Scott Rinckenberger’s ‘National Treasure’ Honors the Beauty and Value of the Wild

Acclaimed photographer and adventurer Scott Rinckenberger will unveil his newest exhibition, National Treasure, at his namesake gallery in North Bend, WA. This summer show is a love letter to the lands that shape us, the freedom to roam, and the quiet power of wilderness.

At first glance, the images may seem simple: neat rocks being climbed on, crisp moments from mountain bike trails, misty campsites tucked into dense forests, and sweeping alpine vistas. But look closer, and you’ll see what this collection stands for — the immeasurable, irreplaceable wealth found in wild, shared spaces.

National Treasure is more than just a photographic exhibition. It’s a visual argument for the soul of public lands — those places we too often take for granted yet rely on for our joy, our grounding, and our very survival. It’s a call to cherish and protect these places before their access, health, or very existence is taken from us.

“In a time when land is increasingly seen as nothing more than a financial asset, I wanted to make a case for a different kind of value,” says Rinckenberger. “The kind you find with a rope over your shoulder, standing at the base of a granite wall, or watching the Milky Way ripple across a high alpine lake. These are the experiences that center us — and they depend on the land staying wild and free.”

Join Scott for the opening party on Friday, July 18th, from 5 – 9 pm, where guests can view the full show, connect with the local outdoor and creative communities, and celebrate the deep bond between people and place.

A cultural anchor in the idyllic mountain town of North Bend, the Scott Rinckenberger Gallery presents rotating exhibitions of large-format, black-and-white, and color photography inspired by the artist’s life in the wilds of the Cascades and beyond.

Scott specializes in capturing pristine, human-powered moments in nature. A lifelong mountain athlete, his compositions are both minimal and monumental, celebrating the mystery and majesty of alpine ecosystems. His work has earned international recognition, with exhibitions, awards, and collaborations with world-renowned brands, including Apple, REI, Outdoor Research, and Patagonia.

As most of Scott’s photography is created in wilderness settings, his work is inherently tied to environmental stewardship. He is a committed member of 1% for the Planet and an active supporter of the Snoqualmie Tribe Ancestral Lands Movement.