hiker's guide to search and rescue

Plan an Epic Long-Distance Trail Adventure

Mar+Apr 2015

A Publication of Washington Trails Association | wta.org

Search and RescueHiker's Guide to

Clean and Organize Your GearSpring Hikes in State Parks

2 Washington Trails | Mar+Apr 2015 | wta.org

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NW Explorer Hiker’s Guide to Search & Rescue Have you ever wondered what goes into a hiking search and rescue operation? Here’s your insider look—plus helpful tips if you ever need a rescue. » p.14

The Faces of Trail Maintenance You don't have to be an experienced dirt-digger to pitch in on trails. Take inspiration from five trail maintenance volunteers from all walks of life. » p.20

Plan Your First Long-Distance Hike Advice from experienced long-distance hikers to help you plan a successful trek on the Pacific Crest Trail, Wonderland Trail or other multi-week route. » p.24

WTA at Work King County Trail System to Expand WTA pitches in for more new trails. » p.8

Suiattle Road Update Big plans for summer trail maintenance projects. » p.11

Trail News Recreation Boosts Washington’s Economy New report reveals good news for outdoor rec. » p.12

Trail Mix Gear Closet » Spring Cleaning Get your gear cleaned and organized for summer hiking. » p.34

Gear Shop » 10 Apparel Essentials What you need for every hike. » p.37

Nature Nook » Eagles, Martens and More Birds, beasts and blooms in the Northwest. » p.38

Camera Bag » 5 Tips for Better Landscapes Trails, field guides and more for your mobile devices. » p.39

Hike It!Spring Is Time for State Parks Nine trails perfect for spring hiking. » p.42

Epic Trail » PCT: Columbia Gorge to Indian Heaven Test your long-distance legs on this moderate stretch. » p.50

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Mar+Apr 2015

COVER: Portrayal of a rescue on Mount Snoqualmie. “This scene tells a story of one adventurer’s mishap,” says painter Jannelle Loewen, “but the injured, now encircled by people of courage and competency, no longer has fear, and pain is mitigated.”

Washington Trails | Mar+Apr 2015 | wta.org 3

/wtahikers/washingtonhikers

Washington Trails Association is a volunteer-driven nonprofit membership organization working to preserve,

enhance and promote hiking opportunities in Washington state. We engage and mobilize a community of hikers

as advocates and stewards for our trails statewide. Through collaborative partnerships and grassroots advocacy,

WTA focuses on state and federal issues, including trail funding, hiker safety and wilderness protection. WTA is

committed to leaving a rich legacy of trails and wildlands for future generations to enjoy.

WTA was founded by Louise B. Marshall (1915–2005). Ira Spring (1918–2003) was its primary supporter. Greg Ball (1944–2004) founded the volunteer trail maintenance program. Their spirit continues today through contributions from thousands of WTA members and volunteers.

Washington Trails Vol. 50, Issue 2 Owner & Publisher

WASHINGTON TRAILS ASSOCIATION

Washington Trails (ISSN 1534-6366) is published bimonthly by Washington Trails Association, 705 2nd Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104. Annual membership dues, which include a subscription to Washington Trails magazine, are $40. Single copy price is $4.50. Periodicals postage paid at Seattle, WA, and at additional mailing locations. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Washington Trails Association, 705 2nd Ave., Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104.

STEPHEN TAN MASON WHITE ROB SHURTLEFF TITTI RINGSTROMBRUCE BURGER ANDREA BAINES CAROLE BIANQUIS

SUSAN QUEARY KATE ROGERSADAM RYNDAARON THEISENWENDY WHEELER JACOBS

PresidentVP, Advocacy

VP, Board DevelopmentVP, Fundraising

Chair, Communications & TechVP, Treasurer

Secretary

LISA BLACKPERRY BURKHART

AMY CSINKJOE GREGG

DAMIEN MURPHYSTEVE PAYNE

Board of Directors

/wta_hikers

Washington's Leading Hiking Resource and theNation’s Largest Volunteer Trail Maintenance Program

Executive DirectorDevelopment Director

Finance & Operations DirectorInformation Services Manager

Membership Manager

Communications DirectorAdvocacy Director

Digital Content ManagerWashington Trails Editor

Communications Associate

Program DirectorField Programs ManagerField Programs Manager

NW Regional ManagerSW Regional Manager

Youth Programs Manager

KAREN DAUBERT KATE NEVILLEMARJORIE KITTLECHARLIE KAHLEKARA CHIN

KINDRA RAMOS ANDREA IMLERLOREN DRUMMONDELI BOSCHETTOCASSANDRA OVERBY

REBECCA LAVIGNEALAN CARTER MORTIMERTIM VAN BEEKARLEN BOGAARDSRYAN OJERIOKRISTA DOOLEY

WTA Senior Staff

Washington Trails VolunteersCopy EditorsContributors

Illustrators

ProofreaderRegional Correspondents

JIM CAVIN, REBECCA KETTWIGTAMI ASARS, CRAIG ROMANOLINDSAY HOLLADAY, REBECCA JENSENWHITNEY MAASSMITZI SUGARNATE & JER BARNES, KELSIE DONLEYCOTTBRANDON FRALIC, DAVID HAGENLINDSAY LEFFELMAN, BRITTANY MANWILLMIKE MORRISON, KRISTEN SAPOWICZRYAN SCHREINER, AARON THEISENHOLLY WEILER, RACHEL WOOD

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FRONT DESKKaren Daubert

TOP: WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program kicked off its 2015 courses with a hiking workshop in February at West Tiger Mountain NRCA.

MIDDLE: Moran State Park called on WTA to help improve the extensive network of trails below Mount Constitution, one of the most beloved places in the San Juan Islands. Volunteers head back to Orcas Island in April to continue work on the park's popular trails.

BOTTOM: WTA's advocacy director, Andrea Imler, joined Sen. Murray, Rep. DelBene and fellow conservation and recreation groups to celebrate the 22,000-acre addition to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, which passed Congress in December 2014.

Going EpicHiking in Nepal was a dream come true for me. It had been on my

wish list for years but the time was never right—there were always other priorities, I could not take the time off or logistics were just too complicated. But two years ago a friend invited my husband Jared and I to join a small group that would explore a remote part of Nepal. I finally saw my chance. We spent months researching and planning, poring over maps, reading books and accounts, researching culture and customs, and listening intently as friends described their own Nepalese trips. “Namaste,” they said with a smile.

When we finally arrived in Nepal, we hiked the trails that connected the villages and farmlands south of Kathmandu and we camped above lush valleys. I woke early every day to explore the ridges in the solitude of dawn, oftentimes arriving at the high point to find a shrine surrounded by prayer flags blowing silently in the breeze. Next we explored Langtang National Park, where we hiked up a valley from village to village, staying in guesthouses along the way. We even spent an unexpected night huddled in tents waiting out a sudden snowstorm. It was an epic trip.

But even as epic as this life-list adventure was, as I flew home over our great state, I reflected on how many epic adventures still await me here: the Wonderland Trail, the Boundary Trail, Washington’s portion of the Pacific Crest Trail—all trails I will soon have to start making new plans for. And there’s no better resource than WTA to help us make these plans. Check out this issue’s features on preparing for long-distance hikes and tips about search and rescue, then visit the Hiking Resources page on wta.org to brush up on everything from the Ten Essentials to food planning to wilderness first aid.

From dayhikes to epic treks, WTA has you covered. This season, as you start your spring conditioning and planning for the summer hiking season, whether it’s an amble in Eastern Washington, a loop on the Wonderland Trail or a multiday adventure in Nepal, we hope you have a safe and successful adventure—and we can’t wait to hear about it!

Happy hiking,

P.S. Speaking of epic achievements, as I completed my term on the American Alpine Club board of directors, Spokane resident John Roskelley was honored with the world’s most revered climbing award: the international Piolets d’Or Lifetime Achievement Award! The Piolets d’Or has only been awarded six times in the history of the international climbing organization. John started his career hiking the trails outside his home town right here in Washington!

[email protected]


Wonderland Trail!

John Muir Trail, CA

Pacific Crest Trail, WA

Continental Divide Trail Pacfic Crest Trail, CA Tahoe Rim Trail, CA Pacific Crest Trail, OR West Coast Trail, BC Kettle Crest Trail

Pacific Northwest Trail

Appalachian Trail

Timberline Trail, OR

Loowit Trail

Pacific Crest Trail

Have you always wanted to hike a big trail? Here are WTA’s staff favorites. Guess what was #1?

WTA STAFF PICKS: Long-Distance Trails

SIGNPOSTEli Boschetto

Editor’s Choice

ULTIMATE ESSENTIALS [email protected]

Plan SmartWhen it comes to choosing your hiking

apparel, there is no shortage of options available. In this issue we cover the ten apparel essentials that every hiker should have in their gear closet, from baselayers to outerwear (see pg. 37), with several team-tested recommendations.

If the latest in outdoor performance wear is your cup of joe, then take a look at Icebreaker’s MerinoLOFT Helix Zip. This lightweight jacket takes midlayer insulation to a whole new level. The jacket starts with a quilted, water-repellent shell. Under that is a layer of wool insulation. It’s finished off with a soft merino lining. All this spells out incredible warmth and breathability. I especially like the stretchy side and underarm panels that allow full freedom of movement, no matter what activity I’m engaged in. The real icing on this cake is Icebreaker's commitment to sustainable and ethical manufacturing and their utilization of recycled materials—something I’m willing to shell out a little more for to feel good about the apparel I’m purchasing. icebreaker.com

Guys, this next one’s just for you (sorry ladies). If you thought all performance underwear was the same, you’re about to have your minds blown. Pull on a pair of Saxx Pro Elite Boxers and experience a new form of manly support on the trail, on the slopes or in the gym. With their superior fit and breathability, you’ll stay comfortable all day long—and wonder

why you ever settled for less. saxxunderwear.com

Last summer, while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail through central Oregon, I happened across a variety of other hikers. One young couple looked bedraggled and exhausted, having not filled up with enough water to get themselves through a long waterless section. Another hiker looked like a fairly drowned rat, having not packed any rain gear and gotten soaked in the previous day’s passing thunderstorm. Another hiker was running out of food, while another was weighed down with too much food. Time and again I met hikers who lamented, “If only I had planned better.”

When it comes to long-distance backpacking (actually, when it comes to any backpacking), it is always worth making the extra effort to be thoroughly prepared for whatever adventure you’re about to embark on—in good conditions and bad. That includes packing rain gear (even if the forecast says sunny, sunny, sunny), knowing where your water sources are and making sure you’re tanking up to get all the way to the next source (and through a night of dry camping, if necessary). It also includes planning your food supply—and resupplies—properly so that you're carrying just the right amount to keep you fueled up (and a little extra in case of unforeseen circumstances).

In this issue of WT, we present several helpful articles that touch on everything from planning and packing tips to gear organization solutions to a selection of state park hikes for conditioning—everything you need to help make your first (or next) epic hike a reality. This way, you can take steps to ensure that you will have a successful and enjoyable adventure this summer and minimize unnecessary challenges or dangers.

Plan Smart. Hike Smart. Have Fun.


COMMUNITYAround the Web

Do as much research as you can on the hike in advance and learn from others. — Wendy Wheeler Jacobs, Board Member

Start with shorter-distance days and work up to longer mileage. — Alan Carter Mortimer, Field Programs Mgr

Careful planning is essential, but being flexible to adjust those plans on trail is just as important. — Lindsay Leffelman, Regional Team

Rain gear is essential! — Krista Dooley, Youth Programs Mgr

A small treat at the end of each day—like chocolate—may be all the motivation you need to keep going. — Ryan Schreiner, Regional Team

Take time to stop and smell the roses along the way. — Susan Queary, Board Member

Don’t let fear of the distance or difficulty dissuade you from realizing your hiking dreams. — Kayla “Dance Party” Bordelon, Membership Asst

Research water sources and make camps near water. — Anna Roth, Hiking Guide Coordinator

Waking up is one

of the best things

about spending

a night in the

backcountry. Get

inspired for a year

of backpacking

with more camp

morning shots

from the hiking

photographers

who participated

in our Northwest

Exposure contest

at wta.org/gallery.

WTA's tips for great long-distance hikes. Get more long-distance hiking info on page 24.

Shared on Facebook:

Happiness is a clean trail and inspiring others to help keep it that way. — Katherine Reed

Rise

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appa

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ppos

ite: M

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Best

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WTA TRIP REPORTS: Good Dogs“Did this trail for the first time today. It was a beautiful trail, in

great condition. I walk with my two large dogs and was a bit

worried that people might have unleashed dogs on the trail; I

was pleasantly surprised. Everyone who was walking with their

dogs had them leashed according to trail rules—YAY!”

— themaja, Sequalitchew Creek

Read trail stories and conditions in trip reports and give back to the hiking community by filing a report of your own at wta.org/tripreports.

Do you read the @WTA_hikers blog? It's called Signpost and it's excellent. wta.org/signpost #hiking #backpacking #watrails #PNW

Being courteous of all trail users is one of the best ways to ensure that everyone has a good time.

u Let faster hikers pass.

u Step completely off the trail when taking a break.

u Give horseback riders and mountain bikers plenty of room to pass.

u Use headphones when listening to music.

Dog Hikers:

u Keep your pup leashed to respect other hikers and protect wildlife.

u Pack out or bury your pup’s waste; don’t leave poop bags in your wake.

Often, the best things you can do are the simplest: smile, be friendly and give others the benefit of the doubt. You might make a friend along the way.

Pacific Crest Trail@PCTAssociation

Following

Thanks to our friends at the PCTA for their recent shout-out to WTA's Signpost blog. Add Signpost to your feed for trail updates, hiking news, WTA events and more.


WTA AT WORKProgram News

JOIN WTA's BOARD Would you like to help shape the future of Washington Trails Association? WTA is seeking candidates to serve on its board of directors. WTA’s board helps set the strategic direction of the organization, and board members act as WTA ambassadors at sponsored events and in the recreation and environmental communities. A two-year term includes participation in six annual meetings, committee work and an annual retreat. Leadership and volunteer experience desired; residents of communities outside the Puget Sound region are encouraged to apply.

Please submit resume and letter of interest to [email protected] by March 31, 2015.

King County Trail System Expanding PUGET SOUND – If you live or work in King County, you have access to King County Parks’ “big backyard” and its 180 miles of backcountry trails. WTA volunteers are at the forefront of new projects to expand this backyard for hiking, trail running, mountain biking and horseback riding, thanks to a long-time partnership with King County Parks and to King County voters, who approved a 6-year parks levy in 2013.

King County is now one of the fastest-growing counties in the country. With more people wanting to get outside close to home, none of these projects will come too soon.

Last summer, WTA volunteers broke ground on newly protected land on Squak Mountain (south of Issaquah) that had been slated for logging and development. WTA volunteers—youth and adults alike—have invested 5,800 hours so far toward establishing a new trail system here; other groups, including the Issaquah Alps Trails Club, are lending a hand too. Hikers can expect the area to open to the public later this year.

Squak Mountain is just one of several King County sites where WTA is working to help build new trails that are accessible year-round. Others include Grand Ridge, where construction is just getting underway on a new water tower loop trail, Moss Lake, O’Grady/Green River Natural Area, Pinnacle Peak, Spring Lake/Lake Desire and Taylor Mountain.

Spring is a great time to get out and give back to help make these new local trails a reality. To get involved, visit wta.org/volunteer.

WTA volunteers show off a new switchback they built on Squak Mountain, one of several new trail projects underway with King County Parks. Photo by Mike Hardy.

APRIL IS Earth MonthEvery day is Earth Day at WTA, but in April we join more than one billion people worldwide to participate in Earth Month. You can be part of the monthlong celebration by volunteering on a trail near you. Join a WTA work party near Spokane, Vancouver, Bellingham or Seattle and give back; no prior experience is necessary. WTA welcomes volunteers 10 years of age and older, though those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. See you on the trail!

Sign up at wta.org/volunteer.


WTA is thrilled to announce that we have received a generous $30,000 grant from REI for trail work in 2015, a $5,000 increase over their 2014 support. From frontcountry trails near Bellingham, Vancouver and Spokane, to popular trails in the I-90 corridor, funds from REI will help keep your favorite trails in great shape. REI provides grants to select nonprofits that increase access to and care for the outdoor places where their members play. They’ve increased

their investment in WTA in recognition of our efforts to make trail maintenance a fun and safe way to give back to trails.

Thank you, REI, for helping WTA build the largest volunteer trail maintenance program in the nation!

WTA’s Next Gen I had a great time

working with WTA

recently and was

impressed with

how enthusiastic

my students

were. I was excited that my school

sent us out with WTA because my

grandmother was Louise Marshall,

who founded WTA so long ago. As a

kid I did not have a clear idea of what

it was she had actually started. This

was my first volunteer experience

with that same organization I saw

in action in her red barn in the early

1980s. Thank you for being out there

continuing that work! The more I

have learned about my family, the

more I have come to feel a personal

obligation to enjoy and respect

where we live. It makes me love my

backcountry upbringing even more.

So thank you, WTA, for bringing

countless youth into contact with the

beautiful outdoors. It has inspired me

to start doing even more for our trails.

— Emma Ferguson

After working with volunteers from Anacortes High School, crew leader Mike Bellis felt “hopeful and energized, knowing that a new generation of stewards are ready to maintain sustainable access to the public lands we all cherish.” Read more about Mike on page 20. Photo by Mike Bellis.


“It was pretty incredible to see my design on all those hikers’ shirts! It made me feel more a part of the WTA community and proud to support Hike-a-Thon.”

– Keith McDaniel, 2014 Design Winner

WTA'sDesign a

THERE'S A TRAIL IN THERE? This year, winter storms have taken a heavy toll on the Duckabush Trail in the Brothers Wilderness. Hundreds of trees, many weakened in the 2011 Big Hump Fire, have toppled. This has caused extensive tread damage between Big Hump and 5 Mile Camp. WTA volunteers, already a regular sight on this trail, are gearing up to respond. The first of four Backcountry Response Teams will head up the trail in late March.

Phot

o by

Mas

on W

hite

Like many hikers, Rao Remala first discovered WTA through our website and he relied on trip reports to plan his trips. When he learned of WTA’s role in building and maintaining trails, he was inspired to join WTA’s Fireside Leadership Circle. Today, he proudly proclaims, “I would encourage anyone who wants to keep trails accessible for themselves and others to join me in contributing to WTA.”

Thank you, Rao, for your outstanding support!

WTA’s Fireside Leadership Circle honors those individuals who give $2,500 or more annually to WTA. For information, visit wta.org/fireside or call Kate Neville at (206) 625-1367.

WTA has proudly joined the Child-hood Obesity Prevention Coalition. The coalition works to reduce child-hood obesity in Washington state by “making the healthy choice the easy choice.” A key campaign outcome that WTA wholeheartedly supports is making it easier for families to be part of an active community.

Learn more at copcwa.org.

WTA's 12th annual Hike-a-Thon is just around the corner. We’re looking for a creative new design for this year’s event, and once again, we’re looking to you!

Create a unique poster design for Hike-a-Thon that sums up why Washington’s trails are worth hiking and protecting. The winning artist will get this year’s bragging rights—and receive a brand new backpack!

Visit wta.org/poster

“Trails take work to keep in good shape. And that work isn’t easy.”


REDISCOVER THE SUIATTLE:

Trail Work UpdateMOUNTAIN LOOP – The Suiattle River Road, a key access road into the heart of the Glacier Peak Wilderness, reopened to hikers in October 2014 after 11 years of closures. This long-awaited opening restores access to iconic hiking destinations like the historic Green Mountain Lookout and one of the most dramatic sections of the entire Pacific Crest Trail.

After more than a decade of neglect, the trails may be in rough and rugged conditions this season. But plans are already underway to begin restoring the area's trails and facilities to their former glory. WTA is working closely with the Darrington Ranger District and the Pacific Crest Trail Association, with help from Back Country Horsemen of Washington, to prioritize trail maintenance projects for 2015.

The ranger district is counting on WTA volunteers to complete much of this year’s work. In April, WTA work parties will clear downed trees, cut back brush and restore rough tread on trails like Huckleberry Mountain and Green Mountain. In May, Backcountry Response Teams expect to head up Downey Creek and the Suiattle River. By late June, the first of three planned WTA Volunteer Vacations—including one just for high school students—will tend to a key stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Inspired to help hikers rediscover the Suiattle? You can volunteer for a day, a weekend or an entire week; no experience is necessary. Registration is now open for upcoming Volunteer Vacations and Backcountry Response Team trips; registration for day work parties begins six weeks in advance.

Visit wta.org/volunteer to learn more and sign up.

WTA anticipates a busy season of trail work with the Darrington Ranger District to restore trails in the Glacier Peak Wilderness after a decade of neglect due to the closure of the Suiattle River Road. Photo by Norm Buckley.


TRAIL NEWSHiking Across WA New Study Highlights

the Economic Benefits of Outdoor RecreationOLYMPIA – A recent study shows that outdoor recreation is a vital economic driver in Washington, generating $21.6 billion a year and supporting almost 200,000 jobs—more than employers in either information technology or the aerospace industry. The study, prepared for the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office by Earth Economics, at the direction of the Legislature led by Sen. Kevin Ranker, is the first comprehensive analysis of the recreation economy in Washington. It offers economic impact data by geography, county and activity.

“It’s no secret that we live in the most beautiful state in the union and that Washington’s natural splendor is an enormous economic generator,” says Sen. Ranker. “Until now, however, we didn’t fully understand just how powerful an economic force outdoor recreation is. We must not only continue to invest in the protection of our great outdoors, we must support and invest in the hundreds of thousands of jobs that depend upon it.”

The report is packed full of interesting data about our collective outdoor habits (e.g., Washingtonians spend, on average, 56 days a year playing outdoors) and how our outdoor play time helps connect urban and rural communities while bolstering the economy.

The study also makes a strong case for creating more sustainable funding for local, state and federal public lands. The vast majority of outdoor recreation in Washington happens on public lands, so it makes good economic sense to keep these resources healthy and accessible while investing in the creation of new recreation opportunities.

“Folks in Washington know that outdoor recreation—hiking, camping and snowshoeing—is a big part of our lives; this report goes a step further to show how important outdoor recreation is not just for people, but for our state’s economy,” says Karen Daubert, executive director at WTA. “All of that economic activity is dependent upon a healthy, well-managed system of trails and other recreation facilities on public lands. By investing in the outdoors, it not only pays dividends for our state’s fiscal heath but ensures that the next generation of hikers have the opportunity to experience what makes Washington so special as well.”

The report supports the work of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Parks and Outdoor Recreation, which recommended 12 actions to be taken in the near future to increase participation in outdoor recreation and the resulting social and economic benefits.

PARK UPDATEs:

Parks Look to Increase Fees

WASHINGTON D.C. – A few months ago, National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis authorized national parks across the country—including Mount Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades—to increase and modify fees. Fees charged by national parks are allowed under the same law (the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act) that authorizes national forests to collect recreation fees via passes such as the Northwest Forest Pass. The last time the national parks increased visitor fees was in 2006.

Fees collected within national parks, such as those that you pay at entrance stations, campgrounds and with backcountry permits, go directly to projects that keep the parks running—and at least 80% of those fees stay at the very park they were collected at. The projects funded by fee revenues include trail and road maintenance, wilderness information services, visitor facilities, campgrounds and interpretive exhibits.

What does this fee increase mean for park visitors? It means a few more dollars to get into your favorite national parks, as well as a moderate increase in campsite fees, and, in some cases, an increase in wilderness permit fees. It is hoped that these increases will help reduce the current maintenance backlogs.

Until Congress provides adequate funding to national parks, WTA understands and supports the need for increased fees—but we also believe that this increase in revenue comes with a responsibility to ensure that the needs of all users of the national parks are being considered.

WTA will continue our efforts to advocate for sustainable funding for national parks and forests. For more information, visit wta.org.

$21.6 Billion Spent in WaShington on recreation tripS and equipment annually.

199,000 Jobs direct and indirect jobS Supported in WaShington.

$2 Billion local and State taxeS collected.

$4.6 Billion generated by out-of-State viSitorS. for every dollar Spent, $1.36 iS generated.

Phot

o by

Eli

Bosc

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Photo by Roxanne Eve

Cascade - $2,500-$9,999Olympic - $10,000-$24,999

We extend our thanks to WTA’s Corporate Partners

Rainier - $25,000+

Alpine - $1,000-$2,499 Hilleberg • Seven Hills Running Shop Cascade Crest 100-mile Endurance Run

To find out how your company can support WTA’s work for trails, please call us at (206) 625-1367 or email [email protected].

PMS 3405 C C100 M0 Y83 K0R0 G166 B104

PMS 375 C C46 M0 Y100 K0R151 G202 B61

PMS 7734 C C83 M38 Y82 K31R40 G96 B64

Supporting More Women in Outdoor Leadership Roles SEATTLE – In January, Jerry Stritzke, CEO and president of REI, and 13 other industry CEOs (including Washington-based Outdoor Research) made headlines by signing onto a pledge to accelerate women’s leadership in their companies. In addition to the pledge, developed by the Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC), Stritzke announced a $1.5 million grant to “spark innovation and mentor women entrepreneurs” in the outdoor industry.

While industry CEOs are working to build the ranks of women in their companies, Washington Trails Association continues to forge a larger place for women leaders on the trails of Washington and beyond.

The long history of women in leadership at WTA goes back to our founder, hiking guide author Louise Marshall. Nearly 50 years later, we continue to count extraordinary women among the ranks of our board, office staff, field crew and volunteer leaders. But there’s still a lot of work to do to move the needle on the gender gap in outdoor professions, from environmental scientists to wilderness rangers.

From our women-only Backcountry Response Team trips to creating empowering outdoor experiences for young women with girls-only Youth Volunteer Vacations, WTA hopes to help foster the trail skills, leadership and mentoring community essential for a healthier gender balance in outdoor professions.


Rescuers survey the safest route to ascend Infinite Bliss on Garfield Mountain. Photo by Bree Loewen


or Josh Hancock, 31, there was never a reason to suspect that his daytrip to Alpental would end any differently

than the dozens of excursions he’d done before. It was an ordinary Wednesday, and the environmental consultant was taking a day off work with his climbing partner, Kjel. The weather was beautiful and the climbing conditions were favorable—it should have been a fun day away from the office and enjoying the great outdoors. Instead, it was one of the scariest days of Hancock’s life.

The two friends hiked 3 snowy miles toward Kiddie Cliff and a spectacular frozen waterfall that was perfect for ice climbing. An experienced climber, Hancock should have had no problem reaching the top. But as he hefted himself over the final ledge with his weight on the rope, the unexpected happened: his anchor failed. Hancock fell 35 feet to the frozen creek below, slid across the ice and lay motionless on the ground. When he regained consciousness, he couldn't feel his legs.

After doing what he could to stabilize his friend, Kjel went for help. Four hours and what seemed like an eternity later, that help arrived in the form of five search and rescue volunteers. They had bags full of medical supplies and radios to call for a helicopter—and they were the closest thing to angels that Hancock had ever seen.

If search and rescue had saved only one life last year, theirs would still be an inspiring story. But in 2014, the work they did to save Hancock was repeated more than 130 times in King County alone and more than 800 times statewide.

Despite the large number of hikers, climbers, skiers and bikers they help each year, most people know very little about the elite group behind the heroics. Members of search and rescue aren’t publicity hounds; they don’t seek attention for their service. But you can bet there’s a lot to learn about these people who treat injuries, offer comfort and save lives.

Gaining a better appreciation for search and rescue can make you a safer and more confident hiker. After all, at some point, you—like Hancock—might be the one in need of help. And in that moment, your knowledge of who to call, when to expect help and what to do while you wait could just save your life.

By Cassandra Overby


When it comes to getting outdoor enthusiasts out of sticky situations, search and rescue is the one to call for help. But what exactly is search and rescue? It’s an elite group of volunteers that’s attached to the sheriff’s office in each county and goes where regular EMS can’t. Its members find lost people, treat injured parties and assist them in getting back to civilization safely. Because they are volunteers, no one gets paid and the group doesn’t charge for its services. (Yes, you read that right. It’s free.) Instead, search and rescue is funded by grants, generous companies, grateful individuals and a limited amount of taxpayer money.

Based on the very technical rescues they mastermind, you’d never know that most search and rescue personnel are, by day, software engineers, teachers, writers and stay-at-home moms. But don’t let their day jobs fool you. When it comes to being professional rescuers, there’s no one better for the job. That’s because these volunteers go through a minimum of 164 hours of rigorous training in map and compass navigation, outdoor survival and first aid, often during the harshest weather conditions to simulate actual rescues. And that’s just to become state certified as a “ground pounder.” Many individuals join specialty units once their state certification is complete. King County

alone has eight such units, including horseback, K-9, 4x4 and ski patrol teams, each with their own additional training requirements and practice hours. Snohomish County even has a helicopter team.

Volunteers are drawn to search and rescue for many reasons. For some, it’s the opportunity to learn advanced outdoors skills. For others, it’s a physical escape from a sedentary day job. A surprising number of volunteers get involved in the organization as a way to give back after being rescued themselves.

Regardless of the many reasons they’re initially drawn to the organization, search and rescue volunteers have one big thing in common: they love helping people. It’s their passion, their reason for being. It’s why they buy their own gear for missions, drive their own personal vehicles to rescues and spend their own money on the gas necessary to do so. For them, going where EMS can’t—and finding lost people, treating injured parties and assisting them in getting back to civilization safely—isn’t an inconvenience. It’s a privilege.

Yana Radenska, who volunteers with both WTA and search and rescue, says it best: “There’s nothing we’d rather be doing.”

Drew FletcherSEATTLE MTN RESCUE

I got attracted to search and rescue when I got injured very badly. I told myself, ‘as soon as I recover from this, I think I’m going to join these guys.’

Q: Who can call for search and rescue’s help?

A: Anyone!

Q: How do I call them?

A: Activate your SPOT or personal locator beacon in an emergency, or call 911.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: It’s free!

Q: What if I have an animal with me?

A: Search and rescue can sometimes help an animal that’s with an injured human. But they don’t assist injured animals. For that, try WASART at (425) 681-5498.

Q: How can I help out?

A: Check out wta.org/helpsar to join their ranks or donate money.

Meet the Heroes

Essential Information

Steve AllenSEATTLE MTN RESCUE

The most addictive thing is when you’ve been personally involved in saving someone’s life. That’s an incredible rush.

Yana RadenskaSNOHOMISH COUNTY HELICOPTER RESCUE TEAM

With mountain rescue you touch more lives than you could ever possibly imagine. I’ve found that to be true over and over again.


Learn the Anatomy of a RescueAll of the time and effort that search and rescue volunteers dedicate to training is put to the test when an emergency call comes in. In King County, that happens an average of once every three days. Although each rescue varies based on the location and situation of the person in trouble, a general procedure is usually followed. Knowing what’s going on behind the scenes of a rescue can be helpful, especially if you’re the one waiting for help—anxiously wondering what’s taking so long.

0:00

0:01

0:05

0:10

0:45

1:00

1:30

2:00

3:00

3:30

SPOT or PLB activated; call to 911

Call routed to nearest 911 operator

911 operator assesses situation; contacts SAR at local sheriff’s office

SAR deputy assesses situation and decides on course of action; immediate response for

injured hikers; SAR team contacted

SAR team assembles at meeting place; if enough team members show up,

rescue mission will commence

A “hasty” team is dispatched to find the victim while the rest of the SAR operation is organized

While the “hasty” team is searching, the remaining SAR teams are deployed

The “hasty” team reaches the victim

The remaining SAR teams reach the victim

Operation leader decides the best way to evacuate the victim from the location

The victim is taken to the hospital

SAR teams return to trailhead or command center for mission debrief

Did you Know ...ß The SAR page that goes out is usually 1-2 lines of text summarizing the situation and the meeting place. Ex: 30-year-old female with broken ankle. Meet at Little Si trailhead.

ß Each command vehicle is self-sufficient and stocked with everything its occupants might need for 48 hours, from power to food to water.

ß Most SAR volunteers keep their personal mission gear in their vehicles and leave wherever they are within 5 minutes of being paged.

ß SAR volunteers are not allowed to use sirens or exceed the speed limit when on their way to a call.

ß As the name implies, the “hasty” team is responsible for getting to the victim as soon as possible. These SAR volunteers carry minimal gear—sometimes just warm clothes and a medical kit. Their goal is to scout the location, stabilize the victim and communicate the situation thoroughly to the rest of the SAR team.

ß Special permission is required to fly a helicopter into designated wilderness areas. If a helicopter evacuation is necessary, that permission is obtained (quickly) from the U.S. Forest Service.

ß Packing someone out on a litter is an arduous process. Because it’s so tiring, packers frequently switch out with each other for breaks. Also, sometimes they must construct special rigging to get the litter down a particularly steep or otherwise dangerous section of trail. Because of all of this, the typical speed of a team packing out a litter with an injured person is 1 mph.

ß Once the injured person is in the ambulance, their care is transferred from search and rescue to EMS.

PHOTOS: Opposite: Seattle Mountain Rescue crew on a training day in North Bend; A rescuer being lowered over Snoqualmie Falls; photos by Bree Loewen; Above: Rope rescue training near Mount Persis; photo by Yana Radenska

For SPOT, alarm and coordinates routed to SPOT call center; for PLB, alarm and coordinates routed to U.S. Air Force. Based on the location of the victim’s coordinates, they figure out which authority to call

Victim’s GPS coordinates and any other known info shared with search and rescue deputy.

For missing hikers, the deputy might wait a little longer for the person to show up, depending on how long they’ve been overdue, or check the trailhead for the hiker’s car.

For injured hikers, some-one from the SAR team is asked or volunteers to pick up the command vehicle and group equipment (litter, radios, etc.) from the unit’s headquarters.

If not enough SAR members or teams arrive on site for a safe rescue mission, a second round of pages will go out.

If the victim is evacuated by litter, they exit to the nearest road to meet an ambulance; if road conditions are unfavorable, they meet a 4x4, which then transports the victim to an ambulance.

If the terrain prohibits a safe evacuation, or the situation is dire, the victim is evacuated by helicopter.

This timeline represents a best-case scenario of a mountain rescue operation. Rescue times can vary significantly depending on terrain, weather and other factors that can make rescue operations more challenging and take longer.


Help Them Help YouBeing saved by search and rescue is probably one thing that’s not on your hiking bucket list. And while you can’t control everything in life—after all, sometimes things like equipment failure just happen—there is a lot you can do to keep yourself safe on trail. This includes being well-prepared before you go on an adventure, knowing how to make good choices while you hike and understanding what you should do if you get into trouble.

Before You Go 1. TEST YOUR LAYERS “One of the best things you can do before you go on an adventure is to test your layers and see if you’ve packed enough,” says SAR volunteer Yana Radenska. Before your next hike, put on everything in your daypack, from your mid-layer to your spare gloves, then just sit outside and do nothing. Notice how quickly you get cold. This simulates being injured and waiting for rescue. Now add rain and overnight factors. Chances are you should consider adding more layers to your pack.

2. LEAVE A DETAILED ITINERARY The next thing you can do to avoid meeting search and rescue on trail is to leave a detailed itinerary of your hike with an emergency contact. Be sure to include information about yourself (including any medications), the trail you'll be hiking and your expected time of return. You can download a printable itinerary form at wta.org/itinerary, or create your own.

3. HAVE A WAY TO CALL FOR HELP It’s also important to have a way to call for help if you get lost or injured on trail. Doing so can alert authorities much sooner than waiting for your emergency contact to respond. There are several devices to choose from. Some rely on cell phones, while others choose to go with a SPOT device or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).

Which Tech to Take?1. Cell Phone } Activated when you call 911; routed to proper authorities; works wherever there is cell service; no extra charges. } If you don’t have service, it won’t do you much good.

2. SPOT Satellite Messenger } Routed to private call center, then to proper authorities; works globally; service includes rescue insurance. } Pay unit cost ($150) and annual subscription fee. } Send non-emergency updates and signals. } Needs clear view of the sky to function; sometimes

signals don’t always go through, so contacts might worry.

3. Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) } Routed to military center, then to proper authorities; works globally but devices need reprogramming outside the U.S. } Only pay unit cost ($280); no subscription fee. } Strongest alert signal among all devices; 5-year battery.

4. No specific similarities

5. Send updates and messages; rechargeable, replaceable batteries.

6. Press panic button and an emergency signal is sent.

7. Authorities can locate you by your GPS coordinates.

PRO TIP: Don’t want to notify your emergency contact every time you go for a hike? Check out the Bugle app. It allows you to create an activity itinerary, as well as set a panic time. If you don't return on time, the app will automatically alert your emergency contact.

Helicopters are invaluable for inserting rescuers into remote locations, as well as for searching from the air and extracting and transporting injured subjects. Photo by Yana Radenska


Make Good Decisions on TrailThere is an art to knowing when to help yourself and when to ask for help. Being proactive is key. That’s because the easiest time to help yourself is before you get into trouble, by making good decisions on trail. Sometimes that means staying away from the edge of a cliff. Sometimes that means drinking enough water. And sometimes that means turning around, especially if you’re exhausted or it’s getting dark or you’ve run out of food. But what do you do when, despite your best intentions, things start to get a little iffy?

Even if you do everything right, from planning thoroughly to making good choices on trail, there might come a day when you, like Hancock, need help. After all, there are risks inherent in enjoying the outdoors—the unpredictability and the wildness of being in the great unknown are the very things that draw us there.

The answer isn’t to give up what you love, to stop hiking or trade in your boots for a remote control. Because you can get hurt doing anything in life, and that includes

Waiting for a RescueEven if you do end up needing to be rescued, there is still plenty you can do once you make your emergency call to help search and rescue help you. The most important things focus around staying safe, staying warm and staying visible.

Stay Safe u Stay in the same location where

you sounded your alarm.

u Shelter yourself from the elements as best you can.

u Mentally prepare to be outside for a couple of hours, perhaps longer.

Stay Warm u Put on all of your warm clothes.

u Eat a snack.

u If you’re able to do so safely, move your body.

u If you’re incapacitated, you can still do isometric muscle contractions to generate heat. If you’re on the ground, try tensing and holding your stomach muscles for several seconds at a time.

Stay Visible u Put on something bright.

u If you hear voices or a helicopter, yell.

u Signal a helicopter by waving items like a shirt or tarp, or set your headlamp to blinking mode. If your headlamp doesn’t have a blinking mode, move your hand in front of the light to simulate blinking.

I'M INJUREDMY FRIENDIS INJURED

I'M LOSTAre you in

a safe place?

YES

NO

Get to the safest place

you can

STAY PUT!And while you wait to

be rescued ...

Assess your situation and skills as calmly as

possible

Can you safely and reasonably help

yourself or your friend?

YES

NOIT’S FREE!*

NO, BUT I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY FOR A RESCUE*

Self-rescue. Call SAR if the situation changes

Call for help: Activate SPOT, PLB or call 911

Want to help search and rescue? Visit wta.org/helpsar for info on donating or joining their ranks.

PRO TIP: When in doubt, call for help. Search and rescue would much rather have an easy mission and see you on your way—happy and healthy—than have to plan a more dangerous mission (for you and them) later. Be smart, not shy. Call for help.

*National parks sometimes contract with private SAR services that may charge a fee. But wouldn't you rather live?

sitting all day. The answer isn’t to focus on everything bad that could happen out there either. It’s to recreate responsibly—and to appreciate that you have experienced, wonderful, highly trained search and rescue volunteers on your side.

So keep yourself safe out there. Better yet, help keep others safe too by supporting search and rescue. Being a trail angel is as easy as donating your spare change or volunteering your spare time. And the life you help save might just be your own.

This article focuses on volunteer search and rescue, which is the vast majority of the group's personnel. A limited number of search and rescue positions are taxpayer funded; in many counties, there is one paid staff member to dozens (or even hundreds) of volunteers. Larger counties may have more.


“�The teamwork, the challenges, the resourcefulness and the ‘roughing it’ brought me back to WTA year after year.”

Young people are some of WTA’s most active volunteers. In addition to taking a full course load during her senior

year of high school, Kyra Faulstich was active in various clubs, applied (and was accepted) to Willamette University and was one of WTA’s 2013 youth ambassadors. Yet even with a crowded schedule, she completed 50 days of trail work before leaving for college and earned a personalized hand saw in recognition of reaching this impressive milestone.

When you’re out hiking your favorite trails, you might think there’s an army of forest professionals and environmental engineers meticulously crafting these scenic routes through Washington’s

old-growth forests and high mountain passes. But most of these trails are constructed and maintained by volunteers from all walks of life, from students to professionals to retirees—the majority of whom have no prior trail-building experience. In this era of declining public funding, WTA trail volunteers are relied upon more than ever to help keep trails open and hikable. Consider a few of the following examples, then think about what you can bring to—and learn from—pitching in on Washington’s trails.

Since moving on to Willamette, she’s found that her experience with WTA has helped her in several ways. “I am currently taking an ecology, evolution and diversity class and was astounded when I realized just how much I already knew about old-growth forests and plant diversity around the Pacific Northwest—all knowledge I acquired on trail!”

Experience working with teams is something else Faulstich acquired on trail. “The teamwork, the challenges, the resourcefulness and the ‘roughing it’ brought me back to WTA year after year.” That experience is essential now that she is an EMT and part of the Willamette Emergency Medical Services team. “[Volunteering with WTA] is where I learned how to work with a team while being mindful of safety hazards, always aware of the people around me and what they are doing. It’s exactly what I apply to treating a patient when working with other responders. You have to work with other people and be attentive to not only your safety and comfort but theirs as well.”

By Anna Roth


Like Faulstich, you can develop skills and expand your knowledge of the natural world as you build great trails each time you volunteer. It’s easy to join us. WTA hosts work parties year-round, so sign up for one today!

“�I was just so amazed at the before-and-after comparison—the new trail looked like it had always been like that!”

Employers like Boeing, Amazon and Microsoft bring a huge influx of new graduates to Washington, many of

whom are drawn to our great outdoors. You’re likely to meet multiple engineers on one work party, where their technical expertise and attention to detail help us create and maintain long-lasting trails.

As a former racecar builder and a current Boeing employee, Jen Dotrong had a solid base of technical knowledge and a familiarity with tools that made volunteering a natural fit for her. Her first work party involved a 40-foot reroute of the Iron Creek Loop around a huge fallen tree, a project that got her engineer’s stamp of approval. “I was just so amazed at the before-and-after comparison—the new trail looked like it had always been like that!”

Dotrong was impressed by how much work goes into keeping trails looking good. “I hiked on WTA-maintained trails all the time but never realized how much work goes

into maintaining them. I now have a great appreciation for the hard work volunteers put into making Washington’s hiking trails usable.” Work parties give her a feeling of accomplishment and the chance to get her hands dirty after a week of sitting in a cubicle, but she’s decided the best thing about them is “the awesome people I meet every time.” Dotrong says each work party brings new insight from these awesome folks. “I’ve gleaned a ton of hiking, camping, backpacking and life advice from [other volunteers] who have way more experience than I do.”

Engineers all over Washington get their hands dirty with WTA every weekend. If you’re in need of a ride to a work party, just join our carpool list when you sign up. You may get some great tips on volunteering on the way to the trailhead.

“�I am humbled to see how a love for our natural world brings us all together.”

Like engineers, office workers find great satisfaction in volunteering with WTA. During the week, these

professionals have their heads in the cloud. Email, meetings and online collaboration rule their day jobs, so they join our work parties to keep their feet on the ground.

As a veterinary practice manager, Mike Bellis’ typical day might include leading a staff meeting or negotiating a major purchase of lab equipment, but he’s happy to help others wherever he’s needed. That willingness to lend a

JenDotrong

Engineer / Trail Grubber

KyraFaulstichStudent / Rock Worker


hand shined through in 2010 when he volunteered for the first time with WTA at Larrabee State Park. His crew needed to get buckets of dirt down a steep hillside, so Bellis helped construct a zipline system that saved the crew time and energy.

Bellis returned to volunteer, and as he gained more experience, his hard work and leadership skills caught the eye of WTA crew leaders. “[Bellis] has a knack for making those around him feel included in decision-making and how tasks are carried out,” says Arlen Bogaards, WTA’s northwest regional manager. Bogaards soon invited Bellis to become an assistant crew leader, then a chief crew leader, directing projects like the one he participated on during his very first work party.

Bellis enjoys working with new volunteers. “Our work parties draw people from so many walks of life, and I am humbled to see how a love for our natural world brings us all together. But let’s be honest: convincing anyone to dig in the dirt for an entire day doesn’t just happen because you hand them a grub hoe or a shovel. As a crew leader, I definitely utilize all the soft skills I have developed as a manager.”

Feeling foggy from the cloud? Clear your head with a dose of nature by joining a work party. Wherever you’re located, log-out of your email and join us. We’ll train you to log out a trail.

“�Trails are works in progress. Just like medical research, they are never finished.”

Washington is home to some of the best medical facilities in the nation. With hospitals like the University of Washington

Medical Center in Seattle, Providence Sacred Heart in Spokane and PeaceHealth Southwest in Vancouver, you’re likely to run into at least one medical professional on a work party, taking in nature’s good medicine.

When Maxwell Krem, MD joined his first work party at Mailbox Peak in 2012, he discovered that medical research and trail building have a lot in common. In both disciplines, projects can take months or years to complete, end results are not always predictable from the outset and the work done along the way provides many opportunities to learn and improve. For Krem, the learning involved in trail work has the added benefit of being helpful in everyday life too. “My son and I fixed a leaky window well at my mother’s house using techniques I learned on work parties.”

But the skills learned on trail are only part of why he loves to volunteer. “Trails are works in progress. Just like medical research, they are never finished. [Volunteering is about] the joy of giving back to trails and meeting all the wonderful people who volunteer with WTA, from my state park rangers to volunteers who have been with WTA since the beginning of the work party program.”

For medical professionals, one of the best things about WTA is our safety record, so you can feel secure when you volunteer with us. Krem says it best: “Rule #1 of work parties is safety. My medical experience hasn’t been required, thanks to that rule!”

The three rules on a WTA work party are: 1) Stay safe. 2) Have

MikeBellis

Manager / Log Prepper

MaxwellKrem

MD / Structure Builder


Sign up at wta.org/volunteer

WTA is launching a new series of youth and family work parties in March. Parents and kids alike can have some good muddy fun on a trail in King County, with a family-friendly 9:30 am start.

l March 14: Grand Ridge Trail l April 11: Grand Ridge Traill May 9: Grand Ridge Trail l June 6: Nat'l Trails Day! Squak Mtn

fun. 3) Get some work done. Come out and see for yourself just how much fun a day of volunteering can be.

“[Trail work] promotes good body mechanics and it’s great exercise in the outdoors.”

WTA work parties aren’t just for current professionals. We also have a dedicated contingent of retired volunteers

who appreciate the physical benefits of trail work, as well as the sense of community and continuous learning that work parties afford. These people have made volunteering a second career, working with a common goal to keep Washington’s trails open and usable for years to come.

As a former physical therapist, Gerry Chambers understands the importance of regular activity in maintaining a happy and healthy life—it’s one of the reasons that she signed up to volunteer on the Wagon Road Trail in 2007, after a friend mentioned how much her husband enjoyed volunteering with WTA. After one day of trail clearing and brushing, Chambers was hooked. “[Trail work] promotes good body mechanics and it’s great exercise in the outdoors.”

But it’s not just the physical activity that she has come to appreciate about trail work—it’s the people. “The camaraderie is great, the people are interesting, and I learn so much.”

Chambers has worked on a lot of projects since that first day on the Wagon Road Trail (89 and counting) and she plans to continue volunteering for as long as she can. The physical activity, sense of community and feeling of accomplishment are strong incentives to keep coming back. “There’s a great sense of satisfaction when you’re working on a project together, and I love that on every work party the leader treats everyone with respect, inclusiveness and encouragement.”

The community of retired volunteers who join WTA work parties is a strong one, with many friendships and

connections made while digging a trench, improving tread or transplanting ferns. Join us on trail during the week to meet one of these dedicated folks.

These examples are just the tip of the crosscut. Whatever your background—from grocery store clerk to business executive—WTA offers the training and tools you need to make a difference. So join a work party and pitch in on a trail near you. Then strike up a conversation with your crewmate. You might find yourself building a new trail with a pizza maker or sawing out a downed tree with a financial broker. No matter your profession or how often you can participate, there’s a place for you on an upcoming trail work party.

GerryChambers

Retiree / Trail Grubber


AN INTRODUCTION TO LONG-DISTANCE HIKING }}}

So, you’re a frequent hiker, and you

even try to get in a few weekend

backpacks every summer. But that

book you recently read or photo you

saw now has you interested in taking it

up a notch. After all, “If they can do it, I

can do it.” But before you run out and try

to join hiking’s varsity squad, you need

to be prepared.

One of the biggest misconceptions about long-distance hikes is that they are just like a regular backpack, only longer. Yes and no. Unlike a weekender in the Enchantments, a long-distance hike (we’re talking a week minimum to more than a month; up to six months if you’re looking at the entire PCT) is an exercise in endurance and perseverance, both mentally and physically.

But it’s not all about pain and suffering. A long-distance hike offers an exciting opportunity to get away from it all and experience wilderness in a way that shorter trips often don’t allow. If you’re out for just a few days, you often have to turn around and head home just as you’re getting your trail groove on. But a long trip puts you out in big, wide-open nature where your everyday life fades into the background and your only cares become the next mountain view, the next cool water source and the next choice campsite. But in order to pull off a successful long-distance or thru-hike, you need to plan and prepare with a goal in mind but be able to take any curveballs that come your way.

PCT hiker at Rock Pass in the Pasayten Wilderness. Photo by Andy Porter

By Eli Boschetto


MIND OVER MATTERYou don’t need to be an Olympic triathlete to do a long-distance hike. Just about anyone in

good health with moderate fitness can hike a few hundred miles. One of the keys to a successful long-distance hike is being open and flexible enough to deal with whatever nature, or your own body, throws at you. You will get hot; you will get cold; you will get tired; you will get wet; you will get dirty; you will get lonely; you will get bitten by bugs; you may get sunburned; you may get rained on; you may get blisters; you may get hurt; you may get scared; you may cry. While that sounds like a lot of detractions, it is nothing to be ashamed of when it happens—and it will happen. Even the most ardent hikers get discouraged or break down from time to time.

Often, the hardest part of an extended journey is the first week or two. That’s when your legs are fresh (despite how many conditioning hikes you’ve taken), your pack is the heaviest and your end goal is a million miles away. But the only way you’re going to see that far-off wilderness is to put one foot in front of the other and do it. You will quickly find that the panoramic views suddenly make your aches go away, that refreshing drinks from icy streams reenergize you when you’re tired and that freeze-dried stroganoff tastes really good when noshing in a high lake basin with sunset alpenglow lighting up the peaks around you.

plan for successOnce you have identified the long-distance trail you want to hike, you need to start planning.

This involves researching the trail, planning your itinerary, obtaining any necessary permits, identifying potential hiking companions and getting yourself into shape. Depending on the length of your selected trail, and the amount of time you plan on hiking, this can be quite an endeavor—albeit a fun one that will doubtless get you even more excited for your trek.

DO YOUR RESEARCH: The best way to learn about the trail you’re interested in is to study guidebooks and websites and to purchase trail maps, making sure that they cover your entire route. Read blogs of other hikers who have hiked the trail and can offer insights and advice. If the trail has an interest group or forum, try connecting with other hikers for helpful information. If the trail you want to hike requires a permit, know the application dates and deadlines.

Hiking group on Mount Rainier’s Wonderland Trail. Photo by Colleen Ponto


Lighten Your LoadYou don’t need to buy a new set of ultralight gear to go

on a long-distance hike. Cut weight from your regular gear by making just a few adjustments to what you usually carry.

q GEAR: Minimize the number of comfort items you’re packing along, especially electronics that require extra batteries. Choose items that can serve dual purposes: roll up your puffy jacket to serve as a pillow, and use your sleeping pad as a camp chair.

q FOOD: You should not skimp on food to cut weight, but instead choose lightweight foods that still supply the calories you need. Freeze-dried foods are lighter than dehydrated foods and require less water and cooking time to prepare. Repackage all food into ziptop baggies and avoid canned items to minimize trash (and often contain water, which also adds weight).

q WATER: Water is heavy, weighing in at 2.2 pounds per liter. On trail, carry only as much as you need (and a little extra) to get you to the next good water source. Instead of carrying a bulky water filter, opt for Aquamira water treatment drops or chlorine dioxide purification tablets. Both are effective without the icky taste of iodine.

q APPAREL: Pack less clothing. You can get away with as little as one extra set of socks and undergarments. Wear the first set for a few days until you start to get a little stinky, then switch to the other. Rinse out your dirty items in camp and let hang dry on your pack while you hike. Change out again after a few more days. Repeat.

q FOOTWEAR: Most popular long-distance trails are usually well-maintained so you can ditch the heavy mountaineering boots, which will quickly become lead weights on your feet. Choose a pair of light to midweight hikers that provide the support you need and supplement those with good trekking socks and ultralight liners.

q CAMERA: You definitely want to get photos of your adventure, but unless you’re snapping for National Geographic, you can leave the DSLR, extra lenses and tripod at home. Pack along a small bridge camera or just use your smartphone. There are plenty of cool apps for iPhones and Androids that let you get really creative with outdoor photography.

Watch your pack weight. Ditch unnecessary and frivolous additions and carefully

evaluate “luxury items.” Camp towels, pillows and entertainment items are nice to have, but all those creature comforts add up in pounds. Invest in the lightest versions you can find, consider alternate items or forego them altogether.

— Tami AsarsAuthor, Hiking the Wonderland Trail

T he Pacific Crest Trail is a place for personal reflection. I have had incredible experiences with the people

I’ve met along the way. And I have experienced peace and solitude in quiet places and triumph in the physical challenges. It gives the opportunity to escape everyday life and spend time in beautiful wilderness. But an important part of making one’s experience safe and enjoyable is proper preparation. The PCTA provides extensive planning information for new and experienced hikers. Learn how to prepare for the PCT experience of your lifetime.

— Liz BergeronPCTA Executive Director and CEO

PLAN YOUR ITINERARY: Start with how many days you want to be on the trail. If your hike will be over a few weeks, you will likely want to plan pretty specifically; if your hike with be over a few months, you can build in a lot more flexibility. Also consider: known water and camp locations, resupply points, trail conditions for the time of year you’re hiking and “zero” days. You want to plan an itinerary that is reasonable for you (and any companions) to achieve and gets you from start to finish in the time you have available—but still allows you the freedom to stop and photograph the flowers or enjoy a nice lakeside lunch. If you plan too aggressive an itinerary or too many daily miles, your hike will feel more like work than recreation.

GET IN TRAIL SHAPE: Nothing will prepare you for hiking like hiking. Once your itinerary is set and the other logistics are taken care of, start conditioning for your trek. Go out on practice hikes with a full pack. Be sure to add some grinders in there to build strength in your legs. Hit the gym or do a home workout to build back and core strength to help manage your pack weight and improve trail balance. Find the right boot–sock combination and get your feet used to working. By starting your trip physically, as well as mentally, prepared, you will feel much more confident about your endeavor and ready for the challenges ahead.

Pack SMARTPacking for a long-distance hike is much the same as packing for a

weekend hike, with just a little more thoughtfulness about what you want to carry. For a short weekend jaunt, you may be willing to lug a camp chair, bottle of merlot and fresh avocados with you. But after just a few days of starting a multi-week endeavor, you start thinking about every single thing in your pack and how it’s weighing you down.

REDUCE PACK WEIGHT: This doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to buy the latest ultralight hiking gear, cut the handle off your toothbrush and trim away spare inches of pack strapping. Look for ways to trim weight without compromising your comfort and safety, and don't overpack with extra apparel (see sidebar). If you’re going to be hiking a trail that offers resupply locations, take advantage of these to minimize


Hiking Lessons fromYou may have read the book. Perhaps you saw

the movie. If neither, you likely know someone who read the book or saw the movie. Wild is the personal story of a young woman who suffers a dramatic loss in her life and decides that the key to her recovery is to hike the Pacific Crest Trail—a bold decision by someone who has never backpacked before. She buys everything she thinks she needs, leaves everything she knows behind and travels across the country to begin hiking. And then the problems begin. Had the author taken the time to prepare herself for her journey, some of the challenges she faced could have been avoided.

Know Your GearBefore hitting the trail, make sure you’re familiar with your

gear. This can save you from problems and frustrations on the trail, where you don’t have instruction books or (perhaps) anyone around to help you. Rehearse with your gear at home. Set up your tent and learn how the fly goes on. Practice cooking (making sure you have the correct fuel for your stove), filtering water and packing (without overpacking) your bag.

Buy the Right Size BootsYour feet swell when you hike. Combine that with extra-

thick hiking socks over long miles, and your feet are going to protest, most often resulting in cramps, pain and blisters—bad news if you still have several days, or weeks, to go. When selecting your hiking boots, try them on with the socks you plan to wear (including liners) and make sure you have a little “swelling room” by sizing up at least half a size.

Sample and Vary Your MenuNothing can ruin a long-distance trip quicker than poor

menu planning. Sample foods before getting on the trail and choose the ones you’re going to want to eat. Select a variety of foods so you’re not eating the same things every day or two and quickly tiring of some items. Be sure the foods you select are providing the daily calories you need to keep you fueled up and avoiding the “bonk.”

Carry a Map and CompassThere are lots of tech gadgets out there to help get you

from point A to point B, but none should take the place of a good ol’ map and compass. A map will never run low on batteries, and a compass will still function reliably in the cold

or when soaked by rain. Know how to use both to help you identify your location using the area’s topography. This can be invaluable if you wake up and find the trail covered in snow.

Stay HydratedDehydration can happen fast in high mountain elevations

if you don’t drink regularly and can result in problems ranging from annoying to life-threatening. Before setting out, study your map (and any other resources) to learn where your water sources will be. If possible, try to camp near water. If hiking long stretches between water sources, carry extra in a collapsible bladder and keep an “emergency bottle” in reserve.

Be prepared for weatherAlways be prepared for changes in the weather. Carry a hat,

sunglasses and sunscreen for the warm days and rain gear and a pack cover for when the weather goes south. This includes bringing along the appropriate apparel items for layering up and down as temperatures change from morning to afternoon to evening. Keep these items easily accessible if you need to react quickly to sudden weather changes.

Ford a RiverIf you’re required to ford a bridgeless river, take the proper

precautions. Before charging across, scout up and down the river for the safest crossing, which is often where the river is widest and slowest. Keep your boots on (or change into water shoes), and release your pack’s waist and sternum straps in case you need to ditch it quickly if you fall in. It’s better to chase down wet gear than have wet gear drag you down.

Leave No TraceWhenever possible, select established campsites. When not

possible, choose a camp area that will have minimal impact on the landscape, such as a durable surface like dirt, rock or snow. Abide by the rule of 200, keeping your camp, cooking and toilet areas at least 200 feet from trails and water. Always pack out what you pack in, and never throw smoldering items—matches, campfire coals, etc.—into the brush.

ENJOY THE TRIPRemember that while long-distance hiking can be

punishing, it is not punishment. You’re hiking to enjoy the outdoors, breathe the fresh air, and view wild, untamed country. Despite the challenges, every day will have rewards, big and small. You may have to look harder for some, but they’re out there, waiting to be discovered.


Remember that hiking a long-distance trail, such as the PCT, PNT or Wonderland,

is a journey unto itself. The completion of the trail should not come at the expense of your, or others', health and well-being.

Learn how to route-find with a map and compass, and carry maps that

cover a broad area. Consider any applicable smartphone apps for the trail you are hiking, such as the Halfmile app for the PCT or Green Trails’ Wonderland Mapp. Know the alternate routes and roads out to the nearest trailheads in the event of adverse conditions or personal health and safety needs.

Learn the basics of wilderness first aid, including how to prevent and treat

health concerns ranging from blisters and sunburns to muscle strain, hypothermia, tick bites and giardia.

Trust your own gut feeling, whether it pertains to river crossings, impending

weather or the sense of adverse conditions or critters (including people) nearby. Beware of group decision-making. If the way your group is going or the time of day they want to hike doesn’t feel right, do what you would if you were trekking solo or with a loved one. Others may change their direction and follow you—or not.

Consider how fast you hike and how often you take “zero” days when

deciding the duration of your hike. And understand that the exact timing of your hike can be affected by seasonal factors such as snowpack, river crossings and the availability of water.

PCT hikers, especially those covering California and Oregon, should be aware

that there have been more fires and less water available along the trail in recent years. Research which stove to use (if any) to minimize the risk of igniting a forest fire. Determine how much water to carry, along with where to access it, and how to get through long waterless stretches. Do not be dependent on Trail Magic water stashes.

Be safe and have one of the most amazing journeys of your lifetime!

Don’t believe that thru-hikers are superior to [other] hikers. The beauty of backpacking is that there are so many wonderful ways of doing it. Define your own hike: flip-flops, chunk hikes, section hikes, routes, multiple trails, continuous or not; get creative. And redefine your goals as you go, and acknowledge that sometimes goals change over the course of your hike. Allow yourself to grow and learn. Be curious about everything. Discover what brings you joy. The important thing is to get out on the trail.

— Joan “Hemlock” WestPCT section hiker, 2014

your food weight; if you’re going have access to lots of water, carry only what you need to get you from one source to the next, and time your breaks and camps to replenish your supply. Of course, cutting weight is not an excuse to discard essentials. You should still carry all of your Ten Essentials, including rain gear, first aid kit and a water filtration system.

INDULGE A LITTLE: On the flip side, there are some items that you may want to add to your pack that can help you recover from long miles and ensure that you enjoy your trip. Pack along a pair of lightweight camp shoes or sandals so you can let your feet escape your sweaty boots at the end of every hiking day. Carry a supply of treats in your food bag that you get to enjoy as your reward for reaching the next campsite. Yes, you want to watch your pack weight, but you still want to enjoy yourself.

Hike your own hikeFor most hikers, taking an epic long-distance trek is a once-in-a-lifetime

opportunity. Ask yourself what you hope to get out of your adventure, and make that a priority. If you like taking lakeside naps in the afternoons, then work that into your itinerary. If you like photographing wildflowers or identifying trees, then add extra time in your days for that. Don't feel like you need to be one with the crowd and that you’re required to hike a specific number of miles each day. Hiking is not a contest, and you have nothing to prove. Do what’s good for you. After all, you’re doing this for fun, not for punishment. Build in “zero” days to relax at special locations. Send yourself treats and fresh socks in your resupply packages. Carry a small journal for notes and lessons learned along the way. Greet fellow hikers and share experiences and trail beta. Take the ups with the downs, make discoveries and make friends but, above all, enjoy. Only then will you look back on your experience with fondness, as one that was truly worth the effort. è

Joan “Hemlock” West on Glen Pass on the PCT, in California’s Sierra Nevada.


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When planning an epic long-distance trek, there are hundreds of decisions to make when it comes to preparation, choosing a hiking companion, sorting your gear and brushing up on trail skills. Take this quiz to see how ready you are to hit the big trails. If you reach a star («) you can move on to the next stage. When you complete all seven, you’re ready for the bigtime.

Learn MoreThe information offered in this article provides just a brief overview of some of the aspects of planning a long-distance hike. If you are planning an epic trek of your own, it is important that you seek out additional information and resources to help you prepare for and execute a successful trip.

Suggested ReadingThe Backpacker’s Field Manual: A comprehensive Guide to Mastering Backcountry Skills By Rick Curtis

Trail Tested: A Thru-Hiker’s Guide to Ultralight Hiking and Backpacking By Justin Lichter

Ultralight Backpackin’ Tips: 153 Amazing & Inexpensive Tips For Extremely Lightweight Camping By Mike Clelland

Hiking the Wonderland Trail: The Complete Guide to Mount Rainier's Premier Trail By Tami Asars

Yogi’s Pacific Crest Trail Handbook By Jackie McDonnell


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Illustration by Whitney Maass


We've all done it: pushed forward when we should have turned back, overloaded our packs or forgotten an essential.

When hikers make mistakes—and we all make them—those blunders usually teach us important lessons for future hikes—and often become something to laugh about later. But there’s no reason you have to develop your trail skills the hard way.

Learn from the experiences of these hikers who have generously shared lessons they’ve learned the hard way so you don't have to.

I underpacked food for a 4-day trip in the Enchantments. I was ravenous the entire time, and even though I’m a vegetarian the mountain goats started looking tasty!

LESSON: Pack enough food to stay fueled for your whole trip.

— Ingunn Markiewicz

My friend and I hiked down Granite Mountain in the dark because neither of us had packed a headlamp or any other kind of light source, and we hadn’t bothered to check the time of sunset.

LESSON: A head lamp or flashlight is one of the Ten Essentials.

— Louise Kornreich

I went for a dayhike wearing a cotton hoodie. The day started nice, but then it suddenly changed and started raining. By the time I returned, I was soaked and hypothermia started setting in.

LESSON: Wool, and some synthetics, will keep you warm when wet—and check the forecast!

— Christina R.

I tightened my hiking boots too much on a 20-mile dayhike. My feet got so hot, swollen and painful that I wanted to cut them off—figuratively speaking.

LESSON: Size up at least half a size for hiking footwear. Wear durable, breathable socks (liners help too), and don't over-tighten your boots.

— Ernesto Lopez

I was flicking mushrooms off the Mount Pugh Trail with my trekking pole. I came across a big cap in the trail with a few wasps on it and figured I'd flick it out of the way for the next hiker. Too late, I realized there was a nest underneath and suddenly numerous upset wasps were stinging me.

LESSON: Minimize your impact on nature. It may just bite back.

— Ben Lawson

Lessons from THE TRAIL

On a bust of a strenuous trip in the Necklace Valley, my poor pooch had rubbed his paw pads raw, developed blisters between his paw pads and suffered from a muscle strain that he's still getting expensive therapy for. The trip retired him from anything more than easy dayhikes.

LESSON: Consider trail conditions before bringing Fido.

— Ashley Mihle


I started a 10-day Olympics traverse with an 80-pound pack, most of which was food. At the end of the trip I still had more than a quarter of the food I had packed, which kept my pack heavy through the whole trip.

LESSON: Careful menu planning will help you avoid overpacking.

— James L.

I packed more than 60 pounds of camera gear to Tolmie Peak to shoot some sunset photos of Mount Rainier. I reached the top, got all set up and only then realized that I had left all of my memory cards at home on my desk!

LESSON: Make a gear checklist to ensure you don't forget anything. And carry backup memory cards!

— Randall Southam

My dog was carrying my water filter and bottles in his pack when a bull elk crossed the trail—and he was off! I was left with only a small amount of water and no way to purify more. Thankfully my dog was back the next morning.

LESSON: Wildlife encounters are just one of the great reasons to keep Fido on a leash. And keep important items with you.

— Sheryl Schmeling

During a SAR training course in the woods, my partner and I put down our packs and marked them with a bit of flagging. When we went back for our packs in the dark, we couldn't find them, resulting in a cold miserable night in the snow. In the morning we found our packs only 20 feet away.

LESSON: Reflective ties and straps can help you find your gear in the dark.

— David Johnson

The first time I went backpacking with my oldest son, I brought a 5-pound sledgehammer (hanging on the back of my pack) to drive the tent stakes into the ground.

LESSON: Lighten your load. Use a rock.

— Brian Warn

I felt smart about buying cheap bulk gloves from Costco for climbing Mount St. Helens. On the climb I realized I had grabbed two left-handed gloves.

LESSON: Check and test your new gear before heading out on trail.

— Vinay Kulkarni

When I was young, I was approached by a bear in the Yosemite backcountry. Not realizing that I was standing directly under the food bag my dad had hung, I picked up a big stick and pretended I was a tree while the bear paced around me. On the other side of camp my sister screamed, and the bear eventually went away.

LESSON: If approached by a black bear, speak softly and back away slowly. If it shows aggressive behavior to get food, let the bear have what it wants. Report the incident to a ranger.

— Jane GeddesIllustrations by


TRAIL MIXGear Closet

Reorganize: Small ItemsDon’t let your matches or your toothbrush get lost in your pack—give them a home. Here are some of our favorite organizers for everything from toiletries to odds and ends.

TOILETRIES: Tired of trying to squeeze the last bit of ecofriendly shampoo out of too-stiff travel containers? Switch to the ultra-malleable humangear GoToob. The multipack ($22) contains three 2 oz. bottles that are perfect for everything from wilderness wash to contact solution. They also fit nicely inside the Outdoor Research Backcountry Organizer ($30), our favorite ultralight kit that’s heavy on both zippered compartments and handy pockets. (Pro tip: The Backcountry Organizer isn’t just for toiletries. We also used it to organize electronics and camping knickknacks.) For car camping, try the eBags Pack-it-Flat Toiletry Kit ($30). It’s the Cadillac of bags, with an expansion slot, plastic-lined outer compartment (handy for wet items) and hook for hanging.

ODDS AND ENDS: Organizing small essentials like fire-starters and snacks is simple with a new generation of ultralight and ultra-tiny bags. Some, like Sea to Summit Travelling Light Mini Stuff Sacks ($23, perfect for a compact first aid kit) and Granite Gear Air Zippdittys ($15, great for storing undies and socks), are ultra-colorful to keep them from getting lost in your bag and to help you color-code your gear. Others are water-resistant, like Gossamer Gear Ultralight Ditty Bags ($16, Q-Series). But they all have something in common besides their small size—they’re tough. Although they feel as thin as paper, these three bags floated around in our packs for weeks on end and held up incredibly well.

There are many things to love about spring: warmer temperatures, longer days and the sweet promise of another hiking season just around the corner. But before you hit the trail, it’s time for some good old-fashioned spring cleaning.

Don’t know where to start? It’s as easy as one, two, three.

One: Reorganize Two: Refresh Three: Restock

EVALUATE YOUR GEAR:Before you invest in getting organized, do what you can to downsize your existing gear. You’ll shed weight, have less to pack—and less to organize.

n Swap single-use products (ex. toothpaste or dish soap) for ones that do double-duty (try Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Castile Liquid Soap).

n See how long you can wear the same clothes. Just make sure to have the layers you need (see page 37) and do laundry if you start to stink.

n Go technology-free for your hike—and leave all your devices, chargers and cords at home.

n Don’t scrimp on the Ten Essentials.

PACK IT RIGHT:Once you have the right gear, it’s time to group things as efficiently as possible.

n Keep like items together in subsystems.

n Pack your pack the same way every time so you’ll always know where to find your gear.

n Place the things you use most often in your pack's lid or outer pockets for easy access.

By Cassandra Overby


Diagram by Kristen Sapowicz

With so many lightweight and handy options for taming gear chaos, staying organized on trail has never been easier. Choose ditties and small bags for your personal items, toiletries and accessories, and large bags and cubes for your clothing, cooking gear and food. It's time for the reorganizing fun to begin.

Reorganize: Large ItemsOnce your small items are packed away, it’s time to tackle the large ones: clothes, rain gear and camp footwear. For these, stuff sacks and packing cubes are the way to go.

STUFF SACKS: Mesh stuff sacks have long been a favorite of hikers because of their see-through and lightweight construction. These days they’re better—and stronger—than ever, especially Sea to Summit Ultra-Mesh Stuff Sacks ($10), which are the most durable stuff sacks we tested, thanks to 15-denier multifilament nylon and double-stitched seams. If you’d like to store your large items in a waterproof organizer, try the SealLine Eco See Dry Bag ($20). It comes in different sizes. The small one is perfect for electronics and maps; the large one can line the inside of your backpack. For the best of both worlds—the light weight and small footprint of a stuff sack and the waterproof protection of a dry bag—check out Hyperlite Mountain Gear's Large Cuben Stuff Sack ($24). It has enough space for a two-day food supply or a summer sleeping bag.

PACKING CUBES: Sometimes it can be nice to have a little more structure for your packing solutions—and trust a zipper over a drawstring. When that’s the case, go for the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Cube Set ($38) or Lewis N. Clark FeatherLight Expandable Packing Cubes ($20). Both come in different sizes, have handles at the top for easy extraction from your bag and collapse down small. The Lewis N. Clark packing cubes go one step further by offering an expansion compartment. An extra bonus with packing cubes: they also work nicely in a suitcase during travel.

PUT IT AWAY Confused about where in your backpack to stow your gear when it’s finally organized? Trust us—it does matter. Here’s a handy guide for what to put where.

LIGHT ITEMS:• Ten Essentials• Extra Clothes• Ditty Bags• Snacks

MEDIUM ITEMS:• Cook Kit• First Aid• Tent

HEAVYITEMS:• Food• Water

LIGHT ITEMS:• Sleeping Bag


Refresh Your GearKeeping your gear clean and in good repair can mean the difference between using the same gear for years and having to replace it every season. But not all materials can be cared for in the same way. Here’s the down and dirty on keeping it all—from sleeping bags to tents to boots—clean.

PACKS AND ATHLETIC GEAR: Most outdoor gear and apparel should be washed with a detergent-free wash, not regular laundry soap. Sport Suds ($22) is formulated to restore factory-applied water repellents and eliminate odors—all without harsh chemicals or fabric softeners that can clog the breathability of high-tech materials.

DOWN SLEEPING BAGS and PUFFIES: The more dirt and skin oils your sleeping bag or puffy are exposed to, the heavier and less insulating they become. Using Nikwax Down Wash (not regular laundry detergent; $10) can remove problematic residues, as well as revitalize your expensive down items.

LEATHER BOOTS: Leaving mud and dirt on your leather hiking boots is more than unsightly. It’s also damaging—it draws out important oils that keep your shoes pliable. The solution is Gear Aid’s ReviveX Leather Boot Care Kit ($15) which cleans boots and restores their natural moisture.

SANDALS: If your camp sandals are getting smelly, don’t chuck them. Instead, treat them with Nikwax Sandal Wash ($7). It’s designed to remove dirt and body oil buildup that leads to bacterial growth and unpleasant odors.

WATERPROOFING: Over time, and through contact with skin oils and chemicals from sunscreen and bug spray, all waterproof fabrics lose their mojo. Bring back that just-like-new water beading to your gear with Gear Aid ReviveX Instant Waterproofing Spray ($10), good for everything from tents to shoes to clothes.

Keep It CleanYou’ve refreshed your gear and now you’re ready for the trail. Here are some great products and smart tips for keeping your stuff—and yourself—in tip-top shape once you’re out there.

DO LAUNDRY If you’ve packed few items of clothing and you’re on an extended hike, at some point you’re going to need to do laundry—even if just to appease your hiking partner. Luckily, doing laundry on trail is now a breeze thanks to the Scrubba Wash Bag ($55). This handy piece of gear looks like a thin rubber dry bag but sports raised dots inside that function like an old-fashioned washboard. Follow the six-step process (fill, roll and clip, deflate, rub, rinse, and dry) and your clothes will come out fresh and clean.

TAKE A BATH Keeping your gear clean starts with keeping yourself clean. And there’s no better way to do that than to take a bath or shower on trail. We’re not talking about anything fancy here. Just grab some eco-friendly wash like the J.R. Liggett’s Shampoo Bar ($5) or Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Peppermint Castile Liquid Soap (travel size $5) and head to the nearest solar shower.

PRO TIP: Even eco-friendly soaps should be kept out of lakes and rivers.

TAKE SMALL STEPS

l Dip your feet in a creek to eliminate bacteria and relieve hot spots.

l Sleep in something clean, other than what you hiked in.

l Leave cosmetics and perfumes at home—they attract animals and bugs.

Regular soaps and detergents can accelerate the deterioration of your expensive outdoor gear. Maintain your favorite items safely and effectively—and prolong their lives—with specialty cleaners.


TRAIL MIXGear Shop

10 BOOTS Good footwear provides stability for your ankles and protects your feet from rocks,

branches and moisture. Look for breathability, water repellency and comfort. And always break in your boots before a long hike.

WOMEN: The North Face Ultra Fastpack GTX, $140

MEN: Lowa Renegade GTX, $230

Spring is the perfect time to take inventory of your trail wardrobe. Toss out items that have been loved through, and get rid of anything that’s not comfortable. Then update your outdoor wardrobe with these ten apparel essentials—including suggestions from our hiking apparel experts—and you’ll be ready for everything from dayhikes to long-distance backpacks, and all trail and weather conditions.

2 UNDERWEAR Comfort begins with quality undergarments. Look for a good fit

(no bunching or chafing), good breathability and quick-drying fabrics. Wool and specialty synthetics excel at wicking moisture and resisting odors.

WOMEN: Smartwool NTS Micro 150 Bikini, $28; Smartwool PhD Seamless Racerback Bra, $60

MEN: ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxer Briefs, $26

3 BASELAYERS This is the layer that you’ll wear longest during the day.

Select shirts and leggings that are soft and breathable. Look for garments with flat seams that won't rub under pack straps. Avoid cotton.

WOMEN: Columbia Everyday Kenzie Crew, $30

MEN: Mountain Hardwear Wicked Lite Tee, $35

4 MIDLAYERS When you’re starting a hike in the cold of the

morning or the temperature plummets as you near a summit, your midlayer will come in handy. Opt for thin wool sweaters or fleece zip-ups.

WOMEN: Helly Hansen Warm Run LS, $85

MEN: Bergans Fjellrapp Half-Zip, $70

8 PANTS Good pants or shorts can mean the difference between a great hike and the agony of

chafing. Buy bottoms with enough flexibility and extra room to move comfortably down the trail, lunge over small streams and climb big rocks.

WOMEN: Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pant, $70

MEN: prAna Stretch Zion Convertible Pant, $85

5 INSULATING JACKET For cold days or evenings in camp have a cozy jacket to wear

over your midlayer. Packable puffy jackets typically come in down (warmer and lighter) or synthetic (more water-resistant) fill options. A must-have in the Northwest.

WOMEN: Arc’teryx Cerium SL Jacket, $319

MEN: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Jacket, $320

6 SHELL JACKET Be prepared for wind and rain by always carrying a

shell jacket (and pants)—regardless of what the weather forecast looks like. Keep them on the outside of your pack for easy access.

WOMEN: Columbia Sleeker Rain Jacket, $80

MEN: Outdoor Research Helium HD Jacket, $199

1 HAT Starting at the top, be sure to include a hat in your trail wardrobe to

protect your head and face from sun and rain. It will also help keep you warm. There are several styles to choose from, including caps, sun hats and our old favorite: the beanie.

WOMEN: prAna Pixie Flower Beanie, $30

MEN: Outdoor Research Sol Sun Hat, $37

7 GLOVES Hand protection isn’t only for snowy days. Gloves can come

in handy any time the temperature dips, such as during a break on trail or in the evenings at camp. They even protect your hands from the effects of UV light.

WOMEN: Smartwool NTS Mid 250 Gloves, $35

MEN: The North Face eTip Gloves, $45

9 SOCKS Good socks are worth their weight in gold. They cushion your

feet and protect them from blisters. Some have anti-microbial properties to resist odors. We recommend good wool or synthetics.

WOMEN: Darn Tough Solid ¼ Cushion, $17

MEN: Thorlo Trail Hiking Socks, $17

WTA gear tester Cassandra is wearing all of the women’s items listed above. For more info on these select items, as well as the men’s items, visit wta.org/gear.

Photo by Mackenzie Mendoza


Northwest forests are teeming with life—much of which may go overlooked or unseen. On your next hike, look out for the little things and discover something new on your favorite trails.

TRAIL MIXNature Nook

By Tami Asars

Bald EagleWhether soaring in solitude or in a nesting pair, the mature bald eagle’s white head is easy to spot and a favorite find among novice birders. These clever raptors are often thieves and will steal fish from other birds in midflight. Despite their swindling ways, or perhaps because of it, they are strong fliers and can travel long distances on the wing. In courtship, the male and female lock talons in midair and whirl to the ground together, breaking shortly before hitting earth. Their huge nests house the lifelong mating pair; both partners participate in rearing hatchlings. Juvenile bald eagles have a mottled brown head and body, don’t get their white head until five years from birth, and are often mistaken for their cousins: the golden eagle.

Mountain LadyslipperFinding a wild orchid while out hiking is a delight! Orchids produce some of the most beautiful and unusual flowers in the world and are very important for pollinators. Mountain ladyslipper grows in a variety of habitats, including open mixed hardwood forests, shrub thickets and alpine meadows at elevations between 1,600 and 6,900 feet. The sepals and petals tend to be maroon-brown while the flower sack tends to be white or light pink. Because the plant is sensitive to soil disruption or slight disturbance, using caution when photographing them is a good practice. With a little imagination, the flower looks like a very small slipper awaiting a tiny foot, thus the name. In Washington, mountain ladyslipper is mostly found on the eastern side of the Cascade Crest.

American MartenOnly a handful of hikers are lucky enough to see this tree-climbing mammal of the mustelid family. Found in woodland areas, martens are most active at dawn and dusk, feeding on small rodents, insects, fruit and nuts. They are typically solitary and keep to themselves, except during mating season. Despite being shy, they are also curious and when spotted are often spying on hikers from hollowed logs, tree limbs or scree fields. Male martens establish territories, defend their turf against other males and will mate with several females during this time. After mating, the female gives birth to two to four kits, which become fully grown in three months. Look for martens in mature forests, especially in winter, when their dark coats stand out against the snow.

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TRAIL MIXCamera Bag

By Doug Diekema

Capturing a good landscape does not require an expensive camera. The heart and soul of

landscape photography is what the photographer does with whatever camera they have available when an opportunity presents itself. Good composition is one essential characteristic of a great photograph. While no rule applies to every situation, the following five general principles can help most photographers bring their craft to the next level.

1. Keep It SimpleWhen confronted with a gorgeous landscape, the temptation is to try to capture everything we can see. This often results in a photo that lacks a central point of interest to engage the viewer. Take the time to ask yourself, “What is it about this scene that most captivates me?” Then focus on that element as you compose the photo. At the same time, try to eliminate elements that distract the viewer and draw attention away from the main feature.

2. Practice the Rule of ThirdsPlacing the main subject directly in the center of a photograph can be tempting, but using the rule of thirds as a guide often makes a photo more interesting. Imagine your viewfinder divided by two vertical and two horizontal lines (some viewfinders will do this for you). Placing objects of interest along those lines or at their points of intersection will often result in a more pleasing composition.

3. Use Leading Lines Incorporating lines, straight or curved, can add visual interest and

help focus attention on the main subject of the photo. For example, a well-placed trail can “lead” the viewer into the scene, drawing attention to the focal point of your photo. Lines of trees, rocks, flowers or even hikers can play a similar role.

4. Avoid Featureless Skies A dull sky can ruin an otherwise beautiful photograph. Even a lovely clear blue sky can make for a boring photograph if it takes up half of the composition. The photographer can’t control what the sky looks like, but they can control whether and how we choose to incorporate it. Interesting clouds can be a photographer’s best friend, turning an otherwise boring sky into something that adds drama to a photo. When the sky isn’t cooperating, either eliminate it or allow it only a small sliver of the composition (this is where I frequently “break” the rule of thirds).

5. Include PeopleWhile not every landscape requires the presence of people, including a hiker or climber in a photograph can provide a sense of scale, add drama to the scene, help tell a story or make it easier for the viewer to feel what it was like to be there.

With these five guiding principles in mind, all that's left is to get out on your favorite trails and practice, practice, practice. You will soon start to see landscapes in a new way and capture scenes that are more pleasing to the eye—and inspiring to the viewer.

WTA's next Northwest Exposure photo contest is coming. Start honing your photo-craft now and be ready to enter this summer.

SAHALE ARM The backpacker in this photo adds a sense of scale to this Cascade Pass landscape and also represents the main focus of the photo, which uses the rule of thirds to place him within the scene. Notice how both the trail and the ridgeline lead the viewer’s eye to the backpacker. The gray sky added nothing to the composition, so the photo was framed to minimize it. Photo by Doug Diekema.

Tips for Better Landscapes


TRAIL MIXBookshelf

By Cassandra Overby

When it comes to resourcefulness in the outdoors, you don’t need to learn everything by trial and error. There are plenty of great books that can help you sharpen your skills and become a more prepared hiker. Here are some we recommend—and our favorite tips to get you started.

Bushcraft 101 By Dave Canterbury

Get ready for whatever nature could throw your way with this guide on bushcraft, the art of surviving in the woods with as little modern gear as possible. Detailed lessons include firemaking, manufacturing your own tools and gear, foraging, and trapping and processing game.

TOP TIP: Stones used for cooking or placed directly in a fire should never come from a creekbed or river. Even if they appear dry, they may still hold moisture that could fracture the stone when heated—and cause it to explode.

Prepare for Anything Survival Manual By Tim MacWelch

Move over, boring skill books. Here is a guide that’s loaded with colorful and helpful graphics, from checklists to step-by-step illustrations to comics that make learning how to survive anything—from getting stuck on your way to the trailhead to the zombie apocalypse—a breeze.

TOP TIP: Vodka can be your best friend on trail—and not for its obvious use. It also works well when applied to the skin to sooth discomfort from poison ivy and help blisters heal, and it can be spritzed on for a natural mosquito repellent.

The Psychology of Search and Rescue By Ronald Glaus

Want to get brainy about the psychology of search and rescue? This book will teach you all sorts of fascinating stuff about the behaviors of lost and missing people—and the rescuers who help them.

TOP TIP: People who have put themselves in dangerous situations knowingly (by bypassing caution signs, etc.) and then need to be rescued tend to feel guiltier than those whose rescue is the effect of purely external circumstances. Because of that guilt, they are less likely to call for help. (But trust us—it’s worth any potential embarrassment. Make the call.)

A Test of Will By Warren Macdonald

If you’re looking for an inspiring tale for the offseason, look no further than this true story of an experienced mountaineer who was trapped under a giant rock for two days and two nights while his buddy went for help. Just don’t count on this read to be a downer—you’ll love its uplifting message.

TOP TIP: One of the best skills you can perfect is the ability to keep yourself together, to not panic when things go wrong on trail (or in life). You’re stronger and more capable of surviving than you think.


It’s not summer yet. That makes it the perfect time to get out and hike the state parks near you to warm up your trail legs for summer’s big adventures. You can find more info on these trails and many more—including the latest trip reports—at wta.org.

Spring is Time for


HIKE IT: Kukutali Preserve DISTANCE: 2.2 miles, RT PERMIT: Discover Pass ELEVATION GAIN: 200 ft DOGS: Not permitted ELEVATION PEAK: 150 ft MAP: Preserve map

KUKUTALI PRESERVE, co-managed by the Swinomish Tribal Community and Washington State Parks, presents a fascinating look at the area’s natural and cultural history

amid forested trails and rocky shorelines on the Swinomish Reservation. Kukutali—Swinomish for “place of cattail mat”—is the traditional name of this area. Here, cattail mats were once used as temporary summer shelters by the local tribe during clam digs and salmon seining. Start your exploration from the parking area by taking the gravel Kiket Trail as it crosses a tombolo (a sand spit connecting an island to the mainland) to Kiket Island. Pass Kiket Lagoon and look northwest to Fidalgo Island, where Mount Erie looms in the distance. The Kiket Trail bisects Kiket Island and is the most direct route to Kiket's west side. For a lollipop loop, follow this road to a signed intersection and turn right for the North Trail. The singletrack North Trail has some elevation gain but is gentle enough for young hikers. At its high point, a meadow overlook provides views of Deception Pass Bridge, framed by madrona boughs and old growth. From here the trail descends to a large meadow at the west end of Kiket Island, meeting up once more with the Kiket Trail. Continue west to find a second tombolo leading out to Flagstaff Point. This shoreline offers windswept views of Skagit and Hope Islands, as well as Similk Bay. Home to a delicate meadow ecosystem, Flagstaff Point was—amazingly—formerly proposed as the site of a nuclear power plant by Seattle City Light. Head back along the gentle South Trail, peeking out at tiny High Tide Island's single tree from meadow balds. Meet the Kiket Trail one more time and return to the parking area.

TRAIL TIP: Stay on the trails. Access to Flagstaff Point and the tidelands are restricted, as the delicate ecosystem cannot withstand foot traffic.

INFO: wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/kukutali-preserve

TRAILHEAD: From I-5 take exit 230 for WA-20. Drive west for 10 miles, then go left on Reservation Rd. Continue 1.6 miles and take a slight right onto Snee Oosh Rd. The preserve parking area will be on the right in 1.5 miles.

Hike and photo by Brandon Fralic and Rachel Wood

117 PARKS: There are state parks all across Washington, with nearly 700 miles of trails. Discover a new one at parks.wa.gov.


RASAR STATE PARK, along the Wild and Scenic Skagit River, presents a variety of trails for exploring the park’s second-growth forest, native wildlife and pioneer

history. To experience the best the park has to offer, link the Skagit Woods Trail, the Skagit River Trail and the Field Trail for a looping, 3-mile nature walk. The Skagit Woods Trail takes hikers from the main campground, through second-growth forest, to the rocky, sandy shore of the river. The shoreline along the River Trail affords prime bird-watching opportunities. Next, traverse a grassy meadow on the Field Trail, where deer are frequently spotted grazing. Many other small trails branch off from this loop, allowing for further wandering and exploration.

DISTANCE: 3 miles, RT PERMIT: Discover Pass ELEVATION GAIN: 20 ft DOGS: Leashed ELEVATION PEAK: 125 ft MAP: Park map

INFO: parks.wa.gov/571/rasar

TRAILHEAD: From I-5, drive Hwy 20 east to MP 80. Turn right on Lusk Rd, then left on Cape Horn Rd.

Hike by Lindsay Leffelman; photo by Bob Griffith

FORT CASEY STATE PARK offers visitors an enjoyable route along bluff and beach, with panoramic views of Puget Sound, and Cascade and Olympic peaks,

plus guided tours of a historic lighthouse (check website for tour hours). Start your own tour near the Admiralty Head Lighthouse. From here, head downhill to the beach. Turn south and stroll along the beach for about a mile, watching out for orcas in the Sound and bald eagles overhead. On clear days you can get views of Mount Olympus, Mount Rainier and Mount Baker. Near the south end of the beach, take the trail uphill to the historic fort and check out the old gun batteries and interpretive signs. Continue on to reconnect to the Bluff Trail to return to the lighthouse.

DISTANCE: 2.5 miles, RT PERMIT: Discover Pass ELEVATION GAIN: 200 ft DOGS: Leashed ELEVATION PEAK: 200 ft MAP: Park map

INFO: wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/fort-casey-state-park

TRAILHEAD: On Whidbey Island, just south of Coupeville, drive west on Hwy 20 to the park entrance.

Hike and photo by Mike Morrison


GET THE APP: Download the Pocket Ranger mobile app for your smartphone and get park beta, maps, camping info, driving directions and more.

BRIDLE TRAILS STATE PARK offers more than 28 miles of pleasant, forested trails conveniently located between Bellevue and Kirkland. Nestled amid a

quiet neighborhood of horse ranches and single-family homes, this 482-acre park has served largely as an equestrian recreation area since the 1950s. The winding, forested trails have also proven to be popular with other trail users, namely hikers, trail runners and dog walkers. Routes wind through a sea of second-growth trees standing at attention, under which lush ferns carpet the forest floor. The three main loop trails offer varying lengths of casual forest strolling: the Raven Trail (1 mi.), the interpretive Trillium Trail (1.7 mi.) and the Coyote Trail (3.5 mi.). The minimal elevation gain also makes these trails extremely kid-friendly.

All three loop trails start from a central junction just a short walk from the main parking area. The Coyote Trail starts in tandem with the Trillium Trail for the first 0.5 mile, then forks to the left at an intersection. It continues to loop the perimeter of the park, offering a good opportunity to stretch your legs and fully enjoy the park's flora and fauna. Under western redcedar and other conifers, look for Oregon grape, spotted coralroot and Himalayan blackberry. A variety of birds—from hummingbirds to eagles—can be observed within the forest canopy. The Coyote Trail eventually loops back to the central junction and parking area, where you can explore the smaller loops or visit the horse training ring.

TRAIL TIP: Work the trails in a clockwise direction so that the trail symbol signs face you throughout your hike. They’re only attached to one side of the posts and can be easy to miss if going the opposite direction.


INFO: bridletrails.org

TRAILHEAD: From I-405 north, take exit 17 (NE 70th St). Turn right onto 116th Ave NE. At the NE 60th St stop sign, continue straight ahead to the park.

Hike and photo by Kristen Sapowicz Corner photo by Bob Griffith


TWANOH STATE PARK, on Washington’s Hood Canal, offers a variety of gentle forested walks alongside or near babbling Twanoh Creek. Along the way, numerous

benches offer ample opportunity to rest or simply sit and enjoy the forest; mileage markers will help you keep track of your distance. Begin your exploration with a short walk to a kiosk where the trail forks. Here, a bridge to the left leads to the campground; you want to continue straight ahead.

The route proceeds forward beneath tall cedar and maple, with sword ferns lining the way. Continue through another junction, where you’ll notice firs and hemlocks joining in the forested mix. The trail gently ascends out of the ravine, then passes through tall, tunnel-like evergreen huckleberry. It becomes nearly flat and intersects with an old road at 1 mile. Travel right for another 0.3 mile to an overlook, then another 0.2 mile to a group campsite. From here, keep right, following the marked signs back to the trail. Near the water tower, turn left and continue back on the trail. Peekaboo views of Hood Canal and the Tahuya Peninsula can be found through the madronas and rhododendrons as the trail begins descending back to the creek via a few switchbacks. At 2 miles, reach a junction and turn left to return to the trailhead. If time allows, explore some of the historic Civilian Conservation Corps buildings constructed in the 1930s, or take a stroll along the saltwater shoreline.

TRAIL TRIVIA: Springboard notches in the trees indicate that the land was logged in the 1890s before becoming a state park.


INFO: wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/twanoh-state-park

TRAILHEAD: From Bremerton, drive west on SR-3 through Belfair and turn right on SR-106. Continue 8 miles to the park entrance. Park in the day-use area; find the trailhead near Twanoh Creek Bridge.

Hike and photo by Kelsie Donleycott


BATTLE GROUND LAKE STATE PARK, in southwest Washington, is often likened to a miniature version of Crater Lake National Park. This particular crater

formed when a steam explosion ripped away this small volcano’s top, leaving behind a bean-shaped depression (maar). Over time, the void filled with water and created the existing lake. The 280-acre park around the crater offers hiking, riding, fishing and camping. One of the most interesting trails is the Lower Lake Trail, which encircles the mysterious lake and allows access to its secrets.

The trail starts at the boat launch, and you can choose to travel either direction. Either way you choose, make sure to ask the locals about the lake. Though the depth of the crater may be known to science, the locals all have differing opinions on how deep the pool really is. What they can all agree on is the existence of a beast that haunts the lake, a phantom that rarely makes itself known. Even the park rangers claim to have witnessed it surface over the years. The creature is widely accepted to be a giant sturgeon that somehow made its way into this spring-fed lake. As you tiptoe over the rocky 1-mile loop, keep a sharp eye out over the water—you never know what lurks just beneath the surface. If you really want to enjoy this relic from the past and witness a slice of ancient history, set out in the wee hours of the morning.

LOCAL BREW: Stop by Northwood Public House and Brewery. This family-friendly brewpub serves house-made beers with hefty burgers. Try one of the Little Dipper Brewing Company’s beers, made right in Battle Ground.

INFO: parks.wa.gov/472/battle-ground-lake

TRAILHEAD: From I-5, take exit 11 and head east on SR-502. Proceed through downtown Battle Ground, cross the railroad tracks and continue another 2 miles. Turn left on NE 182nd Ave, then left on Burt Rd to the park.

Hike by Ryan Schreiner; photo by Tom ErskineHIKE IT: Battle Ground Lake DISTANCE: 1 mile, RT PERMIT: Discover Pass ELEVATION GAIN: 120 ft DOGS: Not permitted ELEVATION PEAK: 680 ft MAP: Park map

NEW DISCOVER PASS: This year the Discover Pass is getting a fancy facelift. The new tear-resistant, recyclable tag will last longer and can be transferred between two vehicles. And it’s still only $30.


HIKE IT: Gingko Backcountry DISTANCE: 5–6 miles, RT PERMIT: Discover Pass ELEVATION GAIN: 900 ft DOGS: Leashed ELEVATION PEAK: 1,540 ft MAP: DNR Yakima

LAKE CHELAN STATE PARK is small, with only a few miles of trail, but presents a fine opportunity to take a stroll along Washington’s longest lake. It’s worth a

visit if spending a weekend in the area. The park’s interpretive signs and mild terrain also make this a nice outing for youngsters.

Start with the Little Bear Trail, named for the bear cub that was spotted by rangers as they surveyed the trail route. Enter the woods and quickly pass through a short tunnel beneath South Lakeshore Road. The route then wanders though pine forest that has remained largely untouched since the park’s creation in the 1940s. When you reach a junction, you have the option of going right on the Forest Loop or left on the Bitterbrush Loop; turn left so you can make a wide loop that incorporates both trails. Continue past the junction with the Forest Loop. The trail eventually leaves the shelter of the forest to meander through Eastern Washington ponderosa pine savanna. The path is punctuated with grasses and bitterbrush, and offers a decent view of Lake Chelan. Eventually the trail reenters the woods, where you can wander under the Forest Loop’s canopy before returning to the first junction.

CAMP HERE: The large campground at Lake Chelan State Park offers more than 100 campsites, some with hookups for RVs. The park’s dock and boat ramp make it popular with water enthusiasts; stand up paddleboards are available for rent.

DISTANCE: 2.3 miles, RT PERMIT: Discover Pass ELEVATION GAIN: 250 ft DOGS: Leashed ELEVATION PEAK: 1,350 ft MAP: Park map

INFO: wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/little-bear-trail

DIRECTIONS: From Chelan, take Hwy 97A south 4 miles to South Shore Rd. Continue west on South Shore about another 4 miles to Lake Chelan State Park.

Hike and photo by Nate & Jer Barnes

PITCH IN: Want to help maintain the trails in Washington’s state parks? WTA will be hosting a variety of trail work parties this spring at Dosewallips, Leadbetter, Larrabee and Moran state parks. Visit wta.org/volunteer for info and to sign up.


LEWIS & CLARK STATE PARK contains one of the last intact stands of old-growth forest remaining in the Cowlitz Valley. Hike the Trail of the Deer among massive

columns of western redcedars and Douglas-firs, where ferns, vine maples and rhododendrons adorn the trailside. Watch for woodpeckers, Steller’s jays and great horned owls in the canopy overhead. Detour onto the Old-Growth Forest Loop to admire the ancient cedars before returning to the main loop. After your hike, visit the nearby John R. Jackson House, the first European pioneer home north of the Columbia River.

DISTANCE: 2 miles, RT PERMIT: Discover Pass ELEVATION GAIN: 125 ft DOGS: Leashed ELEVATION PEAK: 525 ft MAP: Park map

INFO: parks.wa.gov/538/lewis-clark

TRAILHEAD: From I-5, take exit 68 and drive east on Hwy 12. Turn right onto Jackson Hwy and proceed to the park.

Hike and photo by Aaron Theisen

GINGKO PETRIFIED FOREST STATE PARK presents a unique look at Central Washington's shrub–steppe. The real experience comes from exploring its

backcountry. Begin with a short climb up the steep hillside on the north side of Recreation Road, then follow the trail along a broad bench above basalt cliffs. Shortly after 1 mile the trail turns to traverse a side canyon. At the back of the canyon, follow the trail to the top of the ridge and take the old 2-track west to Sternberg Point. Enjoy panoramic views of Babcock Bench and the Columbia River. This makes a good lunch and turnaround point; return by the same route. In spring, look for blooming Robinson’s onion (a rare endemic), as well as balsamroot, lupine, phlox, desert buckwheat and bitterroot.

INFO: parks.wa.gov/288/ginkgo-petrified-forest

TRAILHEAD: From I-90 take exit 136 for Huntzinger Rd. Drive 1 mile, and turn right on Recreation Rd. Continue 0.5 mile and park on the shoulder.

Hike and photo by David Hagen

DID YOU KNOW: Washington's state park system began 100 years ago with the John R. Jackson House near Chehalis and Chuckanut (now Larrabee) State Park, near Bellingham. Both were donated properties.


For an easier introduction to Pacific Crest Trail hiking that doesn't involve steep mountain passes, high ridge traverses and lots of crowds—and is usually accessible earlier in the season—just head to the Columbia River Gorge, where the PCT enters Washington. For almost 100 miles, the PCT meanders over easy to moderate terrain, through old-growth forest and among a plethora of volcanic features and landmarks. Throw in a good helping of lakes and a bounty of berries and wildflowers and you have the makings for an exciting weekend or section hike—and a great introduction to the Pacific Crest Trail.

THE TRAIL: From its crossing of the Columbia River over the Bridge of the Gods, the PCT begins an easy entry into Washington's Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The route northward showcases a lively woodland of lush ferns and tall trees. After just a few miles, the trail rounds Gillette Lake (see Hike), an ideal short hike for families with kids. The trail continues its course northward, flanking Table Mountain and Three Corner Rock before turning eastward to cross the Yacolt Burn State Forest. Following this, the trail begins gaining elevation as it crosses basins and climbs drainages to reach the Cascade Crest. Shortly after the trail crosses the Wind River, it heads up Warren Gap, where it passes the Panther Creek Campground, a good place for bedding down or starting a short weekend trip (see Backpack). The trail then proceeds up the Panther Creek Divide and over Big Huckleberry Mountain before descending to circuit the western edges of the Big Lava Flow. Continuing northward, the PCT enters the Indian Heaven Wilderness with a climb over Berry Mountain, followed by a joyful stroll through lake country while winding between Gifford Peak, East Crater, Bird Mountain and Sawtooth Mountain. Where the trail crosses FR-24, 67 miles from the Columbia River, is a fine place for ending your PCT journey (see Trek).

LOGISTICS: The PCT is easily accessible from SR-14, just west of the Bridge of the Gods. Look for the large trailhead parking area opposite the Bonneville Dam and hike the short Tamanous Trail to connect. Reach Panther Creek Campground via the Wind River Hwy, north through Carson. Reach the Sawtooth Trailhead on FR-24 via SR-141 west through Trout Lake.

WHEN TO HIKE IT: The relatively lower elevations of the southern portion of Washington’s PCT make it accessible earlier and later in the year than some of the central and northern alpine areas. In low-snow years (like the one we’re currently having), that could mean access as early as May or June. If hiking in early summer, be prepared for mosquitoes—lots of them! If you save this one for later summer expect lots of berries; in early fall, pretty colors. For the latest trail conditions and trip reports on the PCT, visit wta.org.

T he famed Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) stretches 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada. Here in Washington, the last 500-mile section of the PCT skirts volcanic mountains, crosses glaciated valleys and traverses high alpine passes. Thru-hikers, weekenders and day-

trippers flock to the central sections, guaranteeing a busy trail and crowded campsites. But by heading to the southern part of the state, you're likely to find an uncrowded PCT with plenty of camping in a unique section of Washington's volcanic landscape.

Hike by ELI BOSCHETTO

Photos by TAMI ASARS

Columbia RiveR to indian Heaven


TREK: PACIFIC CREST TRAIL DISTANCE: 67 miles ELEVATION GAIN: 15,120 ft.

This portion of the PCT covers the southern half of what’s commonly known as “Section H,” which stretches from the Columbia River to White Pass. This section receives much less traffic than other sections of the PCT, making it an ideal choice for avoiding crowds and enjoying some peace and quiet. The elevation variance is moderate considering the distance, which lets novice long-distance hikers find their legs on a reasonably challenge-free section. The highlight of the stretch is the lake country in the Indian Heaven Wilderness, which has lots of convenient campsites among a variety of gemlike forested pools.

HIKE: GILLETTE LAKE DISTANCE: 5 miles ELEVATION GAIN: 370 ft.

This short, simple stretch along the PCT winds through dense forest to the shore of a quiet little lake, ideal for a picnic lunch (you just need to ignore the nearby powerlines). Start at the Tamanous Trailhead on SR-14, and take this short spur trail 0.5 mile east to connect to the PCT. Continue north on the PCT through shady forest lined with ferns and Columbia lilies. The trail passes through a saddle between two hills before turning westward to descend into the forested lake basin. A couple of hiker campsites can be found near the lakeshore. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles perched in the ridgetop trees or drifting overhead.

BITS & PIECES From close-in dayhikes to remote section hikes, the Pacific Crest Trail offers something for everyone. Try one of these stretches or custom-design a PCT trek of your own.

DISTANCE: 67 miles (to Sawtooth TH) TRIP TIME: 5 to 7 days

HIGHEST POINT: Indian Heaven at 5,140 ft. MAPS: PCT WA Section H

LOWEST POINT: Tamanous TH at 200 ft. PERMITS: NW Forest Pass

BEST SEASON: Late July through October INFORMATION: pcta.org

CLIMATE: Expect typical Northwest weather in this section of southwest Washington: comfortable summer days with cool evenings. Always be prepared for rain and sudden cold snaps.

WILDLIFE: Watch for deer, elk, black bears and a host of small scurrying critters. In the trees and skies above, look for bald eagles, ospreys, red-tailed hawks and hairy woodpeckers.

PCT Section H Stats

BACKPACK: BIG HUCKLEBERRY DISTANCE: 16 miles ELEVATION GAIN: 4,410 ft.

For a weekend sampler of the PCT, start at the Panther Creek Campground, easily accessible off the Wind River Hwy. Begin by climbing eastward under hemlock, red cedar and fir forest to quickly gain the Cascade Crest and continue toward Big Huckleberry Mountain, where a short side trail lets you bag the summit. Once the site of an old fire lookout, the open, grassy peak offers wide views of the South Cascades. Descend to the Big Lava Bed and wind around its western edge among forested cinder cones. Spend the night at the Crest Camp. Have a shuttle car waiting, backtrack or walk FR-65 back to Panther Creek.

Big LavaFlow

BigHuckleberry

Bridge ofthe Gods

PantherCreek

Sawtooth TH

IndianHeaven

Wilderness

GilletteLake

Crest Camp


Looking for a different kind of outdoor adventure this summer? Volunteer with WTA to accomplish much-needed trail work in beautiful locations across the state. Join us for a rewarding week on a Volunteer Vacation or challenge yourself on an extended weekend with a Backcountry Response Team.

Volunteers are needed for trail projects throughout the Olympics, Cascades and Selkirks in 2015. Don't wait until summer is here to secure your spot—trips are filling up fast!

Don't miss out!

Sign up at wta.org/volunteerPhoto by Paul Bestock

hiker's guide to search and rescue

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