Trip report round up: Spreading joy through trip reports

Posted by vobermeyer at Apr 21, 2025 04:24 PM | Permalink

Filed under: Community, Trip Reports

Beyond valuable intel on trail conditions, your trip reports spread the joy and kindness you experience when you hike in Washington. So we're highlighting recent trip reports that brought their own unique joy to our days.

It’s no secret that at Washington Trails Association, we LOVE trip reports. WTA staff read them all. We see you sharing information on trail and road conditions to help other hikers stay safe and informed. Trip reporters — you are rad and generous and make more of a difference than we can ever say.

Beyond trail conditions, your trip reports spread the joy and kindness you experience while exploring in your corner of the state. So we're highlighting recent trip reports that brought their own unique joy to our days.

Leaving in better than they found it

Evergreen trees covered with snow. Mountains in background on grey, snowy day
Snow at Lake Serene. Photo by Mancunian_hiker.

On a snowy spring day Mancunian_hiker set out on a peaceful hike to Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene. Met with a classic spring hike combo of snow and downed trees, this trip reporter still found the energy to go above and beyond:

“There was a lot of trash at the Bridal Veil Falls, I picked up a few. Good to see a few other hikers were doing the same too! 🙌”

Thank you, Mancunian_hiker, for reminding all of us that good deeds are contagious!

Two kinds of kindness

three hikers sit on bench on trail wearing hats and whistles to ring in the new year!
Three happy hikers ringing in the New Year. Photo by trip reporter muledeer.

Muledeer decided to ring in the new year on trail at Redmond Watershed Preserve while keeping fingers crossed they might find their lost camera.

“I had gone back to hunt for my camera, so I walked down to the parking lot, hoping someone had found it and there it was, right in the lost and found box!!! Thanks to that helpful hiker!!”

Not only did they find their camera but they also noted their interaction with fellow First Day hikers:

“As we were sitting on the bench eating our lunch we met the donors of the new bench. It was a gift to the park on their 55th wedding anniversary and they were delighted to see it being used by us.”

We may or may not have had some dust in our eyes as we read this report.

reunited with a wallet

Creek and boulder surrounded by evergreens.
A beautiful day at Twin Falls. Photo by Hcamer.

Hcamer reminded us that all good deeds should lead to another! Did you know that you can mail wallets for free if you stop by your local post office?

“Thank you to the anonymous, kind hiker who found my wallet and mailed it to me!! 🙌 You absolutely made my day. No doubt I will pay it forward.”

all around good vibes

Large waterfall with water cascading down, covered in snow.
Teneriffe Falls in all their snowy glory. Photo by trip reporter Gnome47.

We appreciated the positive energy of this entire trip report which included thanks to trail crews, detailed trail conditions (and trailhead toilet conditions, which are always very appreciated) and great vibes. Thanks Gnome47 for the awesome report and Leave No Trace reminder.

“Forest is lush. Green. And a gift to walk through such beauty. A truly lovely day with lovely friends!

#leavenotrace”

a fun challenge with little hikers

child in purple jacket explores small cabin on trail
Exploring Big Tree Trail. Photo by trip reporter Iamsarahshu.

Iamsarahshu has been sharing their 52-Hike Challenge with us throughout 2025. Their reports always include excellent details on trail and conditions plus their tips for hiking with little ones. We highly recommend following along on their journey!

good canine citizen

Pug on blue leash on trail over looking water.
Lovely trail conditions and hiking companion. Photo by trip reporter Latencall.

We know we’re not supposed to pick a favorite — but if we had to pick a favorite kind of trip report, we do really love the kind with cute, leashed dogs.

Latentcall took their pug on the trail at Washington Park and I don’t know who was happier, the dog or WTA staff reading their trip report.

small beauty

two shots of butterflies on dry dirt trail. One is green the other is white with black spots.
Beautiful butterflies spotted at Whiskey Dick Wildlife Reserve. Photo by trip reporter youcandoit.

We love seeing all creatures big and small! Youcandoit shared with us amazing details on the trail and relevant conditions for hiking with a dog — plus colorful photocollages of moths and wildflowers.

fun fact

Rainier on a sunny day
Mount Rainier from Mount Si. Photo by trip reporter Daniel Poor.

We love a well organized trip report! We often find trip reports that are broken into sections make it easier to absorb information and compartmentalize important details. We also love a good “fun fact” section, like Daniel Poor shared here.

“FUN FACT. Unbeknownst to me, FRI was National Pie Day and two endurance trail runners had the back of their pickup open and were handing out pieces of pie to anyone who wanted some. They enjoyed some of their own very high caloric pies and then... headed up the mountain again for their THIRD ascent of the morning! ('Ah, to be young again.' I thought wistfully).”

We hope these reports leave you feeling as joyful and inspired as we did. We would love to hear all your highs (and even you lows) on trail, leave a trip report about your most recent adventure here!