20 Years of Hikes, Community and Fun: Hike-a-Thon Participants Share Special Moments
Jul 07, 2023
WTA's annual fundraiser, Hike-a-Thon, is back this August. We asked members of the Hike-a-Thon community share what makes this time of year special for them. If you'd like to join in the fun this year, registration is open now!
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Hiker Headlines: Road and Trail Openings, Hurricane Ridge, New Trail Funding
Jul 06, 2023
Some roads and a trailhead have opened back up, and the Hurricane Ridge area is now allowing more private vehicles each day. Please also be aware of a couple of closures. And WTA is proud to have supported the Puget Sound to Pacific initiative to secure funding for the Great American Rail-Trail.
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Trip Report Roundup: Getting the Family Together — Outside
Jul 05, 2023
Hitting the trails is a great way to spend the day together as a family, and no one knows that better than our great hiking community! Here are some of our favorite recent trip reports from hikers who were able to round up the family to get outside.
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Silver Star Vision Plan is a North Star for the Future of a Special Area
Jun 30, 2023
Trails planning is a detailed process. The Silver Star area in Southwest Washington has been the focus of planning work for years. Now we're happy to announce the vision plan for the future of this area is complete!
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Hiker Headlines: Hike-a-Thon, Frog Mountain (and More!) Open, Get an Adventure Pack at the Library
Jun 29, 2023
Registration for Hike-a-Thon opens July 1! Several roads and trails are opening up for summer, but White River Road is temporarily closed. Be aware of some fee changes in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. More Adventure Packs — with Discover Passes — are available at libraries. And Happy Fourth of July weekend!
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Help Us Celebrate 20 Years of Giving Back to Trails
Jun 28, 2023
Hike-a-Thon is a community fundraising event that gives hikers the opportunity to raise funds for our work. Throughout August, Hike-a-Thon participants hit the trail, share stories of their outdoor adventures and raise funds that directly support trails in Washington. This year is extra special — it’s the 20th anniversary of Hike-a-Thon!
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Jokes to Keep in Your Back Pocket (or Backpack)
Jun 27, 2023
Why did the hiker laugh in the mountains? Because they're hill areas. At WTA, we love a good pun. Or any, pun, really. So we asked our Outdoor Leadership Training staff and partners to share some of their favorite punny jokes. Here they are — just in time to make your hiking companions laugh (or groan) on your next adventure.
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Hiker Headlines: Hurricane Ridge and Coldwater Areas Reopen, Chiwawa River Road Closure
Jun 22, 2023
This Saturday, June 24, is Washington Trails Day. The Hurricane Ridge area and Mount St. Helens Coldwater area are reopening to the public. The Chiwawa Road has a closure. And wildfire season has started.
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Y-WE gets Youth Outside. WTA is Proud to Support that Mission.
Jun 21, 2023
Y-WE empowers young women to be leaders in their communities — one of the ways they do that is by taking them outdoors. A strong partnership between Y-WE and WTA have had a strong partnership since 2015, helping thousands and youth and adults get outside.
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