Northwest Exposure Photo Contest
Northwest Exposure is WTA's annual photo contest that celebrates outdoor photography and the community of hikers that explore Washington's trails. The contest is now open until October 12. Enter today!
Contest Information
Benefits of entering
Winners earn prizes and will be featured in WTA's annual calendar. All photos entered have the opportunity to be featured in Washington Trails Magazine, on WTA's website and social media, and on the big screen at Benaroya Hall as part of our 2027 concert in partnership with the Northwest Symphony Orchestra.
Contest Categories
Northwest Exposure features four main categories with first, second and third prizes awarded in each category. One winner will be selected from each of our two bonus categories. A grand prize will also be awarded for the best overall photo.
We welcome and encourage photographers of all experience levels to enter our contest.
Main categories
Each photographer may submit up to five photos per category.
- Trailscapes: Show us the stunning landscapes from your winter, spring, summer or fall hikes and the trails that brought you there.
- Hikers in Action: In camp or on trail, capture the wide range of activities, adventures and emotions you and fellow hikers experience on trail.
- Trail Family: Show us the faces of the people you love to hike with, whether they're given or chosen family.
- Flora and Fauna: Wildflowers, woods and creatures of all sizes. This category is judged in part by public voting.
Bonus categories
Each photographer may submit unlimited photos to each bonus category.
- Film photography: As we celebrate WTA’s 60th anniversary, we invite photographers to share their favorite film photos from Washington trails. Photos can be recent or from anytime in the past. We’ve noticed an increase in film photos in recent years and we’re excited to partner with ILFORD Film to highlight this style of photography. If you have “vintage” film photos from WTA work parties, events or backcountry adventures, this would be a great year to share those!
- Instagram: Follow @washingtontrails and use #NWExposure2026 in your caption to enter
SnapShot Winners
- Throughout this year’s photo contest, we will be offering “snapshot” bonus category winners. Winner's recieve a $25 gift card to Glazer's Photo Lab
- Winner's will be randomly selected to win. To enter, just submit a photo that matches the prompt during the appropriate week and include the hashtag in your caption.
- Subcategories:
- #Campground (August 17 - 23)
- #Desert (August 31 - September 6)
- #SouthernWA (September 14 - 20)
- #SmilesandTrails(September 28 - October 4)
- For more details read the full blog here.
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Please note: Your photo could still be selected as a finalist even if it is one of our SnapShot winners.
- Subcategories:
- Winner's will be randomly selected to win. To enter, just submit a photo that matches the prompt during the appropriate week and include the hashtag in your caption.
Thank you to our 2026 prize sponsors:
