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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Spring Trip Reports: Fallen Trees, Creek Crossings and Mud Oh My

May 11, 2021

Spring can be an unpredictable time of year — the weather can change in an instant and winter conditions remain on many trails. You may encounter mud, snow, fallen trees, rushing streams and rivers, and avalanche conditions. Trip reports can help you be prepared.

5 Things I Learned After a Year Using Car Shares to Hike

May 10, 2021

Today is my one-year anniversary of the first hike I did using a carshare program. Hiking using car-share programs is totally doable, and depending on how often you hike (and other demands you may have to consider), using car shares may even be more cost-effective than owning. Here's what I've learned in a year of hiking sans car.

Upcoming Hiker Events

May 10, 2021

Hiking can often be a solitary experience, but when you're looking to engage with the outdoor community, there is no shortage of opportunities in Washington.

Washington Representative Leads Effort to Fund Trails and Roads

May 07, 2021

Washington Rep. Kim Schrier has introduced the Legacy Roads and Trails Act in Congress. The bill would provide critical public funding to help maintain roads and trails on U.S. Forest Service lands in order to protect endangered species and improve water quality on public lands. Rep. Derek Kilmer cosponsored the legislation.

Hiker Headlines: Highway 20 Open, Big Thanks for GiveBIG, Wildfire Prevention, Trail Updates

May 06, 2021

The North Cascades Highway has reopened for the season. A big thanks to everyone who gave during GiveBIG this week — thank you for supporting trails! With an uptick in wildfires this spring it’s a good time to learn about wildfire safety and prevention. The last major gap in the western section of the Palouse to Cascades Trail has been filled. A parking lot at Deception Pass will be closed until next year.

Virtual Classroom: Crew Leader College Moves (Partially) Online

May 05, 2021

This weekend marks the beginning of WTA's 2021 Crew Leader College, a chance to help our crew leaders and assistant crew leaders refine their skills. Here's how we're adapting this year to share new learning about trail work, all while keeping everyone safe.

Why (And How) My Family Makes Time for Hiking Together

May 04, 2021

My family and I love being able to enjoy nature together. But when plans interfere with our daily life, connecting with nature and communicating with each other in a fun way sometimes fall to the wayside. As a WTA youth ambassador, however, I know how important it is to spend time outside.

Hiker Headlines: City Nature, Trail Wins, CATbus to Dog Mountain, Billy Frank Jr.

Apr 29, 2021

The state legislative session wrapped up with big wins for trails. Hikers have a new transit option to get to Dog Mountain. The worldwide City Nature Challenge kicks off this week. A statue of Billy Frank Jr. will be placed at the National Capitol.

The 2021 State Legislative Session was Full of Wins for Trails

Apr 28, 2021

From bringing advocates together for our digital Hiker Rally to asking you to help get budgets over the line, we’ve been excited to share the power of advocates during this year's legislative session. This weekend, the state Legislature wrapped up its 2021 session and we're excited to report that outdoor recreation saw wonderful support from lawmakers.

Ape Cave Near Mount St. Helens to Reopen in May, Reservations Now Required

Apr 27, 2021

The popular Ape Cave Interpretive Site will reopen to the public in mid-May, after being closed since spring 2020. When it re-opens, visitors will need to have a reservation for their visits. Reservations will open on Thursday, April 29.

5 Ways WTA Makes Your Hike Possible

Apr 26, 2021

From securing trail funding and digging in the dirt to providing hike information and promoting hiker education, here are a few of the ways that WTA helps Washington hikers get out on trail.

Hiker Headlines: 3 Million Trees, Sites Reopening, Trip Sign-Up, Burn Bans

Apr 22, 2021

Happy Earth Day! WTA previews a new trail in North Highline as King County announces its new 3 Million Tree initiative. A few notable recreation sites will be reopening this week. Registration for the second round of WTA’s multiday trips open tomorrow. Extended burn bans are a reminder to check fire regulations before heading out camping. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

24 Ideas for Moving More and Trying New Things

Apr 20, 2021

Nicole Tsong's new book, “24 Ways to Move More,” encourages readers to try something new. We talked with her about her new book as well as some of her tips on how to give your body the movement it craves.

Centering Community Helped Build a Strong Urban Trail System in Bellingham

Apr 19, 2021

Fourteen years of work by WTA and our partners have transformed an urban trail system in Bellingham.

WTA Helps Build Access to Green Space with New Trail in King County

Apr 16, 2021

Over the last year, WTA has been working with King County Parks to plan for the opening of a new forested park in unincorporated North Highline in Seattle. Last month, WTA’s Leadership & Inclusion Crew spent two days at the new park working on trail layout and design. When it's complete, the trail will provide the community access to a green space.

Hiker Headlines: National Park Week, Avalanche Aware, Dog Mountain, Burn Bans, Poetry and Conservation

Apr 15, 2021

National Park Week starts this weekend. Warm spring weather has created increased avalanche risk in the mountains. Permits to hike Dog Mountain will be required starting next week. Burn bans are in place for much of Eastern Washington.

Learning and Growing on WTA's Volunteer Vacations

Apr 14, 2021

We caught up with volunteers from years past to see how the skills they gained have helped them with new adventures.

"Trails Restore Us" — Why One Hiker Is Matching Gifts to WTA for GiveBIG

Apr 13, 2021

A backpacking trip along the Dosewallips River in the summer of 2020 is just one the reasons Matt Martinez is matching other hikers' donations to WTA on May 4&5 for GiveBIG.

Hiker Headlines: Native Plant Month, Funding Roads, Good Fire, Middle Fork, Olympics Art

Apr 08, 2021

April is Native Plant Month. Prescribed burns are scheduled in several forests this spring. The Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail is closed to hikers while construction is underway. Art installations in Olympic National Park celebrate Roosevelt elk and conservation.

Early Budget Proposals in Olympia Show Promising Support for Trails

Apr 07, 2021

With only a few weeks left before state lawmakers finalize budgets, we break down how things are looking for trails and outdoor recreation. See where things stand and take action.

Volunteer Spotlight: Gabrielle Matheison

Apr 06, 2021

Volunteers are key for WTA, and we appreciate however people engage with WTA. Some folks like to stick to trail work, some stick to trip reports, some do both. While volunteering has been complicated by the pandemic, Gabrielle Matheisen, a trip reporter and trail crew volunteer, made it work.