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.
______________________________________________________
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!
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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!
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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?
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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!
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
WTA’s Hike Recommender Can Help You Plan Your Winter
Oct 26, 2022
As the temps drop and the days get shorter, hiking changes a bit, too. You'll need extra layers and warm treats in your pack, but if you’re seeking trail inspiration, WTA’s hike recommender can help you out!
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More