Washington’s National Park Fund works to fund priority projects in Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic National Parks, and we couldn’t do it without our dedicated supporters. Our Trailblazers series celebrates these passionate park lovers and all of the different ways they give back, whether by donating their time or talent, volunteering, fundraising, or something else entirely. 

This week, meet the newest member of the WNPF team: Kristen Oliphant. As WNPF’s Events and Partnerships Coordinator, Kristen plans and manages the events and partnership programs for the Fund. These include the annual Auction for the Parks, Climb for a Cause (fundraising campaign that gives climbers the opportunity to summit Mount Rainier, Mount Olympus, and Mount Shuksan), Fireside Circles, and other third-party events that our partners hold such as RAMROD, Pacific Runderland, and Ride the Hurricane.

Q&A with Kristen

What are some of your most memorable experiences in our parks?

I don’t even know where to start. I have so many meaningful memories in these parks, whether it’s my solo adventures on the trails, backpacking through the rainforest, or biking up to Paradise with my brother.

I will say, the best experiences in these parks are the ones that I have been able to share with friends and family.

Mount Rainier:

• Climbing Mount Rainier two years in a row. In 2018, we didn’t make it due to a giant ice fall that fell 2000’. Then in 2019, we summitted and it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. I had this intense spiritual moment as I was almost to the summit where I expressed my gratitude to Mount Rainier for allowing us to be there in her presence and keeping us safe. I was overcome by tears and goosebumps. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.
• Taking friends and family that are visiting up to Sunrise and Paradise. One of my favorite things in life is watching people’s reaction to places that I find extraordinary and magnificent. I love watching them watch the dramatic unveiling of Mount Rainier on the drive up.

North Cascades:

• One of my good friends, Erin and I spend our summer days exploring long routes out in North Cascades. She is my go-to climbing partner and we trust each other in the mountains. She has taught me so much about myself, navigating the mountains, and life. One of my favorite memories is when we car camped and woke up early and adventured up Cascade Pass to Sahale Glacier.  

Olympic:

• This past summer I attempted to summit Mount Olympus and it was an unbelievable experience. Hiking through the rainforest, camping underneath the stars, building friendships, and climbing up and down the steepest ladder of my life.

Do you have a favorite park? 

Oh, absolutely Mount Rainier National Park. I have this indescribable connection to this place, especially Mount Rainier itself. I’m sure a lot of it has to do with my childhood and growing up we had Mount Rainier photos around the house. I feel like I know this park like the back of my hand. It’s been so fun exploring different areas like this year, I ran a section of the Wonderland Trail from Longmire to Indian Henry’s Hunting Ground and up to Pyramid Peak.

Another crazy adventure in this park was this year my friend, Erin and I did Goat Island Mountain. About 90% of this climb is an off-trail scramble. We did the loop clockwise and the last section consisted of us bushwhacking about 2000’ down this steep gully. That was a rollercoaster day of emotions, but that’s what I love about going out to this park. You feel so small, so vulnerable, everything gets put into perspective. It’s where I feel most alive. Nothing else matters.

What is your favorite thing to do now in the parks?

I love going on long adventures, specifically trail runs. I love planning routes that are challenging and a little more remote. I get in a meditative state when I am moving through the mountains. Every time I’m out there by myself and am pushing myself mentally and physically, I feel immense joy and gratification.

What brought you to Washington’s National Park Fund?

I have been dreaming of being a part of WNPF since I participated in Climb for a Cause in 2018. This is when I first met Heather and Laurie and I loved getting to know them and staying connected through the years. I have always been inspired by the mission and vision of the Fund. To be able to work for these parks that I love so much would be a dream come true. I kept looking ahead and got lucky enough to be given the chance to interview and well, here I am.

What’s your favorite part about your role?

Everything. (Seriously!) It’s incredibly rewarding knowing that the work that I do is all for the parks; it’s all positively impacting these beautiful parks that bring so many of us happiness. I’m honored to be a part of such a diligent and amazing team and the passionate community that surrounds us. It’s all very humbling. One specific thing that I really enjoy is helping our Climb for a Cause teams get ready and set up for success for their climbs.

Are there any projects that we raise funds for that you’re especially passionate about?

Search and Rescue – being able to provide the equipment these teams need is important especially with the rising cases of missing people and increase visitation numbers. Another project I feel strongly about is Safeguarding and Sharing the Magic of the Meadows above Paradise and Sunrise. These are such fragile ecosystems and with the increase of visitors in the parks, keeping people from venturing off trails and allowing these meadows to thrive is now more important than ever.

Can you share a fun fact about yourself that people might not know about you?

I opened my first Etsy shop in August (kolirae designs). I sell blank photo greeting cards inspired by the outdoors.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

My biggest goal in life is to befriend Justin Bieber and be able to one day give him a personal tour of Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks.

All photos courtesy of Kristen Oliphant; cover photo by Matt Oliphant

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We are so grateful for the many Trailblazers who help us achieve our mission. Interested in supporting the parks? There are lots of ways to give. Together, we’ll ensure our parks remain vibrant and everlasting for years to come.