A unique outdoor experience where art meets nature in our beautiful Dash Point community! The Queer Mountaineers are hosting an inspired event that combines the serenity of our local trails with the joy of creative expression. If you’re an established artist or someone who simply enjoys doodling, this community gathering in Maple Valley, WA, promises to refresh both body and spirit through the perfect blend of physical activity and artistic exploration.
Event Overview and Inspiration
The “Art in Nature” hike at Dash Point Highlands Park offers participants a creative journey through one of our community’s most cherished natural spaces. Beginning at 10:30 am, adventurers will take part in a 4-mile exploration winding through impressive woods and along the shoreline.
The diverse ecosystems along the trail—from towering evergreens to tidal landscapes—serve as great sources for artistic inspiration. Participants are encouraged to document their journey through photographs, mental notes, or quick sketches to capture the natural beauty that will inform their creative work.
Upon reaching the picnic area at the trail’s end, hikers will transition into artists during a dedicated 20-minute creative session. This intentional pause in the journey provides space for reflection and artistic expression amid nature’s backdrop.
Whether you prefer sketching the dramatic silhouette of a Douglas fir, crafting a poem inspired by the rhythm of waves, or working on a portable craft project you’ve brought along, this moment of creative focus transforms the outdoor experience from mere exercise into a holistic artistic endeavor that connects participants with their surroundings and each other.
Practical Information and Community Focus
Preparation is key to enjoying this art-infused adventure. Participants should wear sturdy footwear suitable for potentially muddy conditions and pack essentials including water, snacks, extra layers, and sun protection. The organizers emphasize bringing compact creative supplies—a small sketchbook, portable watercolors, a journal, or any lightweight craft project that inspires you.
The Washington State Parks trail map (available online) offers a preview of the route, helping hikers prepare mentally for the journey ahead. Given the Pacific Northwest’s changeable weather, checking the forecast before departure and dressing accordingly is strongly advised.
This event does more than just combine hiking and art—it deliberately fosters community connections among diverse participants. Registration, which closes on May 15, 2025, requires completing a mandatory waiver, and while donations are encouraged to support future events, they are not required if they present a financial barrier.
The Queer Mountaineers have structured this gathering to be accessible and welcoming, creating space for artistic expression across skill levels while building neighborhood bonds through shared experience. As participants traverse the trails together and then create side-by-side, natural conversations and connections emerge, strengthening our community fabric through mutual appreciation of both nature and creative expression.
