Share your moment and win.
Photo by Justin Eddinger
Every year, we are humbled by the joy and beauty of the special moments you share with us from National Forests and Grasslands all across the country. We will announce the winners of the National Forest Week™ Photo Contest in late July. Our judges certainly have their work cut out for them!
Who Can Enter: Anyone!
Photo Specs: JPG or PNG, under 10MB, 3000px minimum preferred
Location: Photos must be taken in a National Forest or Grassland
Judging Criteria: Emotion, Storytelling, and Relevance to Theme
How Many Entries?: Multiple entries encouraged
Winners Announced: Late July 2025
Photo by Brittney Mueller
The National Forest Week™ Photo Contest has three categories. Categories are judged based on their theme and the general judging criteria above. Each photo can only be submitted to one category, but you may submit as many photos as you would like.
Photo by Madalyne Staab
Places that stir awe—landscapes, seasons, and iconic moments.
Photo by Brittney Mueller
Friends, family, pets, or wildlife—what connection looks like in the forest.
Photo by Nathan Miller
The emotions, movement, or magic that happens in the wild.
Three winners from each category will receive an awesome outdoor gear package from our generous partners and one Grand Prize winner will receive the ultimate adventure package.
Photo by Kara Maceross
THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE PACKAGE
We are excited to partner with Southwest Airlines and RVshare to bring you the ultimate outdoor adventure package:
Take a trip, rent an RV, and experience all the ways you come alive on our nation's awe-inspiring public lands—whether you visit a bucket list destination like the Maroon Bells on White River National Forest or seek out a hidden gem in a part of the country you have always wanted to visit.
THE BIG AGNES PRIZE PACKAGE
THE HELINOX PRIZE PACKAGE
THE PEAK DESIGN PRIZE PACKAGE
Photo by Adam DiPietro, courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service
Baratunde Thurston is a storyteller exploring interdependence across our relationships with each other, nature, and technology. He is an Emmy-nominated host, a writer, public speaker, and proud Earthling. His newest project is Life With Machines, a YouTube podcast exploring the human side of the A.I. revolution. Baratunde is also host and executive producer of the PBS series America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston, creator and host of the How To Citizen podcast, and a founding partner and writer at Puck. His comedic memoir, How To Be Black, is a New York Times best-seller. Keep up with Baratunde at @baratunde or baratunde.com.
Dani Reyes-Acosta, known for her work in outdoor filmmaking and cultural storytelling, has inspired audiences through her award-winning narratives of reciprocity and belonging. Best known for DISPATCHES (2024), WELL WORN LIFE (f2022), and the OUTLIER series (2025, 2022), Reyes-Acosta brings to life stories that challenge convention and elevate underrepresented voices. Honored with the Adán Medrano Film Award in 2024, “Most Inspiring Film” at No Man’s Land Film Festival in 2025, and recognized by Protect Our Winters and The North Face for her leadership in climate and community advocacy, Reyes-Acosta crafts stories that shift us beyond a human-centered world—calling us back to the wild, interwoven roots of who we are. Follow her journey at @NotLostJustDiscovering or DaniReyesAcosta.com.
Born and raised in western Montana, Eric grew up with a fascination with the outdoors. From high school hikes to college adventures in the mountains, he always felt his best away from the towns and cities. Photography quickly became the perfect way to turn that passion into a career, allowing him to chase stories and share them through his lens. These days, he relies on his Bronco to carry him - and his gear - wherever the story leads. Follow Eric at @ericmattt.
All year, we share amazing stories about recreating on and restoring National Forests and Grasslands. Stay in the loop and sign up for Tree-Mail today!