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: PCT Canada entry program discontinued, lowland snow this weekend

Jan 30, 2025

The Canada Border Services Agency has discontinued the Canada Pacific Crest Trail Entry Permit program. There’s lowland snow in the forecast across the state this weekend! Olympic National Forest firewood permits are now available by mail. And Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has a prescribed burn planned next week.

Hiker Headlines: Hair ice and freezing temps, Rainier wilderness permit fees, Nisqually State Park closure

Jan 23, 2025

Mount Rainier National Park has changed the prices for wilderness permits. Nisqually State Park is closed for construction starting next week through the fall. There’s a new way to look at how funds are being used through the Climate Commitment Act. And the cold temperatures we’ve been seeing will stick around for awhile.

How Kaf Adventures is helping climbers reach new heights and give back to trails

Jan 22, 2025

WTA and Kaf Adventures have been partnering since 2017 to help give back to trails and further skills in the outdoors.

Why I hike through cities

Jan 21, 2025

Most urban centers in Washington provide ample green space and pedestrian infrastructure to support refreshing strolls, invigorating day hikes or epic feats of endurance. Incorporate urban walks into your ventures outside this year.

A tight state budget means it’s time to show up for trails — here’s how

Jan 16, 2025

This week kicks off the 2025 Washington state legislative session. The state budget is tighter than we've seen in years, and we know legislators will be making cuts. Tell your representatives that the physical and mental health benefits of getting outside should not be on the chopping block this, or any, year. Join WTA and other hikers in Olympia on March 18, 2025, for our Hiker Rally Day.

Hiker Headlines: Fee-free day, road closure, a big win in Congress

Jan 16, 2025

Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and parking fees are waived in some areas. Share your thoughts to help Washington State Parks develop a park on Miller Peninsula. In a big win, Congress just passed the EXPLORE Act! A road near the Quinault River is closed. Olympic National Forest has expanded their office hours. And Washington has sent firefighting aid to California.

Hiker Headlines: Tiger Mountain, Squak Mountain trail closures; WTA winter workshops

Jan 09, 2025

Some trails in the Issaquah Alps are closed due to storm damage. Join WTA for some upcoming events, including a free winter hiking workshop and a snowshoe workshop! And, the Washington Department of Natural Resources has released its statewide recreation plan for the next 10 years.

Share a story: Finding yourself on a summit journey

Jan 08, 2025

From time to time, we like to share memorable moments from our community. Here’s one of those stories from Rizka Budiati-Szkutnik (@rizkapb on Instagram).

Hiker Headlines: WTA is hiring, Hoh Rain Forest closure, Oregon state park fee increases

Jan 02, 2025

Happy New Year from all of us at WTA! We are currently hiring for a full-time professional crew coordinator. The Upper Hoh Road is temporarily closed due to imminent road failure. Olympic National Forest has announced some big forest health projects coming up. Some Oregon state park fees have increased for the 2025 season. And there’s snow hitting the mountains this weekend!

29 hiking resolution ideas to find joy in 2025!

Dec 30, 2024

Although number of hikes, mileage and elevation gain may seem like some of the most obvious hiking goals you can make, there are plenty of other hiking projects you can embark on that are just as fun and get you outside all the same. We've got some ideas for you.

Partnership With Kalispel Tribe Creates New Trails North of Spokane

Dec 30, 2024

A trail system at Indian Creek Community Forest is helping the Kalispel Tribe provide education, recreation, and community to the Tribe and broader community members.

Kick off 2025 outside with a First Day Hike and a trip report!

Dec 27, 2024

Ring in the new year by joining Washington State Parks at a First Day Hike near you!

Helping WTA Help Hikers

Dec 27, 2024

One of the special things about WTA’s vision of Trails for Everyone, Forever, is that it brings together hikers, land managers, advocates and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. This work is also valued by companies who want to have a positive impact on their local community, like WTA’s partners at Western Washington Honda Dealers. Their support is helping us get more done for trails.

Hiker Headlines: Hiker Rally Day; ski area openings, state park closures

Dec 19, 2024

Happy winter solstice! Some exciting 2025 hiker events have been announced, including Hiker Rally Day on March 18. Several state parks are closed until further notice due to storm damage, but — good news — all of the ski resorts along the Washington Cascade crest have opened for the winter.

Hiker Headlines: Wallace Falls, Squak Mountain closed due to storm damage; 2025 fee-free days announced

Dec 12, 2024

Two popular state parks are closed until further notice due to damage from the bomb cyclone. Some land managers have shared their 2025 fee-free days! And the snow line is dropping low in the mountains this weekend.

Thank you, Jim, for 35 years of copy editing!

Dec 09, 2024

After 35 years of volunteer editing Washington Trails magazine, Jim Cavin is finally enjoying a well-earned retirement. Join us in thanking him! By WTA staff

Hiker Headlines: Free pass, tree for 4th graders; winter hours and closures around the state

Dec 05, 2024

Olympic National Park has started its winter operations. Be aware of some closures, including an extension of the Lake 22 trail closure. The Washington Department of Natural Resources has started two large cleanup projects. And the Forest Service is reminding families with fourth graders that their Every Kid Outdoors program is offering free America the Beautiful passes and Christmas tree permits.

Celebrating the lives of those we lost in 2024

Dec 05, 2024

We take a moment to reflect on the lives of some of those who we've recently lost. They are missed, but we will remember and celebrate their lives and contributions to our community for years to come.

Join WTA on trail and start a new family tradition

Dec 04, 2024

Family trail work, trail work for families, family tradition, work parties, youth, youth and families.

5 WTA partner organizations to support this Giving Tuesday

Dec 02, 2024

Washington Trails Association believes that trails are for everyone, forever. This year for Giving Tuesday, we are highlighting five WTA partner groups that are making sure everyone has access to experience nature in meaningful ways. Please consider sharing your generosity with these organizations.

Trip report roundup: Trees down, snow sticking around

Nov 22, 2024

With winter storms rolling into the region and a bomb cyclone knocking down trees (in addition to power for many communities), the conditions on trails have changed a lot in the last week. Some parks, like Wallace Falls State Park, are closed due to the extent of the damage.