Outdoors | The Daily Chronicle

In focus: Scenes from the Birth of a Lake trail at Coldwater Lake

The Birth of a Lake boardwalk trail is pictured at Coldwater Lake on Thursday, Jan. 23. “This short, accessible boardwalk trail explores the creation of Coldwater Lake,” the … more

Photos by Ridley Hudson / ridley@chronline.com | 1/27/25

Haze and fog cover Mount St. Helens as seen from Silver Lake on Thursday, Jan. 23.

In focus: The sun rises on Mount St. Helens and Silver Lake

Chronicle photographer Ridley Hudson traveled to Silver Lake in Cowlitz County on Thursday to capture these photos of the local landscape, wildlife and folks enjoying the clear skies at … more

1/24/25

The seminar, which is free to attend, will be led by professional guide Kyle Dodson from Oar Angling Guide Service.

Chehalis Outfitters offers chance to learn about advanced float fishing and how to pull plugs for winter steelhead

Chehalis Outfitters will host an educational seminar titled “Float Fishing and Pulling Plugs” where anglers of all skill levels can learn advanced techniques to elevate their fishing … more

By The Chronicle staff | 1/24/25

A seagull carries a razor clam in its mouth at Grayland Beach on Friday, March 8.

WDFW approves another week of coastal razor clam digs starting Jan. 26, with more digs planned through March 1

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers on Wednesday confirmed seven days of razor clam digs on coastal beaches beginning Jan. 26. “Diggers can look forward to … more

WDFW | 1/22/25

David Lee, from Portland, catches smelt on the Cowlitz River near Longview on Tuesday, March 5.

Washington releases smelt dipping days ahead of first season with license requirement

Smelt’s annual return from the ocean has long drawn thousands of dip-netters up and down the Cowlitz River. This year, however, the prized tradition will be different. The Washington … more

By Henry Brannan / Murrow News | 1/21/25

Gary Doyle tosses a baited crab trap into the Willapa Bay from the Toke Point Pier in Tokeland on Friday, Jan. 17.

‘It’s unbelievable how good it is’: Recreational crabbers toss pots from Toke Point in pursuit of delectable crustaceans

Tokeland, a small fishing town on the north side of Willapa Bay, has been a local hot spot for commercial crabbing for decades. But you don't need a crab boat or any state-of-the-art equipment … more

By Kody Christen / kody@chronline.com | 1/20/25

Hikers explore the Mount Fremont Lookout at Mount Rainier National Park on Sunday, Sept. 29.

Mount Rainier National Park implements new wilderness permit fee structure

Mount Rainier National Park has changed its wilderness permit fee structure from a flat $20 per trip to $10 per person per night, the National Parks Service announced Friday. Youth ages 15 and … more

By The Chronicle staff | 1/17/25

Anglers from around the state gather on a dock in the designated area on the Cowlitz River in Castle Rock on Tuesday, March 5.

WDFW announces tentative Cowlitz River smelt fishery dates

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced a new tentative schedule approach for the Cowlitz River recreational smelt fishery. “This approach is designed to … more

By The Chronicle staff | 1/16/25

The White Pass Ski Area on Sunday, Jan. 12.

In focus: A bluebird day on the slopes at the White Pass Ski Area

It was a bluebird day at the White Pass Ski Area when Chronicle photographer Ridley Hudson visited on Sunday. Skiers enjoyed the powder as Mount Rainier dominated the horizon against clear … more

Photos by Ridley Hudson / ridley@chronline.com | 1/15/25

A trail through the woods is pictured at Lewis and Clark State Park on Thursday, Dec. 12.

Washington State Parks announces 12 days in 2025 when Discover Passes won’t be needed

The Washington State Discover Pass Program has designated 12 days when a Discover Pass will not be needed to visit state parks and other state lands in 2025. On these days, visitors will … more

By The Chronicle staff | 1/15/25

New study planned to reveal more about Southwest Washington black-tailed deer populations

Starting this month, biologists from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will begin conducting a study in southwest Washington that will help the department develop a new method for … more

By The Chronicle staff | 1/10/25

People paddle board in Snow Lake at Mount Rainier National Park on Monday, July 8.

These 10 days will be fee-free holidays for national parks, forests in 2025

If you want to get out to a national park or federal forest for free this year, circle these 10 dates on your calendar. Federal public lands agencies will once again waive entrance, parking and … more

Jamie Hale / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 1/10/25

A woman walks along the estuary boardwalk at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge on Thursday, Jan. 2.

In focus: Walking into a new year at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Chronicle photographer Ridley Hudson captured these photos during a visit to the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge on Thursday afternoon. “Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually … more

1/7/25

Razor clams sit in a bucket at Grayland Beach on Friday, March 8.

‘Easier digging’: WDFW approves seven days of coastal razor clam digs starting Jan. 10

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers on Monday confirmed seven days of razor clam digs on coastal beaches beginning Jan. 10. “This upcoming tide series … more

Submitted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife | 1/6/25

Angler paid record $164,000-plus for fishing the Columbia and Snake rivers in 2024

A summer spent fishing was lucrative for one angler who earned a record amount of just over $164,000 for turning in the northern pikeminnow they caught in the Columbia or Snake rivers. The … more

Annette Cary / Tri-City Herald (TNS) | 1/4/25

Snow falls on the White Pass Ski Area while visitors load up in their car to leave on the afternoon of Thursday, Dec. 26.

‘Powder on top of powder on top of powder’ at White Pass Ski Area

Skiers and snowboarders can now fully explore the White Pass Ski Area as all lifts and runs are now open daily. Additionally, the tubing hill is also open, along with the White Pass Ski Area … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/30/24

A kitchen area with picnic tables is pictured at Lewis and Clark State Park on Thursday, Dec. 12.

Need a Washington state New Year's activity? State Parks offering 40 free guided hikes, snowshoeing, more

If your New Year's resolution is to get outside more often, you're in luck. Washington State Parks is offering guided hikes at more than 30 of its parks on New Year's Day. The event is part of … more

Daniel Schrager / The Bellingham Herald (TNS) | 12/27/24

Mount Rainier reservations and the other top stories of 2024 in Washington state outdoors scene

For Washington's outdoorsy crowd, 2024 had its peaks and valleys. The year began with scant snow and ended with a lot of it. Summer featured a mixed bag of wildfire smoke, while fall brought a bumper … more

Gregory Scruggs / The Seattle Times (TNS) | 12/24/24

Jess Clevenger holds a razor clam at Grayland Beach on Friday, March 8.

Post-Christmas clamming: WDFW approves seven more digs, with more planned for 2025

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers on Friday confirmed seven days of razor clam digs on coastal beaches beginning Dec. 28, including opportunities around the New … more

12/21/24

First Day Hikes to be held at Lewis and Clark State Park and Mount St. Helens Visitor Center

Washington residents are invited to celebrate the new year with Washington State Parks during the First Day Hikes events on Jan. 1, 2025. More than 30 state parks will host staff-led and … more

By The Chronicle staff | 12/16/24