I live in Washington and was wondering about the legality of carrying while hiking/backpacking...

It would be on an established trail in a national forest.

According to packing.org, in washignton

Any person engaging in a lawful outdoor recreational activity such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, or horseback riding, only if, considering all of the attendant circumstances, including but not limited to whether the person has a valid hunting or fishing license, it is reasonable to conclude that the person is participating in lawful outdoor activities or is traveling to or from a legitimate outdoor recreation area;

That seems vague... Any thoughts?

Basically, if you are outside the cities, doing outdoor/forest activities, open carry is allowed.  Where you do these activities can add rules (national parks vs national forests).

My understanding is:  Nat Forest OK,

Nat Parks, not OK  (does anybody know what the penalty would be if caught?)

anyone know if that is correct?

Quoted: My understanding is:  Nat Forest OK, Nat Parks, not OK  (does anybody know what the penalty would be if caught?) anyone know if that is correct?

Nat Parks NO
Nat Forest Yes
WA State Park?  (In GA, NO.)

I think they have you drawn, quartered, then let the spotted owls eat your entrails in the NW.  In the Smokey Mtn Nat'l Forest, they let the Black Bears eat ya.  

Quoted: I think they have you drawn, quartered, then let the spotted owls eat your entrails in the NW.  In the Smokey Mtn Nat'l Forest, they let the Black Bears eat ya.

rofl!  

Quoted: Basically, if you are outside the cities, doing outdoor/forest activities, open carry is allowed.  Where you do these activities can add rules (national parks vs national forests).

What about concealed carry?

Quoted: Quoted: Basically, if you are outside the cities, doing outdoor/forest activities, open carry is allowed.  Where you do these activities can add rules (national parks vs national forests). What about concealed carry?

I suspect the state rules apply.  If you have a permit to carry concealed, go for it.  Personally, I'm more worried about 2 legged varmints than the 4 legged variety.  I like the idea of carrying concealed.  

ok, so i live in South west VA, i'm not sure i get this, and i'm not being smart i just dont know.

I can carry in a national forest but i cannot carry in a national park? what is the difference, and where can i read these on like... a gov web page type thingie?

Quoted: What about concealed carry?

Concealed carry is good everywhere firearms are allowed, assuming the license.  With the CPL you can be open or concealed out in the wild.

Ok here's what I gather for washington:

Open carry is legit without any licenses in the outdoors.

Concealed  carry is legit without a licence in the outdoors (according to exceptions from above)

Quoted: ok, so i live in South west VA, i'm not sure i get this, and i'm not being smart i just dont know. I can carry in a national forest but i cannot carry in a national park? what is the difference, and where can i read these on like... a gov web page type thingie?

Look up the web page of the particular area you will be visiting.  

But yes, National Parks are federal property and guns are almost always a no no.  An exception would be if you were packing through to hunt a non-park area and the only reasonalbe route was through a park.  When I worked at Crater Lake NP hunters could break down their guns and transport them through the park.  I think they might have needed permission for this.  Ask the local Park Law Enforcement Ranger for guidance.

National Forests are public land, different than a park.  They can still institute special rules regarding weapons, but many just go with state law.  Ask the local Forest Law Enforcement Ranger for guidance.