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.
It is with great pleasure that we share the winners of our 2025 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest. We were deeply moved by the incredible images submitted by our community. We were inspired endlessly by the beautiful memories enjoyed on trail — from mountain tops to seasides.
This year’s bonus category, Random Acts of Kindness, sought to exemplify the everyday acts of kindness shared on trails throughout Washington. Now more than ever, we must look for the good in others and find safety and support in the communities around us.
Our immense gratitude to everyone who submitted photos to this year’s contest. Those photos and your stories are immeasurably valuable to the work we do at WTA. We look forward to August 2026, when our Northwest Exposure opens again.
The grand prize photo is the judges' top pick, from all of the categories.
On a smokey September day in Mount Rainier National park, Paul Brennan was exploring near Silver Falls. “The lighting from the smoke made the entire day feel as if it was in a permanent sunrise, and the whole hike felt magical.”
Wildflowers, woods and creatures of all sizes. This category is judged in part by public voting.
Over the course of several days, Natalie Crum observed these adorable foxes from a great distance in order to respect their space and avoid contributing to any sort of stress or disruption during kitting season. During one of those moments, she captured two kits (baby foxes) as they played and she grabbed this perfectly timed photo that looks like a hug.
Learn more about efforts to protect these beautiful spaces and animals. If you want to stay up to date on best practice for photographing wildlife, check our blog with our favorite tips.
David Pass was enjoying the Lowell Riverfront Trail when he stumbled upon this mollusk whose beautiful shell caught his eye in the early morning light. Upon reflection, he recommends his fellow photographers slow down to observe the little things that could easily pass you by on trail. For David, he finds spending time on trail is a way to return to his truest self.
Along the Stillaguamish River in the Skagit Wildlife area, Amanda Voigt, was enjoying the morning while observing barn swallows catching their breakfast. She captured this moment as she watched these three juveniles paused on a log, waiting for their parents to return with their meal.
The stunning landscapes from winter, spring, summer and fall hikes and the trails that bring us there.
On one of his regular trips to the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, Jon Stickney heard the far cry of geese in the distance. Pausing, he realized they were flying ahead on the trail just in front of him. Grabbing his camera, he quickly snapped this photo as they soared above this gorgeous winter landscape.
With a view like this, Brandy Taylor’s 3 a.m. alarm to get her to Artist Point before sunrise was well worth it. Brandy and her husband started the New Year from trail. She grabbed this unforgettable shot before her fingers went numb.
Heldge Pedersen hiked 7+ miles to take in this beautiful view of the Elwha River vista, which tells a beautiful story of a landscape restored.
The faces of the people you love to hike with most, whether they're given or chosen family.
On a snowy March day at Picture Lake, Umesh Pandit and her family were enjoying a winter camping trip when they she grabbed this adorable shot of her children and their dad.
“We had just reached the lake after a light snowfall overnight. My kids couldn’t wait to jump into the fresh snow. Their laughter filled the air, pulled out my camera to freeze that spontaneous, joyful moment forever”
As mentor and mentee walked side by side on trail, Esaac Mazengia snapped this shot of them embracing near the end of their hike at Union Creek as they navigated a trail, which was made all the more difficult due to the recent impacts of the Wildcat Fires.
Jenny Ryan and her children were enjoying a sunny day on trail, dancing and delighting at the beauty surrounding them. Jenny's daughter went to embrace her brother right as sunlight poured over the pair and Jenny snapped this precious shot near Penrose Point campground.
In camp or on trail, these images capture the wide range of activities, adventures and emotions hikers experience on trail.
While exploring Billy Frank Jr Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge with her daughter on a rainy day, Lily Niland paused to capture this wonderful moment of her daughter taking it all in on trail.
The 1:45 a.m alarm required to make it for sunrise was all worth it to capture this stunning image. Jett Manglona and his fiancee, Keilani, started their hike around 4 to enjoy this unforgettable sunrise from Summit Lake in Mount Rainier National Park where he grabbed this shot.
With Price Glacier in the background, Utkarsh Simha grabbed this stunning shot of his running partner as they climbed Mount Shuksan which offered expansive 360-degree views.
In search of wildflowers on a beautiful summer day, Jolena Tagg, an avid wildlife photographer, felt incredibly lucky to see this beautiful black bear on her hike near Lake Eleanor. While keeping a respectful distance Jolena grabbed this beautiful shot.
“[Trails] can remind us how large the world is, how small we are, and give us gratitude for the variety and creativity to be observed even within one hike. I hope to share a sense of joy in discovery and appreciation with my children”
James Marshall explored Perry Creek with his family of five. He knew ahead of time the creek would be a bit tricky to cross, thanks to a WTA trip report. He grabbed this shot of his wife lending a helping hand to their daughter.
