WELCOME TO
THE BIG TENT FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION
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The mission  of the Big Tent  is to promote sustainable, diverse, equitable, and inclusive outdoor experiences in Washington state through advocacy and education.

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Call For Interest - Time Sensitive: by May 30, 2025

Make a Big Difference
Become a Big Tent Board Member

2 year renewable terms begin July 2025

[Apply Here] and visit our Board page to [Learn More]

 

#RecreateResponsibly to Protect Yourself, Others, and the Outdoors

During this public health crisis, spending time in outdoor spaces has become even more important for many Americans. Yet these unusual circumstances mean that all of us, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to families heading out to their local park for the first time, could use a little guidance about how to stay safe. The Recreate Responsibly guidelines offer a starting point for getting outside to keep yourself healthy and to maintain access to our parks, trails, and beaches. [ LEARN MORE ]

 

SPONSORS

We Represent
Outdoor Recreation

The power of the Big Tent lies not with any individual or with any shiny advertising or marketing campaigns, but with the combined weight of dozens of organizations and agencies who believe in the collective value of outdoor recreation.

We are an organic group, with no Executive Director.  We come together periodically, meet on an as-needed basis, and gather each year in Olympia to show policy-makers and opinion leaders that outdoor recreation is a critical sector in Washington, one that brings jobs, revenue, active and healthy living, and tourism to a state blessed with mind-numbing natural beauty.  
 
On this website you will find a statement about who we are and how we came to be; a listing of our current members; contacts; information about how you can join us; meeting announcements; links to press releases and topical articles; and of course some background pictures of the outdoors.
 
We hope you find this site helpful, and that you won’t hesitate to tell us how we can add to it and improve.  It belongs to all of us who marvel at the stunning natural resources which make Washington a special place in which to live, work, and play.  Thanks for stopping by!

The Path Ahead // A New Report From REI On Why We All Ought to #OptOutside

REI

On Monday last week, we launched #OptOutside for 2017. Our focus, once more, is to celebrate hardworking people dedicated to a life outdoors and to get more Americans outside. We’re introducing a number of things to do that this year. Today, we’re especially happy to share a new report with you, the nonprofit and government leaders who have built #OptOutside. Entitled The Path Ahead, it captures trends that affect the future of life outdoors. It doesn’t present the answers. It’s designed to provoke discussion by exploring nine ‘brutal truths’ juxtaposed with nine ‘beautiful possibilities.’ Together, they paint a picture of what could happen if we stay inside as a species, or #OptOutside. You can access the content at www.rei.com/blog/the-path-ahead. It includes a compelling animation, which also can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8scLX_eL2Q.
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State Parks Director Don Hoch Receives National Distinguished Service Award State Parks Director Don Hoch Receives National Distinguished Service Award

State Parks Director Don Hoch Receives National Distinguished Service Award

Washington State Parks

OLYMPIA –Sept. 19, 2017– Washington State Parks Director Don Hoch has been awarded the National Association of State Parks Directors’ (NASPD) top award for 2017—the Distinguished Service Award. The honor was presented at the association’s 2017 annual meeting in Missoula on Sept. 7.
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Outdoor Recreation Economy Continues to Grow in Washington Outdoor Recreation Economy Continues to Grow in Washington

Outdoor Recreation Economy Continues to Grow in Washington

WA Governor's Office

National trade association calculates $26.2 billion in statewide annual economic report.  Washington's natural splendor plays a major role in its economy, generating an annual $7.6 billion in wages and salaries and $2.3 billion in state and local tax revenue through outdoor recreation, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. 
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Simplicity, Consistency, and Equity in Recreation Fee Systems in Washington Mid-Project Update

The William Ruckelshaus Center

Nearly 40% of the state is primarily managed by nine agencies.  In recent decades, these agencies have instituted various user-based fees.  Currently more than 20 unique recreation passes and permits are available in Washington.  The myriad of pass permutations results in public land users who are uncertain about what pass is needed where, when and why.  View the mid-project report to learn status of how these challenges are being addressed.
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Olympia Beer Hosts Once-in-a-lifetime Eclipse Viewing Campout Olympia Beer Hosts Once-in-a-lifetime Eclipse Viewing Campout

Olympia Beer Hosts Once-in-a-lifetime Eclipse Viewing Campout

Imperial Stock Ranch, Shaniko OR

On Monday, August 21, 2017, the United States will experience its first total solar eclipse in nearly 38 years. To celebrate this historic event, Olympia Beer (Big Tent member), has organized a VIP Eclipse Viewing Campout at the remote Imperial Stock Ranch, located within the path of totality near Shaniko, Oregon.  Located at 3,000' in elevation, the site has expansive views in all directions with views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams and Mt. Jefferson.  Proceeds from the event silent auction will benefit two local causes, one of which is the Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition.
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Washington State's Outdoor Recreation Economy Generates

View the 2020 Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State for details