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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Outdoor Leadership Training Workshops and Gear Library Restart with New Safety Protocols

Sep 22, 2020

Outdoor Leadership Training experiential workshops and gear library lending are starting back up with new safety protocols to support community groups and organizations with their outdoor learning plans.

Hiker Headlines: Refuge Outdoor Festival and Film Release, Mount Rainier Survey

Sep 17, 2020

It's Sept. 17. Many outdoor areas continue to be closed due to fires and smoke. Find your joy at (online) Refuge Outdoor Festival or with a film release about Washington's Dark Divide area. Also: the future of Paradise is in your hands.

Changes are Coming to Mount Rainier National Park

Sep 15, 2020

Mount Rainier National Park wants to hear from visitors about the most popular access point to the park. The park is focusing on Paradise Road, and the facilities along it, from the Nisqually entrance near Ashford, all the way up to Paradise. The public has until Oct. 5 to comment on the plan.

Reclaiming Joy in Unprecedented Times

Sep 14, 2020

By producing events that truly welcome everyone, Chevon Powell combines her love of nature and event planning to bring people together and create a powerful community.

Hiker Headlines: Wildfires, Burn Bans, Giving Back to Public Lands

Sep 10, 2020

It's Sept. 10. Many outdoor areas are closed due to fires and smoke. We were overjoyed and so grateful for the success of this year's Hike-a-Thon. And there are more chances to give back to trails coming up. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Creating More Open Space in Cities

Sep 03, 2020

Street closures have made it clear that we need room for people to move and enjoy green spaces in urban areas.

9 Tips to Show Lands Some Love on National Public Lands Day

Sep 02, 2020

Trails have seen a lot of love this summer. It's time to return the favor. Be part of the national effort to make trails cleaner from Sept. 19-26.

Four Gear Tips for Family and Group Camping

Aug 31, 2020

Are you headed out this long weekend to enjoy an outdoor adventure with your household or social pod? Here’s a few gear tips from WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training program staff to make things a bit easier, and maybe even help to reduce the environmental and social impact of your group’s outing.

Your Daily Dose of Cute Wildlife

Aug 31, 2020

You're welcome.

Hiker Headlines: Photo Contest, Leading by Example, Hike-a-Thon

Aug 27, 2020

It's Aug. 27. Our annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is now open. We're excited to see how many hikers are leading by example on trail. And our Hike-a-Thon has less than a week to go — there's still time to support WTA and help participants meet their goals.

Photos We Love: WTA Staff Picks From Northwest Exposure Contest

Aug 24, 2020

See some staff favorite photos from recent years — and get inspired to enter your own photos.

Masks, Trash & Parking: 3 Easy Ways to Lead by Example on Every Hike

Aug 22, 2020

Every time you lace up your hiking shoes and head out on trail, it's an opportunity to help keep the outdoors a refuge during tough times. Here are some easy ways to lead by example, keep it positive and create the outdoor community of your dreams.

Q&A: Camping Responsibly Outside Campgrounds During a Pandemic

Aug 21, 2020

How to find a great campsite for some physically distanced camping — while staying safe and protecting the landscape.

Finding Connections — With Nature and Each Other — During a Pandemic

Aug 21, 2020

Although in-person trips aren't possible right now, Wild Grief is finding a way to fulfil their mission.

Hiker Headlines: Baby Wolverines, Closures, Forestland for the Community, Free State Parks Day

Aug 20, 2020

It's Aug. 20. Scientists in Mount Rainier made an exciting discovery recently. Folks in Kittitas County can help shape the future of nearby forestland. An upcoming closure at Olympic National Park may impact your hiking plans. And on Tuesday, you won't need a Discover Pass to explore state parks. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trails this week.

The Great American Outdoors Act was, Indeed, Great - Now, What’s Next?

Aug 18, 2020

The outdoor recreation world is buzzing after the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) passed and was signed by the president recently. With billions of additional dollars now invested in public lands, we've all been wondering: What’s next? Where might these investments go? And how might the government take on the hefty task of addressing their maintenance backlogs?

Masks On, Hands Off (My Tools): Trail Work in the Time of COVID-19

Aug 13, 2020

COVID messed everything up. But despite the whirlwind of changing safety requirements, WTA has adapted our work parties so our volunteer crews can continue to do the work public land managers rely on to keep trails clear and safe for hikers.

Problem-Solving in a Pandemic: Connecting Youth to the Outdoors in the Time of COVID

Aug 13, 2020

Navigating a pandemic has forced all of us to approach work in a new way. If you can do your job online, tech makes it relatively easy, but in-person work is a puzzle: how do you offer quality connections and complete trail projects when physical distance is the number one way to support public health right now?

Hiker Headlines: Hiking Helps the Economy, Fire Safety, Hunting Season, Meteors

Aug 13, 2020

It's Aug. 13. A new report show how much outdoor recreation boosts the state's economy. We have a few safety reminders for you this week about fire season and hunting season. It's a great week to go look for shooting stars. And a few Seattle parks need new names and you can help. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

New Report Shows Outdoor Recreation Economy Stronger Than Ever

Aug 13, 2020

A new report about the outdoor recreation economy in Washington shows just how important hikers' contributions are to making our state thrive. From money added to the overall economy to the 264,000 people employed by recreation, it's clear that we need to continue to advocate for increased investment in the outdoor community.

How Powerful Partnerships Help WTA Build a Better Future for Trails

Aug 13, 2020

WTA has been bringing people together for years. By building connections, finding middle ground and creating shared goals, we are moving toward our vision of trails for everyone, forever. Here are a few recent examples of how, when we come together, we can do more for trails and the hiking community.