Wildlife Week in Ashford is a call to step into the rugged wilderness surrounding Mount Rainier, where nature is keenly aware of your presence. This annual event focuses on connecting hikers and nature lovers with the local fauna through a series of guided walks, educational talks, and hands-on activities. The trails here don’t just traverse land; they engage with living ecosystems that reveal themselves in every rustle and birdcall.

Begin with the Narada Falls Trail, a moderate 1.5-mile loop with a steady 400-foot elevation gain. The path threads through ancient Douglas firs and western hemlocks, whose branches seem to stretch out like arms offering shelter to the elusive wildlife. The falls themselves roar, water daring you to approach closer, mist cooling your skin and sharpening your senses. It’s a great place to spot black-tailed deer and, if patience holds, a glimpse of a Cascade red fox.

For those ready to push further, the Grove of the Patriarchs is a 1.5-mile flat trail crossing a wooden bridge suspended over the White River. The ancient cedar trees stand fiercely, their bark textured and scarred but full of life, home to birds like the varied thrush and brown creeper. It’s a perfect example of Washington’s old-growth forests, presenting opportunities to connect with the forest’s deep time.

Wildlife Week adds guided birdwatching tours and talks from local naturalists, focusing on identification and conservation. Expect to engage with practical tips on tracking, and how to minimize disruption while observing. The event emphasizes respect over conquest, encouraging participants to understand the rhythms of mountain ecology.

Timing your visit early in the morning or late afternoon reveals the forest at its most active; creeks push forward relentlessly, alert to every movement, while sunlight filters low, lighting up the forest floor with golden dashes. Bring layered clothing — mornings and evenings stay cool, especially near snowmelt streams — and sturdy footwear capable of handling wet, sometimes uneven terrain.

Hydration is vital. Carry at least two liters per person, and consider water purification if you plan longer hikes. The trails can be muddy in spring from snowmelt, while summer offers drier, more stable footing but an increase in insect activity.

Wildlife Week is not just a hike; it’s an invitation to engage with a fiercely alive environment where every step brings you closer to the wild heart of Mount Rainier’s surroundings. Approach prepared, move deliberately, and let the forest respond to your presence.