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: Avalanche Safety, Name Changes, Conservation, First Day Hikes

Dec 08, 2021

The experts at the Northwest Avalanche Center have a safety reminder. The Department of the Interior will work to remove derogatory place names from federal lands. Washington just designated 230 acres of land as Natural Resource Conservation Areas. And, First Day Hikes are coming back to state parks on January 1.

How to Help if You See Harassment or Bias on Trail

Dec 08, 2021

Trails should be welcoming and safe for everyone. Here's some ways you can help if you encounter incidents on bias on trail.

Celebrating the Lives of Those We Lost

Dec 06, 2021

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.

6 Ideas for Making New Outdoor Holiday Traditions

Dec 03, 2021

Spending the holidays outdoors is an annual tradition for some WTA trip reporters. Here's how they do it.

Hiker Headlines: Now Hiring, Giving Tuesday, Parks Director, New Year’s, Hoh Flooding

Dec 02, 2021

WTA is hiring for several positions, both in the field and the office. Giving Tuesday was a great success thanks to all your support. Chuck F. Sams III was confirmed to head the National Park Service. Reserve your spot now for New Year’s celebrations at Deception Pass State Park. The Hoh River entrance at Olympic National Park is closed due to flooding.

Rebooting Popular Trails for Year Round Hiking in Hood Canal

Nov 29, 2021

This summer, WTA's volunteer crews provided urgent maintenance to some of the Hood Canal’s most loved trails in order to ensure that these trails are accessible and safe for all users.

Favorite Volunteer Memories of 2021

Nov 19, 2021

As 2021 comes to a close, we asked volunteers to share some of their best moments on trail with us. From learning new skills and self-reliance to rejoining the volunteer community, we're thrilled to hear what you remember from this year on trail.

Hiker Headlines: Avalanche Forecasts, Washouts, New Trailhead, Thankful for Trails

Nov 18, 2021

Avalanche forecasting has started for the winter season. Two areas at Mount Rainier National Park are closed due to winter storm damage. A new trailhead in Spokane Valley will open this weekend. Entry fees will be waived for state lands on November 26. #GivingTuesday is coming up. And WTA is taking thanksgiving week off.

5 Ways WTA Supports the Future of Trails

Nov 17, 2021

WTA is looking to the future for anyone who likes to use trails. Here's what we're working on — and how you can help.

Celebrating a Successful Return to Youth Volunteer Vacations

Nov 17, 2021

Thanks to a lot of careful planning and hard work, we had a safe and fun summer with teen volunteers — and we got a lot of work done, too! And we're already looking ahead to next year.

Ask WTA: How do Sleeping Bag Ratings Work?

Nov 11, 2021

Few things are as comforting and important as a good sleeping bag when camping. But how are sleeping bags tested and what do temperature ratings really mean? Luckily Feathered Friends, a top manufacturer of down sleeping bags, is based right here in Washington, and they had some answers for us.

Hiker Headlines: Closed Passes, Gorge Transit, Equity on State Lands, New Trail, Fishers

Nov 11, 2021

Three mountain passes are closed for the season due to winter conditions. The new GOrge Pass will improve transit options this year. The list of fee-free days on state lands for 2022 has been announced. A new section of trail in East King County is now open. DNR’s first ever director of equity and environmental justice has been hired. And, five fishers were released in Olympic National Park this week.

Congress Passed Infrastructure Funding: What it Means for Trails

Nov 10, 2021

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act just passed through Congress, and this secures support for trails across the country, including Washington.

Hiker Headlines: Free Entry, Tri-Cities Trails, Campsite Alerts, #CreateResponsibly, Survey

Nov 04, 2021

November 11 is a fee-free day at federal and state lands. A trail system in the Tri-Cities continues to expand. You can now get notifications when state park campsites become available. Artists and creatives can now take the pledge to #CreateResponsibly. Take a survey to help shape the future of trails in Washington.

Take This Quick Survey to Shape The Future of Trails

Nov 03, 2021

Important planning for outdoor recreation is happening at the statewide level and you can help!

Spooky Tales from the Trail

Oct 29, 2021

Most of us have an unexplainable trail story or two. If that tale is told often enough, it can become part of personal — or organizational — lore.

Hiker Headlines: Halloween Hikes, Highway 20 Closure Scheduled, SR 14 Survey

Oct 28, 2021

If you head out for a Halloween hike this weekend, be sure to share your photos in a trip report. The National Park Service has some great templates for pumpkin carving. The Highway 20 closure is on the calendar for November 15. Winter weather is ramping up this week with heavy rainfall in Western Washington and snowy mountain passes. Provide your input for SR 14 planning near Dog Mountain.

Trip Reporters Put the Fun in Fungus

Oct 27, 2021

Mushrooms begin popping up when rain returns to the forest and the variety of colors and shapes can stop hikers in their tracks. Trip reporters have been turning their cameras on these intriguing fungi this fall, giving us all a chance to share in the wonder. Check out some of the fungi found in recent trip reports.

You Can Be an Assistant Crew Leader

Oct 22, 2021

Our assistant crew leaders make trail work parties possible — and you can be one of them.

Why do Leaves Turn Colors in the Fall?

Oct 21, 2021

We know those colors are fun to look at, and make for excellent photos, but it also raises the question of “why?” Why do leaves turn different colors in the fall?

Hiker Headlines: Wet Weather, Outdoor Alliance, Closures and Delays, Lost Trails Found

Oct 21, 2021

It’s going to be a wet weekend in Western Washington, and rain in the lowlands means snow in the mountains. At a recent meeting, WTA and partners met with Representative Derek Kilmer to chat about Great American Outdoors Act projects in Olympic National Forest. The Snoqualmie Lake Trailhead and trail will be closed for about a month to facilitate trailhead expansion and improvements. Expect delays on Highway 101 over the next month while crews remove hazard trees. Learn about two amazing Lost Trails Found accomplishments from this summer.