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: Mount Rainier fire ban, thunderous forecast, share your take on forest roads

Aug 15, 2024

We’re halfway through Hike-a-Thon — there’s still time to join in on the fun! Wildfire season continues across the Pacific Northwest. Thunder is in the forecast this weekend. Lake Sammamish State Park is piloting a program that offers the public use of a multi-terrain accessibility chair. And WTA wants to hear how forest road conditions have affected your hikes.

Hike-a-Thon vibe check: How’s everyone doing so far?

Aug 13, 2024

It’s mid-August, which means one thing: Hike-a-Thon is in full swing! The best place to be on the internet right now is the Hike-a-Thon Facebook group, where dedicated participants are sharing their adventures and cheering each other on as they raise money for trails. Here's some of the fun folks are sharing online. (And it's not too late to register — join us anytime before Aug. 30!)

My life through lenses: A Northwest Exposure judge on her journey as a photographer

Aug 09, 2024

Victoria Obermeyer, WTA's multimedia content coordinator reflects on her career and passion for photography.

Hiker Headlines: Perseid meteor shower peaks, Mount Adams and Pasayten area fire closures

Aug 08, 2024

The Perseid meteor shower peaks this weekend! Wildfire growth across the state and construction projects are impacting trails. Hunting season is here. Washington State Parks is updating its campsite fees next year. And do your part to help secure $150 million in trail funding! Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

The five most commonly asked questions received by ambassadors

Aug 07, 2024

WTA outreach volunteers support WTA and hikers by conducting outreach at events and trailheads all over the state. They connect directly with the public about hiking and get asked a lot of questions. Here are the top five questions they recieve: By Nicole Masih-Theberge

Hiker Headlines: Hike-a-Thon begins, free day, new Trailhead Direct stop, Washington cities rank high in hikers

Aug 01, 2024

Hike-a-Thon starts today! This Sunday is Great American Outdoors Day, which celebrates the Great American Outdoors Act, and parking fees will be waived on some federal lands. Be aware of a new campfire ban — as well as some incoming smoke — and a couple of upcoming road closures. Some fun news though: Trailhead Direct has added a new stop and a couple of Washington cities ranked high in adult hikers compared to metropolitan areas across the country.

Great American Outdoors Act improves popular trails (roads, bathrooms and more)

Aug 01, 2024

For four years, the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) — a federal bill that became law on August 4, 2020 — has been funding major improvements to some of our state’s most popular trails. But it's about to expire.

Share a story: Forest bathing at Heather Meadows

Jul 29, 2024

Enjoy a snapshot from the WTA trip reporter and Instagram community, brought to you by volunteer, trip reporter and photographer Derek Posey.

Hiker Headlines: Fire closures across the state, WTA is hiring and more

Jul 25, 2024

WTA is hiring for a donor relations officer! Be aware that there are many road and trail closures statewide to keep on your radar. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Hiker Headlines: Heat wave, new fires near North Cascades Hwy, Cascade Crest 100, bugs & beauty

Jul 18, 2024

A heat wave and poor air quality hit central and eastern Washington. A new wildfire near Rainy Pass temporarily closed a section of the North Cascades Hwy. It's reopened, but unplanned pass closures are possible due to wildfire activity. New fire flares up in the SE corner of the state. The Cascade Crest 100 is this weekend. It's buggy and beautiful out there, say trip reporters.

250,000 trip reports! A quarter million acts of kindness for the common good

Jul 17, 2024

How one tiny, generous habit has had a big impact for public lands and the trail community in Washington.

WTA youth program wins national recognition

Jul 16, 2024

WTA's youth trail maintenance program recently won an award for efficient management of funds!

Moments with Miles, the Hike-a-Thon spokesmarmot

Jul 12, 2024

Hike-a-Thon’s spokesmarmot chats with WTA staff about his favorite event of the year!

Hiker Headlines: Mount St. Helens crater rim collapse, Lake 22 and Shoofly Fire trail closures

Jul 11, 2024

A large piece of the Mount St. Helens crater rim has collapsed, resulting in danger and instability at the top of the Monitor Ridge route. July 16 is the Bureau of Land Management’s birthday, and parking fees will be waived on its lands. Over a thousand hikers pledged to stay on trail on Washington Trails Day this year! And be aware of several trail closures and fire restrictions as you plan your next adventure.

New plan to rebuild Eightmile Dam and how it affects hikers

Jul 10, 2024

Just a few weeks ago, the state released its Final Environmental Impact Statement with a preferred plan for reconstructing Eightmile Dam in the Enchantments permit area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The chosen option will increase the footprint of the dam and also give water managers the ability to change the water level in the lake by more than before.

Gear up for learning: Transformative bikepacking trips for Olympia teens

Jul 09, 2024

The Avanti Bikes! program offers immersive educational experiences centered around bicycle education, safety, and community engagement. With the support of WTA, the program has also organized bikepacking trips to create hands-on learning opportunities, foster teamwork and promote environmental awareness.

Trip Report Roundup: Solstice brings warmer weather, wildflowers and wildlife

Jul 08, 2024

No matter where hikers were heading after the summer solstice, they saw higher temperatures, flowers blooming and wildlife abound. Over the last couple of weeks, we at WTA — and the greater hiking community — have enjoyed reading all about your adventures in trip reports as summer officially starts.

Three proud moments in WTA’s work for wilderness areas

Jul 03, 2024

July 3, 2024 was the 40th anniversary of the Washington State Wilderness Act, which created 18 wilderness areas — and expanded 3 wilderness areas — in our state. WTA has been working in, and for, wilderness areas for decades.

Get rec'd: WTA adds hike recommender to app

Jul 01, 2024

Washingtonians are spoiled for choice when it comes to trails, and sometimes the sheer number of options can be intimidating. Don't you wish you had someone who could recommend the perfect trail for you? Lucky for you, WTA does.

Hike-a-Thon is here — Get pumped for prizes

Jul 01, 2024

It’s July, which means registration for Hike-a-Thon is officially open. WTA’s annual peer-to-peer fundraiser helps raise important funds to support trail maintenance, free hiker resources, youth programs and so much more. Fundraising can be hard work, and we want to say thank you by recognizing your accomplishments. Check out this year's fundraising prizes!

Hiker Headlines: Road to Artist Point opens, WTA wildfire and AQI map layers, new Elwha River Bridge nearly complete

Jun 27, 2024

WTA’s wildfire and AQI map layers on the Hike Finder Map are live for the summer. The road to Artist Point is for the season, but be aware of some road construction projects that might affect your hiking plans. Hikers have a few fun events to look forward to this summer. And happy early 4th of July!