Here we describe status and trends in watershed condition across the extent of the Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP) over the 25 years since its inception in 1994. Responses were tracked by the Aquatic-Riparian Effectiveness Monitoring Program and included hydrologic measurements (stream wetted widths and temperatures), geomorphic responses (instream wood and sediment), and biological responses (macroinvertebrates and aquatic organism passage). Collectively, information on these responses allowed us to rigorously evaluate instream responses and hypothesized watershed drivers of those responses across the NWFP and over time. Many of the responses we observed were consistent with those expected under the influences of changing climates in the Pacific Northwest, as well as active management of forests, forest roads, and road-stream crossings: all of which indicate widespread and incremental improvements as envisioned by the Aquatic Conservation Strategy of the NWFP. Findings from this work highlight the effectiveness of federal land management and the effects of changing climates on water resources that sustain the Pacific Northwest’s human and natural landscapes.