This blog was originally published on The Mountaineers blog.

The towering evergreens and moss-covered trails of the Olympic Peninsula play an important role in connecting outdoor enthusiasts from near and far to the natural world. But public lands and trails like these aren’t just critical for outdoor programs, they’re an ideal setting for relationship building efforts with policymakers and their staff, one hike at a time.

Earlier this month, partners from Outdoor Alliance Washington (OA Washington) had an opportunity to connect with Representative Emily Randall, her staff, and land managers from the Olympic National Forest. We were excited to catch up with the Congresswoman while she was back from D.C. for summer recess.

After introductions were made at the trailhead, we chatted as we hiked about a mile to Ranger Hole. While hiking along the Duckabush River, we thanked Rep. Randall for prioritizing public lands issues and shared OA Washington's policy priorities. With a picturesque view of Ranger Hole, we dug deeper into her experience in D.C. and how we can build broad support for shared priorities like the Wild Olympics bill, protecting the Roadless Rule, and reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund of the Great American Outdoors Act.

The Olympic Peninsula’s New Voice in Congress

As the newest member of Washington’s congressional delegation, Rep. Randall is diving into natural resources issues in a major way as a member of the House Natural Resources Committee. She’s taken the baton from retired Congressman Derek Kilmer as the House lead on the Wild Olympics bill, and has advocated against efforts to sell off federal public lands.

With many emerging issues on the outdoor policy front this year, we relished the opportunity to hear what’s top of mind for Rep. Randall and highlight the importance of human-powered outdoor recreation to the 6th congressional district. As a former Washington state senator, Rep. Randall is no stranger to working across party lines to achieve policy wins for her community. The Congresswoman is one of eight members of the recently formed, bipartisan congressional Public Lands Caucus. The caucus has already served as an influential space for lawmakers from across the West to collaborate on efforts to support and defend federal public lands.

In her eight months in Congress, Rep. Randall has already worked to advance landscape conservation, support tribal land management and stewardship efforts, and protect Washington’s forests and BLM lands against sell off proposals.Rep. Randall’s love of place and desire to strive for a more sustainable future for Washingtonians drives her work on natural resources issues. And she knows the importance of well-maintained facilities and trails.

"Playing in the Peninsula's forests as a kid showed me firsthand how these wild places shape who we become. Every trail I explored, every creek I crossed, every quiet moment under trees reminded me that nature isn't just scenery – it's essential to our well-being. That's why I’ll always fight to protect these lands and waters, ensuring future generations can discover the same sense of wonder and connection that these outdoor spaces gave me,” said Congresswoman Randall.

Recreation stakeholders chat with Rep. Randall at Ranger Hole, photo by Mountaineers staff

Partnerships for a More Sustainable Future

Protecting and adequately funding our public lands while managing them for sustainable outdoor access is a win-win for thriving landscapes, local communities, and the recreation community.

When we come together with partners like Washington Trails Association, American Whitewater, the Surfrider Foundation, and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, we can make a greater impact through our collective engagement with lawmakers and land managers. Our Outdoor Alliance Washington member groups also play a critical role in the stewardship of our public lands. With a significantly reduced federal land manager workforce, agencies like the Forest Service are increasingly relying on nonprofits and their volunteer communities for support.

As we rounded out our hike, the smell of wildfire smoke reminded us of the challenges presented by increasingly frequent and intense wildfires that threaten cherished places in the Pacific Northwest, including on the Olympic Peninsula. Following our time together, Rep. Randall met with local Forest Service staff to discuss the status and response to the Bear Gulch Fire in the Lake Cushman area of the Forest.

We appreciate the work and dedication of our federal land managers during this challenging time and Rep. Randall’s steadfast support of public lands and outdoor recreation. We look forward to future opportunities to collaborate with Congresswoman Randall and her office to protect backcountry recreation opportunities, fund public lands improvements, and support tribal treaty rights and cultural resources.

Trip Report: Hiking With Rep. Emily Randall on the Olympic National Forest