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: 🔥, 🔥 and more 🔥

Sep 04, 2025

Wildfires are burning across the state, closing trails and roads, and the air quality is down. And Tribal leaders from Washington will lead a campaign across the Pacific Northwest to rally against a plan to repeal the Roadless Rule.

From the St. Helens to the Gorge, WTA is bringing new and improved trails to Southwest Washington

Aug 29, 2025

In collaboration with hundreds of local volunteers, partner organizations and public lands staff, WTA is hard at work building and improving trails from residential Vancouver to the Mount St. Helens backcountry.

Hiker Headlines: Roadless Rule protections at risk, Hiker Happy Hour, Highway 123 will close near Rainier

Aug 28, 2025

Join us for Hiker Happy Hour in Seattle on Sept. 4! The Roadless Rule, which protects our national forests from logging and mining, is at risk. And be aware of a few big upcoming closures, including at Mount Rainier during September.

Hiker Headlines: Hike the State; Cascade River Road, Highway 410 major detours; HOT weekend weather

Aug 21, 2025

Join WTA for Hike the State next week! Expect detours on Highway 410 and around Cascade River Road due to bridge closures, as well as a closure on Albian Hill Road. And, there’s hot weather incoming this weekend.

Your photos matter more than ever for trails

Aug 20, 2025

Throughout the year, images submitted to the Northwest Exposure Photo Contest photos help support WTA's work. During these challenging times for public lands, your images matter more than ever.

Hiker Headlines: WTA on Dirtbag Diaries, safety alert for Rainier, Rainy Pass parking lot closure, Dosewallips Road wildfire

Aug 14, 2025

WTA was featured on the most recent episode of the Dirtbag Diaries podcast about the Forest Service staffing and funding cuts earlier this year. If you're planning to visit Mount Rainier soon, there's a safety warning for rivers you should know about. There are some major upcoming parking lot closures on Highway 20, including at Rainy Pass. The Dosewallips Flats Fire is burning on Dosewallips Road, and the Bear Gulch Fire is growing. And Hike-a-Thon is in full swing!

Hiker Headlines: Photo contest starts soon, free day, more Staircase-area fire closures

Aug 07, 2025

This Saturday is Smokey Bear’s birthday, so you can leave your Discover Pass at home. WTA is hiring! The Northwest Exposure Photo Contest starts Aug. 11. There are several fires burning across Washington state right now — here’s what to be aware of. And the King County Parks Levy passed!

A whiskey camp cocktail for every season

Aug 07, 2025

Want to treat your hiking buddies after a long day of hiking? Pack in a surprise camp cocktail! In celebration of our partnership with Watchpost Whiskey, here are four whiskey cocktails to enjoy at camp — one for every season of hiking.

After five years of success, Congress will decide the fate of public lands funding

Aug 04, 2025

Congress created the Legacy Restoration Fund on August 4, 2020 in a landmark investment in our national public lands and an incredible success for bipartisan support of these cherished outdoor places. Now, Congress has less than two months to see that this funding doesn’t disappear.

Hiker Headlines: Fires close Hamma Hamma area trails, Hike-a-Thon, Hike the State, free day

Jul 31, 2025

WTA’s annual Hike-a-Thon starts tomorrow, and join us for Hike the State later in August! Aug. 4 is the Great American Outdoors Act’s 5th anniversary, and parking fees will be waived in some areas. The Hamma Fire has closed some trails on the Olympic Peninsula, and more fire bans are in place. And join Washington State Parks to celebrate the reopening of Kopachuck State Park this weekend.

Dead out: what to do if you find an abandoned campfire

Jul 31, 2025

It’s peak wildfire season. Temperatures are rising into the triple digits and red flag warnings are in effect across multiple counties in Washington State. You’re doing a great job following the restrictions, but do you know what to do if you encounter an abandoned campfire that someone else has left behind?

Vote “yes” for our parks in King County

Jul 30, 2025

Now through Aug. 5, King County residents can vote to renew the county’s parks levy for the next 6 years. Funding from the levy provides 85% of King County Parks’ budget, making it essential to operating the county’s parks and trails.

Hiker Headlines: Fires close Columbia River & Hwy 20 trails, Parking in Paradise, Pint nights with Dru Bru, Wildlife encounter tips

Jul 24, 2025

It’s July 24. New fires close trails along the Columbia River Gorge and Hwy 20 in the North Cascades. The ongoing road and parking lot work at Mount Rainier will require plenty of patience. Join WTA and Dru Bru for upcoming pint nights. And learn what to do if you encounter cougars, bears or mountain goats on trail.

WTA wraps up a season of trailhead outreach at Ancient Lakes

Jul 22, 2025

Volunteers at Ancient Lakes talked to hundreds of hikers over the course of several months, marking a hugely successful season of trailhead outreach as part of an ongoing partnership with the Washington Dept of Fish and Wildlife.

WTA volunteer crew improves popular trail – and puts out smoldering fire

Jul 18, 2025

Last month, an 11-person volunteer crew, one of a series of work parties improving the way to popular Barclay Lake, ended up putting out a fire after their day of work clearing overgrown brush for a full two miles of the trail.

Hiker Headlines: Fires close Mount Ellinor-area trails, baby goats & thimbleberries, trail maintenance budget fallout

Jul 17, 2025

It’s July 17. The Bear Gulch Fire on the Olympic Peninsula has closed access to Mount Ellinor-area trails and campgrounds. New campfire restrictions. Federal budget and staffing cuts disrupt trail maintenance projects in Washington and beyond. Trip reporters are spotting mountain goats with kids in tow. Thimbleberries are ripening up. Someone also found a gold ring on Mailbox Peak, if you're missing one.

Hikers, bikers, equestrians, dirt bikers and disability community find common ground in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Jul 15, 2025

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest recently released its sustainable trails systems strategic plan to guide the agency and partner organizations as we face the challenges of decreased funding for National Forests. The plan will help guide how the forest identifies new trails and maintains existing ones. Washington Trails Association has been a longtime, close partner with the U.S. Forest Service and helped gather public input for this plan to ensure local hikers were heard.

Trip reports do more than you think: 3 case studies

Jul 10, 2025

Did you know that your trip reports can help improve trails in the long run? They help WTA and land managers see larger patterns in how people use trails. That helps land managers make good decisions about where to invest their time, resources and upkeep. And it helps WTA advocate for funding and policies to match what you and other hikers need.

Hiker Headlines: Staircase Rapids, Mount Rose and more closed due to fires; North Shore Road closure, free day

Jul 10, 2025

Join WTA at a Hiker Happy Hour in Bellingham on July 24! An “earthquake swarm” was detected this week at Mount Rainier, but experts say there’s nothing to worry about. Some road closures will affect trail access. And, we’re fully into fire season — be aware of fire closures, fire bans and how to stay safe as it gets even warmer.

Public lands sales dropped after pressure from Washington Congressional delegation, hikers and the outdoor recreation community

Jul 03, 2025

At trailheads and online, 10,000 hikers signed WTA's petition and expressed their opposition to proposals to sell public lands. The effort by Washington’s hiking community helped secure an important victory and sent the message that public lands are not for sale.

Hiker Headlines: Cascade River, Paradise Valley roads open; more fire bans, trail closures; High Rock closure

Jul 03, 2025

Cascade River and Paradise Valley roads are open for the season; Sunrise Road is opening soon! Fire season is in full swing — the Pomas Fire has closed more trails, and campfires are now banned in North Cascades National Park and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Be aware of some upcoming closures, including the High Rock trail and lookout. And, Oregon State Parks has raised its prices for overnight camping.