The Stories Behind the Cover Photos

One of the many joys of hiking is the people who we get to share the trail with. For our most recent issue of Washington Trails magazine, we wanted to illustrate that feeling.

Thanks to many talented photographers, we had plenty of beautiful images to illustrate the beauty and power of the hiking community.

Here are the stories behind some of those photos:

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Jamie captures this picture of her life partner, Sarah, and her two kids Salem (in the carrier) and Dahlyla on a family trip to Mount St. Helens. Her son is now able to walk, and they’re looking forward to doing this trail again.

Jamie likes that spending time on trail brings them closer to nature and each other.

“I like that we can escape our daily lives and just spend independent one-on-one time with each other," she said.

This photo of volunteer George Stites was taken by fellow volunteer Ben Semer. George has been volunteering with WTA since 2018. He appreciates the chance to learn new skills while building trails to last.

“The best thing I’ve gained from my time with WTA is the people. I’ve made lots of new friends, all age groups and heard lots of stories. When I had medical issues over the past year, the WTA community was there to help me. There been more than one email checking in or asking what can be done to help,” George said.

Jack Nemiroff took this photo on a hike with his friends Collin and Ben, who he has known since grade school, on a hike in the North Cascades.  

“I love seeing the spectacular beauty in the world and especially taking in the incredible landscapes we have been blessed to have in our backyard in the Cascades,” Jack said. “I don’t have nearly as much interest in hiking and backpacking alone as I do with friends. I think the camaraderie and joy of spending time together in the outdoors is what makes it special. My friends and I have built so many lasting memories and inside jokes from our adventures that we love to look back on.”

Lorie Limson Cook took this photo of her daughter Abigail Cole on a long-overdue mother-daughter outdoor adventure. The two had been keeping their distance for a year and a half due to COVID when they finally were able to take a trip to Mount Rainier.

Lorie and her daughter have a close relationship, but as her daughter grew up and moved away for college, they rarely got to see each other. So, they started a tradition of an annual hike. Since then, there have been a few interruptions, first for COVID and then because Abigail was pregnant. This year, they’re hoping to do a mother, daughter, granddaughter hike.

 Lorie loves being able to get out on trail to enjoy “the fresh air, the beauty of nature around us, the time to quietly reflect while staying healthy and active.”  

Daniel Rice took this photo of his son, Alex, while on a hike at the Naches Peak trail. Wildflowers were blooming and Alex’s grandpa also joined them on trail. Daniel tends to get out to this trail about once a year — he loves the wildflowers, the views of Mount Rainier and the chance to visit Tipsoo Lake. He appreciates that hiking is a way for him to get outdoors, get in some good exercise and, of course, take beautiful photos like this one!

 Max Mcdonald was snowshoeing with friends and his wife, Melanie, when he took this photo. 

“Reflection Lake at Mount Rainier is one of my favorite snowshoe trips,” he said. “During the winter, the road to Reflection Lake is closed by the national park and transforms into a perfect not-too-difficult snowshoe trail.”

They enjoyed a bluebird day, and got to introduce their friends to snowshoeing for the first time. The outdoors has always been an important part of the couple’s relationship.

“I think this portrait  — one of many that I have of her — portrays how special the outdoors has become to us, both together and as individuals,” he said. “Our mutual experience of the outdoors creates lifelong memories that we can look back on with fondness. I also truly love seeing the joy and peace that the outdoors bring her.”

Max also appreciates that he appears in this image — in a reflection. As the one behind the camera, he rarely shows up in photos.

“I often describe photography as a treasure hunt and that the world is filled with gems just waiting to be found. Being on trail is where I get to lose myself in the hunt, pursuing the beauty of the natural world around us. Being outside brings me peace and perspective. It allows me time to focus and consider, with the only distraction being the beauty I'm surrounded by,” Max said.