crater lake

Tree climber Phil Chi does one last safety check before he climbs to the top of a whitebark pine tree.

Whitebark pines – the ‘quintessential wilderness tree’ – added to the Endangered Species List

Courtney Flatt

The federal government announced Wednesday it’s designating whitebark pine trees as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Tree climber Matt Zhun reaches through the branches of a whitebark pine tree to find cones.

Environment and Planning

Pining for whitebarks: researchers work across the Northwest to save 'quintessential wilderness trees'

Courtney Flatt

If you’ve ever backpacked in the Northwest’s mountaintops, you’ve likely spent some time among whitebark pines. These important trees are bringing together researchers across the West, who want to save them from a fatal fungus.

Government and Politics

Mount Rainier National Park shutters entrance gate due to government shutdown

Tom Banse

As the partial government shutdown drags on, the National Park Service is having a harder time keeping its Northwest jewels open. The last open gate at…

History and Culture

On Park Service Centennial, Three Big Things That Have Changed

Tom Banse

There will be free admission to all national parks from Thursday through Sunday to celebrate the 100th birthday of the National Park Service. President…

Disasters and Accidents

Bybee Fire Smolders Near Crater Lake

Tom Banse

About a dozen wildfires are currently burning around the Northwest. The Bybee fire is a small one at 50 acres. It is uncontained and sending up smoke on…

Government and Politics

No Plans To Reopen Northwest National Parks, Monuments With State Funds

Austin Jenkins

The governors of Washington, Oregon and Idaho say they have no plans to reopen national parks and monuments using state dollars. President Obama has given…