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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Women on Trail Sharing Skills for Maintaining Trails

Apr 20, 2017

Work party gives women a chance to learn technical trail skills from other experienced women.

National Parks' Record Visitation Highlights Outdoor Economy

Apr 19, 2017

National Parks visitation broke records last year. A new report out today reveals how those visits translated into jobs and millions for the trail towns surrounding Washington's national parks.

Teanaway Community Forest Recreation Planning Update & Stewardship Day

Apr 18, 2017

Evaluations for use in the Teanaway Community forest are under way. Here's the latest news, and an opportunity to get involved.

Backcountry Brunch

Apr 13, 2017

Brunch is the best. This favorite breakfast/lunch overlap turns everyday eating into a fancier affair by incorporating special ingredients and plenty of options.

10 Years of Youth Engagement

Apr 12, 2017

Thanks to our members and donors, over the past 10 years, WTA’s youth engagement has grown into a comprehensive program serving thousands of students. But that’s not all. It’s also fostering the next generation of environmental advocates.

Five Ways to Celebrate National Park Week with Your Family

Apr 09, 2017

National Park Week is April 15 - 23. Plan fun adventures with your family starting with these five suggestions.

What Current Snow Conditions Can Tell Us About the Season Ahead

Apr 08, 2017

Spring in the Northwest is a tricky season for hikers and snowshoers, especially during a year with a high snow pack.

How Trail Funding Works: Washington's Biennial Budget

Apr 05, 2017

It's a bit of a winding of a path to iron out the particulars of which trails get funded and by how much in the state budget.

Why Do Trees Grow in Spirals?

Apr 04, 2017

Washington is full of beauty— summits, mountain lakes, shrubsteppe, the Salish Sea, the Pacific Ocean and forests—that beckons us outdoors. Along with this pronounced beauty comes a plethora of natural oddities.

Love Books, Love Nature: 10 Books for Outdoor Families

Mar 23, 2017

A good book can take you away to a new place, make you curious about the world or nature and inspire you to create your own adventures. That’s true for all ages. Here are a few books to consider adding to your child’s reading list, as well as books to inspire parents to take their kids exploring.

Book Review: On Trails

Mar 23, 2017

The minimalist jacket of “On Trails: An Exploration” suggests a meditation on the act of hiking, but author Robert Moor addresses trails in a broader context. The result is a good read but not, perhaps, in the way you’d expect it to be.

Citizen Science: Help Study Wildflower Phenology on Mount Rainier

Mar 22, 2017

If you’re looking to explore wildflower season on Mount Rainier thus summer, consider helping out local citizen science program, MeadoWatch.

WTA Testifies in D.C. to Champion Trail Funding

Mar 22, 2017

WTA's executive director gave testimony in D.C. on Tuesday to champion the need for increased investment in trails and recreation lands during a hearing hosted by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Spokane-area Hiker Protects Trails She's Loved Since Childhood

Mar 21, 2017

For Spokane-area's Holly Weiler, getting to lead work on trails she's loved since childhood has special meaning. That the project came in ahead of schedule and under budget is just a bonus.

No Matter How Cute They Are, Don't Feed the Wildlife

Mar 21, 2017

Spring is a busy time for wildlife. Here are a few reasons why it's important to give animals plenty of space.

Mount Rainier Wilderness Permits Now Open Online

Mar 17, 2017

Wonderland and other permit applications can now be submitted online, the first step to a new system for Mount Rainier National Park.

Gear Library Helps Young Women Discover the Outdoors

Mar 16, 2017

Every time they go exploring, Young Women Empowered makes use of WTA's gear library to stay safe and comfortable. On a recent trip, many of their youth and mentors were able to experience the North Cascades for the first time.

Partnership Between UW’s iSchool and Mount Rainier Gives Students Real-World Experience

Mar 16, 2017

Students from the iSchool have worked with Mount Rainier National Park to help the park with its technology needs while gaining valuable experience.

A New Look for Spring

Mar 14, 2017

We've made a few updates to wta.org this week. Take a look at what we changed, and let us know what you think.

Saving Lost Trails: 3 Areas Where WTA Will Focus in 2017

Mar 07, 2017

The hiking community has an opportunity this year to save three iconic places that represent the variety of challenges trails are facing across the state.

Volunteer Spotlight: Carmen Zavala

Mar 06, 2017

Meet Carmen Zavala -- a recently-settled Seattle resident who wanted to learn more about where trail comes from and who takes care of them.