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: Reopenings, Construction Closures and Wildfires Continue
Sep 15, 2022
Snow Lake and Ruby Beach have both reopened after a summer of construction work! A couple of trails in Beacon Rock State Park will be closed next week for an improvement project. And, wildfires continue to burn throughout the state. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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Three Cheers for First-Time Trip Reporters! 🙌
Sep 14, 2022
Trip reporters are a big part of what makes the Washington hiking community so special. Here's some of our favorite recent trip reports.
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Trip Reporters Celebrate Southwest Washington Trails and Volunteers
Sep 12, 2022
WTA is hard at work improving and building trails in Southwest Washington. Get the latest updates and learn how you can support trails in this region of the state.
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Hiker Headlines: Graves Creek Road Work, Wildfire Season Continues
Sep 08, 2022
Graves Creek Road is slated to be repaired next week. Wildfire season continues in earnest and more trails and campgrounds are closed due to nearby flames. And, summer is not over yet!
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The Mid-Autumn Festival: Quality Time with Community Under the Full Moon
Sep 07, 2022
The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节) is on September 10 this year! If you’re hoping to find a place to get outside and see the full moon on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, we've got some tips and ideas.
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Hiker Headlines: Labor Day Weekend, Closures, New Funding
Sep 01, 2022
The long weekend is almost here! Get some inspiration on where to go, and keep up to date on the latest trail and road closures. And, a new infrastructure bill will award Washington $6.3 million in funding for forest projects.
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20 Days on Mineral Creek: Revitalizing a Route to the PCT
Aug 31, 2022
Tucked into a quiet trailhead outside of Salmon La Sac is the Mineral Creek Trail — a steep yet rewarding route straight into the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It was in pretty rough shape — so we sent our Lost Trails Found crews in to give it a glow up.
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How Libraries are Building a Path to the Outdoors
Aug 29, 2022
The King County Library System (KCLS) aims to support the community in their outdoor endeavors by providing hiking- and outdoor-specific resources for many years.
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Hiker Headlines: Closures, Hot Weather and Wildfires
Aug 25, 2022
There are multiple closures and road delays in the North Cascades this week. And, with hot weather coming our way, make sure to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
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Making Strides in Trail Stewardship
Aug 23, 2022
As hiking rises in popularity, we’re constantly looking for innovative solutions to support a growing number of hikers on trail.
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Hiker Headlines: Photo Contest, Closures, Wildfire Info
Aug 18, 2022
WTA’s annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is now accepting entries! Take note of a few trail and road closures over the next several weeks. Be aware of controlled fires in Thurston County starting soon. And, on that note, be sure to check wildfire statuses before heading out on a trip.
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WTA's Photo Contest is Now Open
Aug 17, 2022
It's that time of year again! Enter your favorite hiking photos for a chance to win prizes and help tell the story of trails.
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WTA's Driving Directions Will Get You There
Aug 15, 2022
When you can tell your phone to navigate you to almost anywhere in the city, it might seem quaint to rely on written driving directions. But head out for a hike and you might find yourself wanting WTA's ground-truthed driving directions.
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Hiker Headlines: Refuge Outdoor Festival, Closures and Fire Restrictions, New Park
Aug 11, 2022
Refuge Outdoor Festival is this weekend! Be aware of a few trail and vehicle access closures. New campfire restrictions have been put into place. And, a new park in Spokane has been opened.
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Hiking with Kids: Trip Reporters' Tips, Tricks and Snacks
Aug 08, 2022
We reached out to three regular trip reporters who get out with their kids to hear about why they write trip reports, why they like hiking with kids and, of course, their favorite on-trail snacks and games.
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Hiker Headlines: Hiking Guide Update, Free Day, Fire Restrictions
Aug 04, 2022
We've redesigned and updated our Hiking Guide! Today is Great American Outdoors Day, and parking fees are waived in some areas. Summer repaving continues on Highway 20. Hunting season is starting up on some public lands. And, more campfire restrictions have been put in place. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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Creating Community During Hike-a-Thon
Aug 03, 2022
Meet three Hike-a-Thon participants and learn how they’re building community while enjoy time on trails all through August.
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Protect the Future of Trails with WTA
Aug 01, 2022
Hundreds turned out this weekend for Washington Trails Day to join WTA in protecting the future of trails. You can join too.
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Epic Backpacking, Epic Transit: A WTA Staff Member's Alternative Transportation Tips
Jul 29, 2022
Out-and-back and loop hikes make transportation to and from trailheads relatively simple. But what if you’re planning a long one-way thru-hike? One WTA staff member shares her experience using alternative transportation to get to and from a long hike and some tips she has for others looking to do something similar.
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Hiker Headlines: Hike-a-Thon, Closures, Washington Trails Day
Jul 28, 2022
WTA’s 19th annual Hike-a-Thon starts August 1. The Snow Lake trail will be closed starting July 29 through October, and the roads to the Talapus Lake and Ira Springs trailheads continue to have ongoing closures. Campfire restrictions are in place on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Join us for Washington Trails Day this Saturday, July 30. And, incredibly hot weather is in the forecast this weekend.
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Why Do We Fix Popular Trails?
Jul 26, 2022
Popular trails can need as much — or more — maintenance than less-well-known routes. Find out why.
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