Outdoors | The Daily Chronicle

"Today was an unforgettable day for my 10-year-old boy, Nash! He was out hunting with his dad, Justin, for elk when something unexpected happened. As they hiked through some brushy grasses, they heard a loud crash from behind them. Little did they know, a cougar had jumped down from a tree nearby! With no firearms for Justin (because it's Nash's elk hunting season), he told Nash to be ready with his rifle. In an incredible moment of bravery and skill, Nash aimed his 300 and spotted the cougar just 25 feet away, clear as day through his scope. Nash's quick thinking and sharp aim truly may have saved both his and his dad's lives, as the cougar was ready to pounce. What a remarkable experience for our young hunter! Proud of you, Nash!" — submitted by Adrienne Jones, Bay City, Washington

Hunting Highlights: Cougar, deer and elk, oh my!

Whether it's hunting, fishing, hiking, clamming, foraging or something else, The Chronicle is happy to share photos and details from local folks in the great outdoors. To be considered, just email … more

11/7/25

A line of clams are placed on a tailgate after being cleaned during a razor clam dig at Grayland Beach on March 8, 2024.

WDFW approves seven days of coastal razor clam digs beginning Nov. 3

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers on Wednesday confirmed razor clam digging opportunities at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches from Nov. 3 to … more

10/31/25

"Lane made an incredible shot this morning, dropping this deer from about 200 yards out. It’s a beautiful buck with a unique, non-typical antler — definitely one to remember! His patience and precision really paid off." — submitted by Michelle Eastman

Reader’s Lens: More Hunting Highlights

Whether it’s hunting, fishing, hiking, clamming, foraging or something else, The Chronicle is happy to share photos and details from local folks in the great outdoors. To be considered, … more

10/31/25

Donovan Delaney, 9, recently harvested his very first buck. "He was so excited," wrote Heather Delaney, who submitted this photo.

Reader’s Lens: Hunting Highlights

The Chronicle features photos and details of local outdoor adventures, including fishing, hunting, hiking, clamming, foraging and more. Photos are published on The Chronicle’s Facebook … more

10/24/25

A large bull elk munches on vegetation in Packwood on Thursday evening in the rain.

WDFW seeks public input on revised State Wildlife Action Plan draft

The Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is looking for public feedback on a draft of its revised State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), designed to guide fish, wildlife and habitat … more

By The Chronicle staff | 10/20/25

Hikers begin hiking the Skyline Loop Trail at Mount Rainier National Park on Thursday, Oct. 16.

A trip to Mount Rainier National Park as it remains open during shutdown

While visitors are still plentiful at Mount Rainier National Park during the current federal shutdown, spotting a park ranger or National Parks Service vehicle feels similar to the excitement of … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 10/17/25

WDFW greenlights seven more days of coastal razor clam digs beginning Oct. 20

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers confirmed on Wednesday that razor clam digging opportunities will be available at Long Beach , Twin Harbors , Copalis and Mocrocks … more

10/16/25

WDFW opens public feedback survey to begin three-year hunting season planning

The public is invited to weigh in on longer-term hunting season planning as the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) begins its latest three-year season-setting effort, a news release … more

By The Chronicle staff | 10/3/25

A line of clams are placed on a tailgate after being cleaned during a razor clam dig at the Grayland Beach on March 8, 2024.

The digs are on: WDFW approves seven days of coastal razor clam digs beginning Oct. 6

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers confirmed on Tuesday the first round of razor clam digging opportunities at Long Beach , Twin Harbors , Copalis and Mocrocks … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/30/25

The Chehalis River flows through Rainbow Falls at Rainbow Falls State Park on Wednesday, July 2.

Washington Discover Pass fee increases to $45 Oct. 1

The annual fee for the Discover Pass, which grants access to state parks, increases Oct. 1. The annual Discover Pass fee will increase from $30 to $45 beginning Oct. 1, according to a news … more

By Matteah Davis / The Wenatchee World | 9/26/25

State Recreation and Conservation Funds make their way to Lewis, Thurston counties

The Washington state Recreation and Conservation Office announced approximately $67 million in grant funding across counties in Washington on Wednesday. The grant funds will support more than … more

By Jacob Moore / jacob@chronline.com | 9/26/25

A deer walks along a field near the Skyline Loop Trail as the sun sets at Mount Rainier National Park on Monday, Sept. 22.

In focus: Paradise, indeed, at Mount Rainier National Park

9/24/25

WDFW: 2025 Washington hunting prospects now available

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has released its annual hunting prospects, available at shorturl.at/1w3QJ , to give hunters a detailed look at expected conditions, harvest … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/17/25

A woman searches for razor clams at Grayland Beach on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Dig out the shovels and clam guns: WDFW announces 47 tentative days of coastal razor clam digging

Shellfish managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) on Tuesday announced 47 tentative days of razor clam digs at four coastal beaches from Oct. 6 through Jan. 6. "This … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/9/25

A wildland firefighter truck sits at the Windy Ridge Viewpoint facing Mount St. Helens on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

In focus: Windy Ridge Viewpoint is still a great way to get close to Mount St. Helens

The Windy Ridge Viewpoint remains a viable alternative for viewing the northern side of Mount St. Helens after a debris slide in May 2023 took out Spirit Lake Memorial Highway and drivers’ … more

By The Chronicle staff | 9/5/25

Mount Rainier peeks out from the clouds at the High Rock Lookout in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest on Sunday, Aug. 17.

Volunteers work to finish High Rock Lookout by opening date

Since the High Rock Lookout Trail’s closure in early July, volunteers with the Sand Mountain Society have been working to restore the lookout — now with less than a month until its … more

By Ridley Hudson / ridley@chronline.com | 8/20/25

FILE PHOTO — Tanner Tobin, 14, of Chehalis, poses with the 7x7 bull she harvested with her youth elk tag that she drew through a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife drawing in 2023.

WDFW issues reminder to complete hunter education before fall

The Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) recently issued a news release encouraging new hunters to complete their mandatory hunter education course as soon as possible during some … more

By The Chronicle staff | 8/6/25

Mountain goats graze on a ridge as the sun sets at Mount Rainier National Park on Thursday, July 24.

In focus: Sunset on Mount Rainier's Skyline Loop at Paradise

7/25/25

Herb Doumitt of the Oregon Bass and Panfish Club prefers to catch taco-sized walleye such as this one from a 2018 trip to The Dalles Dam's reservoir.

Where’s walleye? Piscatorial predators expanding range in Columbia

Nearly a decade after Oregon and Washington ended bag and size limits on walleye and bass in the jointly shared (and Washington waters) of the Columbia and Snake rivers to help save salmon and … more

Bill Monroe / oregonlive.com (TNS) | 7/19/25

WDFW accepting master hunter applications

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is inviting new applicants to join the ranks of over 1,200 certified master hunters across the state, a news release from the WDFW stated. … more

By The Chronicle staff | 7/9/25