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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Happy Hours and Happy Hikers: Building Community Among WTA's Fireside Circle

Oct 21, 2022

When you hang out with WTA's Fireside Circle members, it's impossible not to be inspired by their passion for trails and spirit of stewardship.

Hiker Headlines: Permits and Wildfire Updates, Closures, Rain

Oct 20, 2022

The Forest Service extended Mount St. Helens' permit season. Some key roads are closed. Wildfires are still burning, but we finally have some rain in the forecast. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

King County Voters: This "Yes" Vote Will Help Save Green Spaces

Oct 18, 2022

Voters have the chance in this election (Nov. 8) to vote "yes" to Conserve Our Future, King County Proposition 1. Vote "yes" so this program can continue to protect lands that support the health of our communities, ecosystems and climate.

Lost Trails Found Crews, Volunteers, Return to Trails in the Entiat

Oct 17, 2022

The Entiat has suffered from a number of wildfires over the last decade, and the damage from those burns is still being felt today. But thankfully, our crews have been chipping away at those damages.

Hiker Headlines: Now Hiring, Volunteer Appreciation Week, Closures, Park Improvements

Oct 13, 2022

WTA is hiring! Join WTA for Volunteer Appreciation Week. Be aware of closures in North Cascades National Park and Mount Rainier National Park. A Seattle park has fully reopened with multiple improvements. And, wildfire prevention efforts continue — and it seems they are working. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

A Path to an Outdoor Career: Shape Your Future with WTA's Emerging Leaders Program

Oct 11, 2022

WTA's Emerging Leaders Program is now accepting applications for the 2023 season! We caught up with some past participants to find out what they're up to now.

Lost Trails Found Crews Crush This Season With 58 Miles of Trail Work

Oct 10, 2022

WTA’s Lost Trails Found crews have earned a nice rest and many thanks from hikers after spending a whopping 6,790 total hours in the field doing trail maintenance this summer! Check out all the work our crews got done over the season.

Hiker Headlines: Free Day, Climate Lecture, Trail Plans, New Open Space

Oct 06, 2022

Parking fees will be waived in some areas for World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10. Visit Town Hall on Oct. 18 to listen to the University of Washington College of the Environment’s annual Doug Walker Lecture. Share your thoughts on a new comprehensive plan for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. An emergency closure has been implemented on a part of Stevens Canyon Road for construction. And, a new recreation area has opened on Vashon Island.

Honorable Mention: 5 Northwest Exposure Favorites from WTA’s Photo Judges

Oct 03, 2022

We asked our photo contest judges to pick honorable mentions from last year’s contest — and explain what they love about the images.

How to Get to King County Trailheads Without a Car

Sep 27, 2022

Get to parks, trails and green spaces in King County using these public transportation routes.

Having Fun on Trail: Work Party Selfies!

Sep 23, 2022

Trail work can be hard and tiring, but WTA trail crews also know how to have fun. Just check out all the smiles, silliness and selfies from our work parties!

Creating Even Better Hiking for the Port Gamble Forest

Sep 22, 2022

An effort is underway to protect critical areas within the Port Gamble Forest. The area is popular with hikers and many other outdoor enthusiasts. The work is a continuation of earlier work to protect a large section of forest.

Hiker Headlines: Now Hiring, Free Day, Bridge Replacement Project

Sep 22, 2022

WTA is hiring! A big thanks to everyone who joined us for Hike-a-Thon this August! This Saturday is National Public Lands Day; parking fees will be waived in some areas, and some celebration events will be held. A bridge replacement project in the Black Diamond Open Space will cause some closures in the area this October. And, make sure to check wildfire statuses and the air quality index if you're heading out this weekend.

Hike-a-Thon 2022: A Recap with Miles the Marmot

Sep 21, 2022

Miles the Marmot here! I'm sharing the final numbers for WTA's 19th annual Hike-a-Thon. What a great year — all thanks to our hikers! Join us next year for the 20th anniversary of Hike-a-Thon.

Let’s Play: King County Coalition Comes Together to Get Youth Outside

Sep 20, 2022

King County Play Equity Coalition is a network of organizations dedicated to making changes that make it easier for young people in all communities to move their bodies outside — and to get all of the benefits that come with play.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.