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: Openings and Closures, New Advisory Committee, Winter Hikes

Dec 14, 2022

The bridge at Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve has reopened after construction. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced their wildlife area closure dates for the winter. The Margaret’s Way trailhead will be closed for a couple of days next week. And, we’ve for some ideas for you if you're looking for winter hike ideas.

Paradise at Mount Rainier Only Open on Weekends: What to Know and Where to Go Instead

Dec 14, 2022

The road to Paradise at Mount Rainier National park will be closed on weekdays this winter due to staffing shortages. The road will be available for public use only on Saturdays and Sundays for the remainder of the winter season. The sledding area will remain closed all season, even on weekends. The road closure will put some of the park's most popular winter destinations, like Panorama Point, out of reach for many visitors, and might create some additional weekend traffic.

Partnership Brings New Trails to the Teanaway Community Forest

Dec 13, 2022

After a decade of strong collaboration, WTA and our partners are so excited that a trails plan for the Teanaway Community Forest has passed the state’s environmental review. That means, in 2023 WTA will be able to break ground on new trails in the community forest. Find out where we plan to work first.

Hiker Headlines: WTA Winter Safety, Work on Hurricane Hill Lodge, Fun in the Snow

Dec 08, 2022

Join WTA for a talk about winter safety in January. Be prepared for a road closure and heavy traffic in some areas. Washington State Parks wants your input on signage. The Great American Outdoors Act has allocated funding for improvement projects to the Hurricane Ridge day lodge. And, there are some new fun things to do this winter in Washington!

Celebrating the Lives of Those We Lost in 2022

Dec 07, 2022

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.

Building Onramps to Nature’s Benefits

Dec 06, 2022

Braided Seeds is helping communities of color rest and reconnect to nature. A wilderness first aid course, in partnership with WTA, has been one way to help people in their community feel safer outside.

Hiker Headlines: Paradise Access Changes, Christmas Tree Permits, Outdoor Recreation Economy Report

Dec 01, 2022

Access to Paradise at Mount Rainier National Park is now restricted to the weekends. Grab a permit online if you're interested in cutting your own Christmas tree from a national forest. The Kraus Ridge Trail is temporarily closed for most of December, and Mount Teneriffe trailhead is closed for snow. The Bureau of Economic Analysis has released an outdoor recreation economy report for the United States. And, a snowstorm has hit Washington!

Crafty: WTA Staff Creations Inspired by Time on Trail

Nov 30, 2022

Time on trail is inspirational. And for WTA staff, we're often inspired in a very tangible way. (Maybe because we build trails for a living?) We like to get our hands on things, to tinker with gear, pack our paints and experiment. As the days get shorter, and we spend a bit more time warm and cozy indoors, it seemed like a good time to share some of the beautiful things that WTA staff are making by hand.

Support Our Community During #GivingTuesday

Nov 29, 2022

On this #GivingTuesday, we are highlighting three of our community partners and the amazing work they are doing connecting youth to the outdoors. Please consider sharing your generosity and supporting them today.

Ask WTA: How is Food Freeze Dried?

Nov 23, 2022

Backpackers have come up with many innovative ways of reducing that weight, including freeze-drying. But what IS freeze drying?

Hiker Headlines: WTA Now Hiring, Trail Reopens, Winter Closures and Hiking

Nov 17, 2022

WTA is hiring for our 2023 seasonal crew leaders and assistant crew leaders. The Annette Lake trail has reopened. Some roads may be closed intermittently or entirely for the winter season. And, make sure to take advantage of online resources to check conditions before heading out on your snowy hike.

How Friends of the Children Seattle Made 'Trail Tuesdays' a Reality, with a Little Help from WTA

Nov 16, 2022

Friends of the Children Seattle spent the summer exploring local trails and introducing youth to the fun of hiking. (And the joy of eating frozen yogurt during a hike.) WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program helped them have a successful summer of exploration.

E-bikes: You Gave Input, What Comes Next?

Nov 15, 2022

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources asked for your opinion on the use of e-bikes. Over 7,000 people responded to the survey, including WTA’s Trail Action Network advocates — thanks for your input! Based on this input, WDFW and DNR recently shared a report of their recommendations for e-bikes going forward. Here are the main takeaways and what happens next.

WTA and Our Members: The Perfect Combo for Trails

Nov 14, 2022

WTA gets a lot of work done each year to help hikers get outside. But we can only do this work because of our dedicated base of 27,000 members who fund our work.

Hiker Headlines: Free Day, Highway Closures, Bridge Replacement, Art Contest

Nov 10, 2022

Parking fees will be waived in many places on Veteran’s Day. The North Cascades Highway and Mountain Loop Highway are closed for the season. A bridge replacement project at Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve is closing part of the area through at least this month. And, an art contest for high-schoolers to spread awareness about invasive species has opened.

Small Steps Lead to Big Things

Nov 08, 2022

A green space close to home can be a grounding element in a fast-paced world.

Step by Step: How WTA's Community Partner Used Boots From Our Gear Library to Get Outside

Nov 07, 2022

Whether it's for hiking Mount Rainier, taking early steps to leading the way for environmental justice or celebrating being comfortable outdoors, we caught up with community partners to learn more about how they've utilized hiking boots from WTA's gear lending library.

Hiker Headlines: Share Your Thoughts, Highway 20 Updates, Name Changes, New Bridge

Nov 03, 2022

Share your thoughts on multiple proposed long-term plans for our trails and outdoor spaces. Part of Highway 20 will be temporarily closing starting tonight, but some fire closures in the national park have been lifted. Nine derogatory names for natural features have been changed. A new bridge has been completed in the Black Diamond Open Space.

Find A Hike You Like With WTA's Trailblazer App

Nov 01, 2022

Our team of incredibly generous and hardworking volunteer developers and designers have been working hard to get you some crucial updates to our app!

Shared-Language Hikes Helped Break Down Barriers to the Outdoors This Summer

Oct 31, 2022

Last month, ECOSS wrapped up its summer season of shared-language hiking trips to Little Si — aiming to expand outdoor access to underserved communities — using the Trailhead Direct program. We connected with some of the ECOSS staff and trip leaders to talk about their experiences hiking with their communities.

Hiker Headlines: Sno-Park Permits, Reopenings and Closures, More Snow

Oct 27, 2022

It’s October 27. Sno-Park permits are on sale November 1. Some trails affected by the Eagle Creek Fire in 2017 have reopened. Key recreation roads are closing for winter, and prescribed burns are happening in some areas in Washington. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.