Mount Rainier National Park

Climb of a Lifetime: Lessons from Climbing Mount Rainier

As soon as we arrived at Paradise, a thousand thoughts occupied my mind: Did I pack too much? What if an avalanche happens and I get caught? After months of reflecting on my time on “The Mountain,” it became clear that the mental aspect was, indeed, the most difficult part...

Spring Experiences in Washington’s National Parks

Roads are opening, wildflowers are blooming, trails are emerging under the snow, and park visitation increases. These spring recommendations from our community were made for you: everyday park users, first timers, seasoned visitors, and everyone in between.

Your Gifts in Action: Restoring Aquatic Ecosystems at Mount Rainier

Get an in-depth look at the aquatic ecosystems of Mount Rainier, and see how your support helps enable monitoring and restoration efforts to keep them healthy.

Meet the Wily and Wonderful Cascade Red Fox on World Wildlife Day

With its twitching nose, dainty trot, and appealing expression, a more charming creature than the Cascade red fox is hard to imagine. But its charisma, coupled with that famous foxy cleverness, has led to trouble for this adorable mountain mammal. Learn about efforts to protect Cascade red foxes in Mount...

What to Do in Washington’s National Parks This Winter

We know that it can be intimidating figuring out what there is to do and how exactly to do it when snow is falling and major roads are closing. Check out the WNPF team's recommendations on how to experience our parks in the winter months.

Climbing for a Cause with Type 1 Diabetes

If I take too much insulin or get too much exercise, my blood sugar can drop quickly to dangerous levels, which can make activities like hiking, biking, and running challenging. But I embrace that challenge because those activities - and being outdoors in our parks - are some of my...

Where in the World are the Wolverines?

The wolverine is one of the most elusive and fascinating carnivores of the North Cascades. Washington’s National Park Fund was joined by Ranger Merrisa Bluestein of North Cascades National Park for a Virtual Field Trip in July 2020 where we were introduced to this critter and all its unique characteristics...

Mount Rainier National Park: An Artist’s Tour

This is a brief story about how I came to write Mount Rainier National Park: An Artist’s Tour, published by Mountaineers Books. I started visiting Mt. Rainier decades ago when I was 23 years old, and I’ve made art about it since that time. After every visit I always wanted...

Fall Color Hikes in Washington’s National Parks

With the long-awaited departure of heat and bugs, the best hiking season is now upon us! Though fall hiking is not only the most comfortable in Washington, but also the most beautiful. This year, instead of jostling with the masses in search of #LarchMadness, consider immersing yourself in the fiery...