Visitors’ Experiences

Backcountry Beginners: How to Secure a North Cascades Backcountry Permit

The North Cascades is a backpacker's paradise! If you’re interested in experiencing overnight camping or backpacking in the backcountry of the North Cascades Complex, you’ll want to do some advanced planning. This is a great place to start!

Backcountry Beginners: How to Secure an Olympic Backcountry Permit

From the Hoh Rain Forest to the Pacific coast and into the peaks of the Olympics, this park welcomes nearly three million people every year, so it’s no wonder backcountry experiences away from crowds are a popular choice. Learn how to secure a permit at Olympic National Park!

Backcountry Beginners: How to Secure a Mount Rainier Backcountry Permit

With nearly two million visitors to the park every year, many seek out backcountry park experiences when they’re in search of solitude. Usually, overnight camping or backpacking in the backcountry requires some advanced planning. Start here if you want to camp in the backcountry of Mount Rainier!

A Summer of Science for Interns at Olympic National Park

At Olympic National Park, a group of dedicated Scientists in Parks interns contributed to interpretation programs and scientific research efforts this past summer. If you visited the park this summer, you may have interacted with them! Learn about their work and how WNPF donors supported these positions.

Exploring Historic Photos of North Cascades National Park

In a virtual field trip, North Cascades Museum Curator, Sam Richert, took us through archived historical photos of North Cascades National Park, specifically the Cascade Pass area, and showcased how we can access these photo collections online - a project made possible by WNPF donors!

Fee-Free Days: Everything You Need to Know

As a new year approaches, the National Park Service announces their fee-free days for the upcoming year. But what exactly does "fee-free" mean? This blog lists out free national park entrance days and explains how the NPS is celebrating!

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month in Washington’s National Parks

For Native American Heritage Month, learn about the rich Indigenous history and culture in the lands now designated as Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks — and how your support enables projects that further the parks' partnerships with the Tribes.

Stunning Sunset Spots in Washington’s National Parks

Sunset in the PNW is an unforgettable experience. But where are the best sunset spots in Washington's national parks? Get our staff's favorite areas and trails to take in the final rays of the day. Some are classics and others are more surprising.

Looking into the Lookout: Volunteers Open Tolmie Peak for the Season

Our staff member, Kacee, joined a group of dedicated volunteers for the annual opening of Tolmie Peak Lookout, one of Mount Rainier National Park’s most visited fire lookouts. Get to know the volunteers and the work that happens behind the scenes in opening this iconic and historic structure.