Paid partnership with State of Washington Tourism
Taking collective stewardship
of the State of Washington
MaryRose Denton learns about the state’s efforts for responsible recreation, in order to protect the natural environment for future generations.
The morning mist hangs low in the Hoh Rain Forest, a quintessential cover for this corner of Olympic National Park. My boots crunch on the damp gravel of the parking lot, and I make my way toward the trailhead for the Trail of Mosses. It’s a popular loop for good reason.
It’s like stepping into a fairytale, a place where western hemlock and spruce trees reach for the sky, their branches draped in so much lichen and moss they form dripping arches. It’s a short walk, just over a mile, but it packs a magical punch every time. It is places like this that are worth preserving for generations to come.
Stopping at the trailhead, I read the sign that outlines the principles of “Leave No Trace.” This isn’t just a set of rules, it’s a philosophy, one rooted in a respect for the land that’s as much a part of Northwest culture as coffee, home brews, and rain.
The trail board reminds me to pack out everything I pack in, to stay on the path, and to leave the forest as I found it—nothing taken (except photos), nothing left behind. This ethos isn’t unique to the Hoh, of course, but it’s here, inside this misty, verdant heart of the Olympic Peninsula, that I feel its message most deeply.
That’s what’s so incredible about Washington State. The idea of responsible recreation is more than a marketing slogan; it’s a way of life, born right here.
During the height of the pandemic, our wild spaces saw an unprecedented influx of visitors eager to get outdoors. A coalition of organizations came together to create the Recreate Responsibly movement.
Leaders from the Washington Trails Association, the Outdoor Alliance, and REI Co-op, all with roots in our state, knew we had to find a better way to interact with the environment. They weren’t trying to gatekeep nature but to protect it for everyone. Their message was simple: plan ahead, be kind, and leave the place better than you found it. It’s a collaborative spirit that has since spread nationwide.
This commitment to wild spaces extends to the very idea of who gets to enjoy them. Washington Parks is actively dismantling the notion that the outdoors are only for the elite or the experienced. It’s a fundamental part of Washington culture to ensure nature is inclusive and welcoming to everyone, regardless of their background, ability, or identity.
Programs like The Everyone Outdoors Program, a collaboration between Washington Parks and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, aim to reduce barriers, create programs, and provide subsidized passes for underserved communities, opening up access to places many had never imagined they could visit.
The principles of responsible recreation extend beyond our forested trails and into our cities. Take Seattle’s new downtown waterfront park, for example. For a long time, the waterfront was an urban-industrial space, a place to pass through on the way to catch a ferry. But now, it’s a destination in its own right, a beautiful, inclusive park that’s actively working to welcome everyone.
I love to walk along the new Overlook Walk, with its ADA-accessible ramps and wide pathways, and see how it connects the city to the sea. The once-dilapidated piers are now community spaces, hosting everything from yoga classes to local cultural events and concerts, with multilingual signage and public art reflecting the Indigenous land we now inhabit.
This philosophy of collective stewardship is a thread running through every aspect of travel here. Sustainability is more than a buzzword in Washington; it’s a core function, from transportation to hospitality.
Recently, the first hybrid-electric ferry came into service, with four more in development, showcasing the Port of Seattle‘s ambitious goals for clean fuel and a reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.
It’s possible to travel around the state to find farm stays on organic farms where picking vegetables straight from the garden is a daily occurrence, or take bicycle tours winding through Walla Walla wine country. Here, farmers share stories about the revolutionary ways they are reducing their carbon footprint while keeping a passion for the land and the grape.
But this commitment is especially evident in places like the San Juan Islands. This beautiful archipelago, which feels a world away from the mainland, has been a leader in the Leave No Trace movement.
These islands have their own tailored principles, focused on their unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems. As a frequent traveler, I’ve learned to take a hard look at how I explore, and environmental preservation is a major part of that decision.
I’m drawn to the San Juan Islands for their sheer beauty, their diverse wildlife, marine life, and breathtaking ecosystems. But I also know that these systems are incredibly fragile. One of my favorite ways to balance my exploration with my values is to leave the car behind.
By walking onto the San Juan ferry and opting for a low-impact mode of transport like an e-bike, I not only reduce my carbon footprint but also minimize the impact I leave behind on the islands. It’s an easy walk from the ferry terminal in Friday Harbor to Susie’s Mopeds, to pick up an electric vehicle to begin the day’s adventure. It’s a simple change, but it’s a tangible way to recreate responsibly.
Washington offers an abundance of beautiful scenery and open spaces to any traveler, and an invitation. It asks you to be more than a tourist. It asks you to be a steward, a learner, and a partner, with an invitation to join a community of people who understand that the outdoors is a shared resource, a legacy we are all responsible for protecting.
The challenge to “Recreate Responsibly” doesn’t feel like a chore but a privilege, reminding us that the most impactful journeys are not simply about where we go, but how we choose to be along the way. And by doing so, Washington may leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Need to know: Seattle
Getting there
With several airports throughout Washington, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the largest, serving both domestic and international flights 24/7.
From here, connections to Seattle are easy – or hop on Sound Transit route 574 to Tacoma Dome Station to connect to the Sounder Commuter Train to Seattle, or the Tacoma Link Light Rail for downtown Tacoma.
When and where to go
Washington boasts a temperate climate on the western side of the state year-round. Summers in Seattle are lively with cruise ships docking on the waterfront.
On the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains, summers are hot and winters are snowy, creating outdoor adventures for all four seasons.
If you prefer hiking in solitude, consider traveling October to April in Washington’s most popular destinations.
Where to stay
1 Hotel Seattle is a great sustainable choice or, for a classic Pacific Northwest vibe, stay at the Edgewater Inn – the place where The Beatles once bedded down.
The Courtyard by Marriott has downtown and airport properties or try Silvercloud Point Rustin for waterfront views.
In Tacoma, the Hotel Murano fosters a casual elegance and is within walking distance of several attractions.
Must-pack item
A must-pack item for visiting Seattle is a lightweight but waterproof rain jacket, along with a pair of comfortable walking shoes.
Seattle is known for its frequent rain, so staying dry is essential. Also, be prepared for varying temperatures with layers of clothing—t-shirts, sweaters, and a jacket—as the weather can change in an instant.
How to do it
Many public transport options are available, from the light rail and buses to Amtrak and the iconic Washington State Ferries.
For towns further afield, a car or campervan is needed to explore the vast landscapes.
Anything else
After a day of hiking, kayaking, museum hopping, or exploring, be sure to treat yourself to a locally crafted brew at one of the area’s breweries or a glass of Washington State wine.
It’s a perfect way to hang out with Seattle locals, enjoy some music, or spend the evening playing cards or trivia games.
