Worth a Thousand Words

Having spent much of the past few days taking photos of golden larches and other brilliant fall color near Lake Chelan at WTA's staff retreat, I can tell you with absolute certainty that now is a very good time to take a hike with your camera.

Fall color can turn a pretty landscape into a brilliant one.

Mount Stuart under snow, Alpine Lakes Wilderness. 2008 Honorable Mention, by Susan Ashlock.

Another great reason to pack your camera this weekend? Just one week from tomorrow is the entry deadline for WTA's annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest, sponsored by Picnik.

The photo contest features six categories: Wilderness Landscapes, Hikers in Action, Flora and Fauna, Trail Maintenance, Offbeat Outdoors, and Young Photographers. See more of last year's winners.

Lupines at Sunrise, Mount Rainier National Park. 2008 Honorable Mention, by Kevin McNeal

Need some fall color hike ideas? Here are three good fall color hikes. For other ideas, check out our trip reports and search by fall foliage.

And before you head out this weekend, don't miss these great tips for taking better outdoor and nature photos.