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: 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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Outdoor Leaders Who Inspire Us: the Service Board
Jul 26, 2022
We recently talked with a few groups we admire, including Shona Kerrick from the Service Board, to learn more about how they are building better futures for their communities.
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Community-Based Solutions: Darrington Local Coordinating Mountain Loop Highway Trailhead Ambassador Program
Jul 25, 2022
Talking community and battling doomscrolling with the coordinator of the Mountain Loop Highway's newest trailhead ambassador program.
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Hiker Headlines: Now Hiring, Campfire Restrictions, Summer Construction
Jul 21, 2022
WTA is hiring! Campfires restrictions are returning to some Washington areas due to wildfire danger. Some facilities will be closed as the Highway 20 repaving project continues. Recreation fee changes have been proposed by Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Rehabilitation efforts are starting up on Stevens Canyon Road. And, check out WTA’s interview with KUOW about what goes into saving a trail.
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What Makes the Vivid Colors in Mountain Lakes?
Jul 20, 2022
If you’ve hiked to many mountain lakes, you’ve likely noticed that many of them are particularly blue — some almost seem otherworldly in their intensity. But what makes those lakes such an eye-popping color?
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Outdoor Leaders Who Inspire Us: Trail Mixed Collective
Jul 19, 2022
We recently talked with a few groups we admire, including Quena Batres and Liselle Pires of Trail Mixed Collective, to learn more about how they are building better futures for their communities.
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Field-Tested Favorites: Mealtime Experiences and Recipes from WTA Outdoor Leadership Training Leaders
Jul 18, 2022
Two leaders from WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program, Christine Zarker Primomo and Harper McFadden, share their experiences cooking with youth in the outdoors, and their favorite backpacking recipes from their trips.
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Hiker Headlines: Artist Point Road Opening, Trail Closures, Sundaes Outside
Jul 14, 2022
The road to Artist Point is open for the season! Forest Service construction will close the Annette Lake trail through October. King County Parks construction will close some of the Cougar Mountain trail network through July. And join Golden Bricks Events for Sundaes Outside this Sunday, July 17 at Dash Point State Park.
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Outdoor Leaders Who Inspire Us: Sea Potential
Jul 13, 2022
We recently talked with a few local outdoor groups we admire to learn more about how they are building better futures for their communities.
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Find Your Hiking Community Through These Events
Jul 11, 2022
We’re highlighting a few of our favorites for you to check out this summer.
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Hiker Headlines: Road Openings and Closures, Urban Forest Funding, Survey on E-Bikes
Jul 07, 2022
Sunrise Road has reopened for the summer. Mallardy Ridge Road will be closed from July 15 to September 15. Some Conconully State Park campgrounds are closed temporarily due to flood damage. $550,000 of funding was awarded by the Department of Natural Resources for urban and community forests. The state wants to hear your thoughts on e-bikes on trails. And, a retriever featured in WTA's Hiking with Dogs workshop is a semi-finalist in the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Award competition.
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