Five stunning visions from Washington’s backcountry trails

By Teddy Wingo / Washington Trails Association

The Washington Trails Association’s 2018 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest attracted nearly 8,000 photos in five categories — the organization’s biggest contest yet. It’s a way for hikers to share their memorable moments with other hikers. It also allow us to create colorful and informative resources, and our how-tos and trail features wouldn’t look the same without your photos.

Here are the images that took top honors in the 2018 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest:

Grand Prize: Hope Black

Black was on her way up to Camp Muir on Mount Rainier when, by chance, she met Sushank, who was visiting from Chicago. They encouraged each other along the trail, all the way up to camp. During a break for a snack, Black noticed the reflection of Rainier and the surrounding peaks in Sushank’s glasses.

“One thing I love about this picture is the fact that the viewer can see, reflected in my friend’s eyes, what we were looking at as we hiked,” she said.

First place, Flora and Fauna: Andrew Rossi

While hiking in the Enchantments, Rossi spotted a vibrant larch illuminated by a ray of sunshine.

This trail is especially important for Rossi. It is the place where he proposed to his now-fiance — only hours after taking this photo.

Keeping the proposal a surprise was a challenge for Rossi, as the couple shared the weight of their gear, including the ring.

“I even had it hidden in her pack at times without her knowing,” he said. “Luckily, it worked out pretty well.”

First place, Trail Family: Sidney Spencer-Mylet

Spencer-Mylet loves hiking with her friend, Ruwida, in the fall. The pair, both students at Curtis High School in Tacoma, take every opportunity to spend time outdoors, even if it is a short urban trek.

As a member of the Curtis High Photography Club, mixing hiking and photography is a perfect blend of hobbies for Spencer-Mylet.

“Trails provide me with a lot of peace and tranquility in my life, by allowing me to slow down and thoroughly enjoy my surroundings,” she said.

First place, Trailscapes: Brian Smith

Smith describes the landscape around Mount St. Helens as one of his favorite areas to visit because of its beauty and the history surrounding it. He spent this evening photographing the paintbrushes around the trails as the sun set.

“These trails are the gateways to so many peaceful and beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest,” he said. “Whether I capture a cool shot or not, I just enjoy being out there.”

First place, Hikers in Action: Ryanne Leavitt

You are never too old to enjoy the beauty of nature, and there is no better feeling than enjoying it with the ones you love. On this day in March, Leavitt and her folks ventured to Frenchman Coulee. When they arrived, however, they realize that the trail was too rocky for safe passage and decided to hike down the old Vantage Road toward Echo Basin instead. As she approached the sand dunes, Leavitt turned around and admired her parents comradery.

“I turned around to tell them we had reached the dunes,” she said. “Before I opened my mouth, I just watched them, and the sight of them coming up the sandy hill made my heart happy.”

First place, Instagram: Jacob McHenry

On an early August morning, McHenry set out to High Rock Lookout with his girlfriend to take in the sunrise. The original plan was to set out with friends on the moderate hike to enjoy the sunrise as a group, but the irresistible pull of cozy sleeping bags in the early morning was too strong for the rest of the cohort.

“Growing up with the privilege of being raised in and near the outdoors my entire life, I now find that sharing the outdoors with inner-city youth volunteer group, my way of showing a whole new generation the same wonderful world,” he said.