Hiking Makes You Happy. These Photos Are Proof
Hiking is scientifically proven to be good for our minds and bodies. Plus, it makes for some great photos, the kind that can bring a smile to your face months and years later.
For so many of us, hiking brings joy. It's scientifically proven to be good for our minds and bodies.
This. This is a very nice feeling. Photo by Abijith Rajiv.
You know the heady feeling you get after a few minutes on trail, arriving at an excellent view, or just being able to spend time in nature with your friends?
Over the years, hikers have shared plenty of those moments in trip reports or by submitting photos to WTA's Northwest Exposure Photo Contest. We've gotten hundreds (thousands?) of photos of folks grinning ear-to-ear on trail. You seem so happy, fulfilled, ecstatic, joyful, exuberant, and at peace. In an effort to share that joy, we put together a few photos of hikers in their element.
If you have one of your own to share, you've still got a few days to enter the photo contest. And you can always pop those photos in a trip report, any time of year.
Happy hiking, all.
Flying High
Photo by Michelle Lin.
Loving life and a good hike at Mount St. Helens.
Too much of a good thing
Photo by Carol Christensen.
I don't know about you but I know this exact feeling; when it's just too much to keep inside.
Stoked on snow
Photo by Michael Cunningham.
Sun, snow, and Tahoma (that's Rainier's native name). Yes please.
Carry me
Photo by James Marshall.
I would also be very stoked to get to experience a hike while being carried the whole way.
The way to my heart
Photo by Charlcee Davis.
Food is the way to so many hiker's hearts. I'll be you know the excitement of reaching the top and finally getting to have your snacks!
DOwn by the sea
Photo by Sarah Kim.
Salt air, sea, and getting covered in sand. Yes.
Good Boy
Photo by Tori Duke.
Some dogs get that hiking high, too.
Sun(ny) day, fun day
Photo by Matthew Norman
Getting a view from the top is the best, particularly when it's one of your dream destinations.
Keep Climbing
Photo by Nathan Hungate.
Yup, I know this feeling too. At the top and still can't get high enough.
Bask in the Glow
Photo by Karen Jurasin.
Cold air, crisp morning, bright sun and snowshoes make for some dang good days.
Selfie game strong
Photo by Dave Schuba
Trip reporter Dave Schuba on top of the world at Mount Aix. "I had fun (But can't smile & jump at the same time)"
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