Visitors’ Experiences

Lessons Learned From Solo Backpacking at Age 65

At the age of 65, our board member Beth ticked off a bucket list item: backpacking solo! Read the lessons that she learned on her trip. Hopefully it inspires you to try an adventure like this one day.

Capture the Cosmos: How to Photograph the Milky Way at Mount Rainier

Night skies at Mount Rainier: It’s a humbling experience you’ll never forget, a moment so magnificent you’ll want to capture it with your camera. However, like all great moments, this photographic endeavor requires some preparation. Get the tips for successfully capturing the night skies of this park!

Taking Mindfulness Outside

Mindfulness instructor and board member, Beth Glosten, walks us through the benefits and tips on practicing mindfulness the next time we step outside. Join us as we take a few moments to truly experience the natural envirionment.

Preservation as a Celebration: 125 Years of Mount Rainier National Park

2024 marks the 125th birthday of Mount Rainier National Park! Join WNPF as we highlight the importance of taking care of this park. Included are projects that donors have funded and events for the park's birthday.

Backcountry Beginners: Selecting and Setting Up Your Winter Campsite

So you're ready to experience the joys of winter snow camping? Our third installment of winter camping tips talks about how to select and set up your camp site in the snow at Wahington's national parks!

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!

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!

When Nature Calls: “Restoring Paradise” at Mount Rainier

Investing in the visitor experience at Mount Rainier’s most cherished – and most visited – location is a critical project in our multi-year Together for the parks campaign. See the work that is underway for the essential restroom facilities in the Paradise area.