Washington Trails
Association
Trails for everyone, forever
Washington Trails
AssociationTrails for everyone, forever
Take in the beauty of Washington's trails through the lens of talented photographers across the state.
As we ring in 2025, a year we can only hope is full of wonderful memories made on our favorite trails, we are excited to share the winners of our 2024 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest. These beautiful photographs lead us on a journey across the state, from mossy forests to towering evergreens to rolling golden hills and sweeping seascapes. We spied fabulous rainbows, peaked across boulder fields and saw families of mountain goats and could practically hear the shrieks of marmots.
For this year’s bonus category, The Trail Next Door, we were deeply moved to see the trails that are not only close to people’s homes but their hearts as well. We are inspired by the sense of community and overwhelming beauty found on even the smallest local trails.
WTA is grateful to all who submitted photos. We were astounded by the number of stunning images, which made for a very difficult final decision, and look forward to sharing them throughout 2025 and beyond. In the meantime, we are thrilled to share these unforgettable photos.
The grand prize photo is the judges' top pick, from all of the categories.
Amongst the glowing larches, Devon Pradhuman was lucky enough to share a few moments with this mother mountain goat and her adorable kids at Blue Lake in the North Cascades. Being mindful to keep a respectful distance from wildlife at all times, Devon is sure to always bring his long lens whenever he heads out on trail in case he falls upon a perfect moment like this one.
Wildflowers, woods and creatures of all sizes. This category is judged in part by public voting.
Forrest Golic went for a quick morning walk on one of many the looping trails at Meadowbrook Farm, an area that holds fond memories for him. While the first light of the day cut through the mist, three young bucks appeared in the tall grass fields below Mount Si, and not far from town. It was a reminder that stunning photographs are often captured when and where you might least expect them.
While on a work party with WTA, Jonathan Hamlin, noticed a pensive frog. While patiently observing, Jonathan realized the frog was spying on nearby dragonflies. He quickly grabbed his phone and was able to snap this incredible shot of the frog’s successful predation.
On a sunny summer day near Potholes State park, , Paula Zanter-Stout watched as nesting great egrets and black-crowned night herons flew to and from their nests, maintaining the homes of their precious chicks. Paula watched for hours, ultimately capturing this wonderful, with perfect lighting and an element of intrigue provided by the large stick in the great egret’s beak.
The stunning landscapes from winter, spring, summer and fall hikes and the trails that bring us there.
Does anything beat a perfect sunset at the perfect spot, while testing out a new camera? Isabel Netelenbos was lucky enough to experience just that at Artist’s Point this summer. Isabel is mindful to stay on trail while snapping beautiful photographs like this one, getting creative in creating the perfect angle while ensuring those who come after her can enjoy the same natural beauty.
Ron Raport captured the perfect magic hour sunset on the coast, not far from the parking lot of Ruby Beach. The iconic, rugged rock formations also made for a perfectly compelling subject.
On her first time to Big Heart Lake, Dawn Zaremba started her hike on a foggy September morning. By the time she finally made her way to the lake itself, Dawn sat with her lunch, watching the clouds move gracefully across the water and eventually up and out of the mountains. Before leaving, Dawn grabbed her phone and snapped this wonderful photo.
The faces of the people you love to hike with most, whether they're given or chosen family.
Nothing lets you reflect on the wonder of nature quite like seeing it through the eyes of a child. While hiking with her son at Cherry Creek Falls, Stacy Skifteness was reminded of how important it is to incorporate play in our daily lives and to take moments to get lost in the beauty on trail.
As one of the lucky hikers to score a permit on Mount Rainier National Park’s iconic Wonderland Trail, Mia Bennett was able to enjoy refreshing plunges, wildlife sightings and the many gorgeous angles of Mount Tahoma (Rainier). This shot was from her favorite campsite as her and her friends enjoyed a relaxing game of cards during the golden hours after dinner.
Tom Roe was able to snap this picture of his wife, Linda, during a hike on Sauk Mountain trail. While photographing the brilliant paintbrush flowers, he looked up toward the switchbacks above and spotted his beautiful bride amongst the flowers. It seemed all the stars aligned for this perfect match of hat to flowers and Linda’s joy simply radiating beyond the frame.
In camp or on trail, these images capture the wide range of activities, adventures and emotions hikers experience on trail.
In between raindrops, Alicia Mau quickly snapped this shot of her best friend on a challenging 11-mile day on the Olympic Coast Trail, Route North. After a long awaited trip together, she savored that feeling of accomplishment alongside her best friend.
While hiking with his mom and little brother at Steigerwald Refuge, Emmett C (age 13) captured this perfectly framed shot of his little brother wrangling a mighty lens. Emmett loves spending time on trail and loves spotting frogs, mushrooms and birds while practicing his photo skills.
Patty Tang captured this perfect timed shot at Nisqually Vista Trail in Mount Rainier National Park with Outdoor Asian. This particular moment captures the joy felt on the inclusive, volunteer led trips that help to build community and inspire and empower hikers.
2024 was no doubt the year of the aurora and while all of the photos which captured it are stunning in their own right, none quite captured our photo contest judges attention like this one. Evan Redman too this photo at Baker Lake, and the power and scale of the universe were at the forefront of his mind while capturing this incredible shot.
Part of what makes local trails so special is the sense of familiarity and belonging we feel. Even of the trails that one frequents the most, there is still the potential for wonder and beauty to take our breath away. Michael McCarthy grabbed this unforgettable, wonderfully symmetrical shot using his iPhone at Warren G Magnuson Park in Seattle.
Thank you to our 2024 sponsors!
