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: Trailhead Direct, North Cascades Walk-Up Permits, Palouse to Cascades Forest Project

May 19, 2022

Trailhead Direct is returning for another summer of transit to trails. Point Defiance Park’s Five Mile Drive has been closed to motorized vehicles due to erosion, but remains open to hikers and bikers. A forest health project to help prevent wildfires may impact parts of the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail. And, starting May 20, North Cascades National Park backcountry permits can be reserved in person.

How Kitsap County Volunteers Are Building Up Their Trails

May 17, 2022

Over the last few years, volunteers, including volunteer crew leaders, have accomplished a lot of work to give hikers and other trail users improved opportunities to get outside in Kitsap County. Two of those volunteers, Patrick and Marji Sullivan, have become integral in the Kitsap County trail work community and are helping expand access to public green spaces in the area.

How Backcountry Crews Put in Log Bridges in Challenging Locations

May 13, 2022

If you’ve ever crossed a log foot bridge, you’ve probably been grateful for the safe route across a river. But have you ever wondered how those log bridges get installed?

Hiker Headlines: Hike the State, Check Out Washington Expands, Road Openings and Closures

May 12, 2022

Join Washington Trails Association for Hike the State on June 8. The Check Out Washington program has expanded to allow more library users to check out Discover Passes with adventure packs. The North Cascades Highway has re-opened for the season. But some roads on the highway will also be impacted by a repaving project in July.

Feed Your Curiosity. How to Dig Up New, Personalized Hike Ideas on WTA

May 11, 2022

Here's how an account on wta.org can help you find new hikes. When you save more hikes or file trip reports, the recommendations get better.

How WTA's Second Gear Library is Helping One Group Get Outside

May 06, 2022

In August last year, WTA was excited to open the doors to a second gear library, located in Puyallup’s Meridian Habitat Park. We choose this location to help us better meet the needs of communities in the South Puget Sound region. And we’ve been thrilled to see groups already getting outside, with support from the new gear library.

Hiker Headlines: Thank You to GiveBIG Donors, Meteor Shower, Land Management Change

May 05, 2022

A huge thank you to everyone who donated to WTA during GiveBIG! Keep an eye out overhead for the Eta Aquarids meteor shower tonight. A bill was passed that will provide resources for better access to the outdoors. And, starting July 1, a few additional trailheads near Riverside State Park will require a Discover Pass.

Hiker Headlines: GiveBIG, Road Closures, Spring Hiking Prep, New Trail

Apr 28, 2022

GiveBIG is on May 3-4! Roads to Ira Spring and Talapus trailheads will be closing on a regular schedule this summer. WTA wants to help prepare you for spring hiking. A new trail that would give safer access to Clayton Beach is slated to be completed this summer. Priest Point Park will be renamed Squaxin Park, after the Squaxin Island Tribe.

Empowering One Another: A Personal Reflection on My Experience With WTA's Emerging Leaders Program

Apr 26, 2022

I recently finished 12-week's in WTA's Emerging Leaders Program, a paid development opportunity for individuals who are historically underrepresented in the outdoor industry. Now, as I'm moving onto a permanent position at WTA, I'm looking back on what I learned and the power of the connections I made.

Tips for Hiking With Kids, From a Trip Reporter and Mom of Six

Apr 26, 2022

Valene Ramseyer has been a hiker since she was a kid. Now, as the mom of six kids of her own, she likes to get out regularly with her family. We talked to her recently about hiking with her kids, and why she enjoys trip reporting.

3 Reasons Why Donors Give to Trails on GiveBIG. What's Yours?

Apr 26, 2022

Three hikers talk about why they gave to WTA for GIveBIG last year. From our website to trail maintenance, why will you give on May 3 and 4?

Hiker Headlines: WTA Leadership Change, Wildfire Prevention, New State Park in Progress

Apr 21, 2022

It's April 21. Jill Simmons is stepping down as CEO. Snow is in the forecast for the major mountain passes. Eastern Washington is preparing for the upcoming fire season. And, Nisqually State Park is on its way to being built and wants your input.

It is Past Time to Change Racist Names on Public Lands

Apr 20, 2022

Trip Report Roundup: Shifting from Winter to Spring

Apr 19, 2022

As we leave winter behind and continue deeper into spring, we dug into the trail conditions highlighted in recent trip reports.

WTA Leadership Transition: Jill Simmons Looks Back at Five Years

Apr 19, 2022

Jill Simmons announces she will be stepping down as CEO after five years of service and she shares her appreciation with the WTA community.

Where We're Going ... We'll Definitely Still Need Roads

Apr 19, 2022

Hikers need roads. But wild weather takes out roads each year, and land management agencies need funding to repair them. Join WTA's Trail Action Network to speak up for public roads funding so you can continue accessing Washington's forests!

Rep. Strickland Visits WTA Gear Library and Talks Trail Funding

Apr 18, 2022

WTA met with Representative Marilyn Strickland to tour our Puyallup gear library and talk funding for trails.

Hiker Headlines: Spring Snow, Wheelchair-friendly Trails, Free Entry

Apr 14, 2022

Spring snow is falling in Eastern Washington and at the major mountain passes. You can now filter WTA’s Hiking Guide to find wheelchair-friendly trails. A new wildfire strategy will be implemented in Central Washington. An unprecedented number of blowdowns has left some areas of the Olympic National Forest temporarily inaccessible. Entry is free to national parks on April 16. And, consider exploring the inland Northwest this spring.

Hiker Headlines: Avalanche Danger, Permits, Restoration Project

Apr 07, 2022

Avalanche danger is high in the mountains right now. Permits are now available for three popular destinations in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The High Steel Bridge over the South Fork Skokomish River will be closed periodically today. And the Umatilla National Forest is seeking public input on a fire restoration plan.

Hikers Using Wheelchairs Help Improve Our Hiking Guide

Apr 04, 2022

With the help of hikers using wheelchairs, WTA now has a new way to filter our hiking information.

Progress Report: Glendale Forest, Building a Neighborhood Trail

Apr 04, 2022

Get the latest on this urban park and see how WTA's Emerging Leaders Program, land managers, and local residents are working to see it opened to the public.