Lots Happening with WTA

The Mar/Apr issue of Washington Trails has been out for a little while now featuring my contribution to the Exploring Washington's Geology special feature. I was given a full page to highlight five hikes exhibiting unique geologic significance throughout the state. I wanted to show the diversity of Washington's geology, so selected hikes that display volcanic – Mt. St. Helens and the Columbia Gorge's Beacon Rock; tectonic – the Olympic coast and alpine regions; and glacial/erosional – the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The article, as well as the entire geology feature, can be viewed on WTA's website.

Coming soon in the May/Jun issue I will have a three-page feature in the Northwest Traveler section highlighting waterfall and wildflower hikes in the Columbia Gorge. It wasn't easy trying to narrow down my favorite hikes in this area since there are so many spectacular trails and things to see. In the end, I went with a mix of popular and lesser-known trails – Upper Latourell Falls, Eagle Creek, Cape Horn, Dog Mountain and Coyote Wall, to name a few. All of them are outstanding hikes. Several of my photos will be accompanying the article, as well as several stunning wildflower photos by another local photographer. This issue should be available around the end of the month.

And big news that just came in today! WTA contacted me to let me know that one of my photos (previously used for a small, promotional piece) was selected to be used again for WTA's annual Backcountry Expo poster. The photo is of my wife, Mitzi, atop Maple Pass in North Cascades Nat'l Park, peering down at Lake Ann far below. That will be a nice addition to the website portfolio.