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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The Story Behind Slime Mold

Jun 28, 2017

It can move. It can multiply. It can survive assault from gardening tools. Sometimes it pulses like a slimy heart. You’d be forgiven for thinking it’s extraterrestrial. (In fact, in 1973 a blob of it was reported in Texas as an alien life form.)

Road to Artist Point Reopens on Thursday

Jun 27, 2017

While the road to Artist Point will open June 29, plenty of snow remains.

Give a Day to: Build a Bridge, Restore a Trail, Play in the Park

Jun 26, 2017

WTA works close to town and in the backcountry, six days a week, all year long. From a day in the park to building bridges in the Pasayten, we have several fun opportunities coming up to give back to trails.

Speak Up for Trails Along the Mountain Loop by July 3

Jun 26, 2017

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest recently proposed a timber project in the popular Mountain Loop Scenic Byway area. While it may mean more parking, some popular trails like Heather Lake, Mount Pilchuck and Lake 22 may be impacted. Learn more and submit your comments by July 3.

Speak Up for Trails Along the Mountain Loop by July 3

Jun 24, 2017

Planning for the Future of Trails

Jun 23, 2017

Gearing up to meet the demands of a booming recreation economy, a number of our parks and recreation areas are developing trail and recreation plans. Here's how to learn more and get involved in shaping the creation and management of tomorrow's trails.

Entiat River Road Opens

Jun 23, 2017

The long anticipated opening of the Entiat River Road is finally here.

With WTA Support, Community Partners Get Youth Outside

Jun 23, 2017

This spring, our youth program worked with more than 15 organizations to bring hundreds of kids, tweens and teens out for at least one day of service. Over the past few months, WTA has been honored to partner with such a diverse range of schools and youth groups across the state.

Youth Ambassador Program Reaches New Heights

Jun 20, 2017

Over the past nine months, WTA's youth ambassadors have blown us away with their creativity, hard-work and dedication to the hiking community. Whether they hail from Darrington, Olympia, Yakima or Stanwood, our ambassadors have been giving back in more ways than we could have ever imagined.

Uplifting Geology of the Cascades

Jun 19, 2017

The Pacific Crest Trail takes a hiker through spectacular terrain, with a backstory millions of years old. If you hike the trail north of Snoqualmie Pass, you can’t miss the dramatic, dark rock rising high above. But in other areas of the same stretch of trail, the stone is strikingly lighter.

Father's Day: Life Lessons from Time on the Trail with Dad

Jun 16, 2017

From how to start a fire to developing a sense of wonder, outdoor fathers have a lot to give.

Take the Hiker Survey for the Teanaway Community Forest

Jun 14, 2017

Take the short survey, and your answers will be presented to the Teanaway Community Forest Advisory Committee in July, and help shape the future of our state's largest community forest.

Hike-a-Thon Partnership: Bellden Cafe and WTA

Jun 13, 2017

This summer, WTA and Hike-a-Thon are partnering with Bellden Cafe in Bellevue. Learn how these two organizations became partners through the power of trail work.

Milestone: 100,000 Trip Reports

Jun 09, 2017

This week, WTA trip reporters made history. Check out our video that pays tribute to the more than 100,000 trip reports that have been submitted since 1966.

National Trails Day: Volunteers Show Up in Service of Trails

Jun 09, 2017

All over the state (and country), volunteers devoted June 3 to trails. From Mount Rainier National Park to trails outside Spokane and in the heart of Seattle, we revisit another successful National Trails Day.

New Trail Opens at Grand Ridge

Jun 06, 2017

King County Parks and WTA celebrate the grand opening of the new Water Tower Loop at Grand Ridge Park in Issaquah.

Runners Go the Distance for Trails

Jun 06, 2017

How the trail running community and a gorgeous calendar helped raise 30K for Washington's trails.

Fourth-Graders: Get into Your Park

Jun 06, 2017

Now in its third year, the Every Kid in a Park program continues to introduce children to America's public lands, encourage them to connect with nature and discover the magic of being outdoors.

Recipes and Tips for Allergic Hikers

Jun 06, 2017

Got an allergy-prone little one? You'll want to read Sarah Kirkconnell's tips and recipes for keeping them healthy and happy on trail.

Great Outdoor Photography on a Budget

May 31, 2017

Capturing a great image, including one good enough to win WTA’s photo contest, does not require spending thousands of dollars on expensive equipment. This month we offer some advice for photographers on a budget

Hike Safely on Snow

May 26, 2017

Springtime and early summer can be a tempting time for hikers. The mountains may be calling, but high temperatures and sunny skies at the trailhead are no promise for perfect conditions higher up. Snow sticks around at high elevations, sometimes all year round.