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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Love King County Parks? Vote Yes on Prop. 1

Jul 15, 2019

Please join WTA and our local partners in supporting King County Proposition 1, the County Parks Levy. Take the pledge to vote yes on the Aug. 6 ballot.

Hiker Headlines: Leave No Trace in the Enchantments, Outdoor Funding, Fighting Weeds

Jul 11, 2019

The Enchantments are getting some LNT Hot Spot love. Washington state awarded grants across the state to fund outdoor projects. And, toxic weeds in King County? There’s an app for that.

A Weekend in Trip Reports: 7 Backpacking Trips From Around the State

Jul 09, 2019

Members of the WTA community made the most of the holiday weekend, choosing to sleep outside by way of celebrating the unofficial start of summer. By the looks of things, snow is rapidly melting out at some higher elevations, allowing for stunning wildflower displays, mountain vistas and plenty of photo ops.

Hiker Headlines: Fire Smarts, Olympics Goats Relocation, WTA's Hike-a-Thon

Jul 03, 2019

It’s Wednesday, July 3. Be smart about fire safety this weekend. Goats are being relocated again in the Olympics, affecting some popular trails. We launched our annual Hike-a-Thon event. Award shines spotlight on expanding the outdoor narrative.

Road Access: Helping Get Hikers to Trailheads

Jul 02, 2019

We’re taking a look at roads across the state as part of work to ensure access to trails.

Hiker Headlines: Rainier Roads, Wildfire Season, Powerful Partnerships

Jun 27, 2019

It’s Thursday, June 27. Hikers will be happy to know several Mount Rainier roads will open soon. Droughts, fires and dry conditions found in national parks and forests. WTA leaders took a hike with a King County Executive to celebrate their decades-long partnership. And the USDA Forest Service wants to change some rules on environmental reviews.

Celebrating Partnership: WTA and King County Parks

Jun 27, 2019

On Monday, WTA staff joined King County Executive Dow Constantine for a hike on the Margaret’s Way trail. The trail is a strong example of what can happen when a government agency like King County Parks teams up with a non-profit organization like WTA.

Gear Review: Headlamps

Jun 24, 2019

What you need to know to find the right one.

Hiker Headlines: Summer! Working on a Lost Trail, New Connections in Olympia

Jun 20, 2019

It’s Thursday, June 20. The longest stretch of daylight you’ll see this year is tomorrow. A popular Olympic National Forest trailhead will be closed. Some hardy teens have embarked on a mission to tackle 5 weeks of trailwork. And WTA is excited to cut the ribbon on a new connector trail in Olympia.

Nature on Trail: Moose, Elephant's Head

Jun 20, 2019

Washington's wild places are teeming with life. Learn a bit more about two local species, the moose and elephant's head, and where you can find them.

Hiker Headlines: Federal Advocacy, Closed Trails, Drought and Ferry County

Jun 13, 2019

It's June 13. WTA has been in the other Washington. A number of toilets are closed at trailheads in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It's really, really dry out on the Olympic Peninsula. And Ferry County is making the most of the recreation economy.

Three State Recreation Organizations Advocate Together for Trails in D.C.

Jun 12, 2019

Last week, WTA’s advocacy director Andrea Imler journeyed to the other Washington with leaders of two other local outdoor recreation organizations, Back Country Horsemen of Washington and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance to speak up in support of public lands and trails.

Sharing a Love for Nature Through WTA

Jun 12, 2019

WTA member Maggie Oliver passes on the values of conservation to her students.

Lost Trails Youth Corps: Tackling Backcountry Trails with Teamwork

Jun 12, 2019

This June, an all-star crew of 10 hardworking teens will embark on a 5-week long trail maintenance and leadership development journey thanks to the continuation of our partnership with the Northwest Youth Corps (NYC).

Making Trails and Mentoring Leaders at Little Mountain Park

Jun 11, 2019

Partnerships and mentoring are making this Mount Vernon trail system stronger.

Trails Rebooted Hits the Ground Running

Jun 11, 2019

While WTA’s Trails Rebooted campaign officially launched last month, we’ve been hard at work since early 2019. And we’re excited to share some of our early successes with you!

Hiker Headlines: Lots of Trail Work, Lots of Smoke, Free Days and More

Jun 06, 2019

It’s June 6. WTA volunteers gave back to trails in a big way on National Trails Day. A large fire has meant terrible air quality in Eastern Washington. A emergency drill is planned out at the Big Four Ice Caves. This weekend, lots of public lands won't require a pass to park. And avalanche forecasting season is over, but snow lingers in the high country.

Rebooting Washington's Trails on National Trails Day

Jun 05, 2019

WTA's delivering on our goal to support Washington's trails at every turn.

The Dog Divide — It's a Ruff Issue to Tame

Jun 03, 2019

Whether you hike with dogs or not, we all share the trail. We need to try to consider other perspectives.

7 Tips for Joyful Hiking with Kids

May 31, 2019

Lessons from a parent who's been there.

Hiker Headlines: National Trails Day, Unlikely Hikers, Climate Crisis, So Much Hiking

May 30, 2019

It's May 30. This weekend, we celebrate National Trails Day. State Parks will be free Saturday. The New York Times told the story of folks working to expand the narrative around who is a hiker. The climate crisis will be visible to people visiting national parks this summer. And you all have been doing so much hiking! Here's some hiker news you may have missed while out on trail.