GET THE RIGHT PERMITS: Most national forests in our region require that a Northwest Forest Pass be displayed in the windows of all vehicles parked within 0.25 mile of any major, developed trailhead. Isolated trailheads with minimal or no facilities are generally exempt. In 2008 daily permits were $5 and an annual pass was $30. The passes are available at ranger stations and at many local sporting goods stores, or they can be purchased online at www.naturenw.org/store-passes.htm.
CHECK THE SNOWPACK: The winter snowpack has a significant effect, not only on when a trail opens, but also on wildflower blooming times, peak stream flows, and how long seasonal water sources will be available. It is a good idea to check the snowpack on or about April 1 (the usual seasonal maximum), and make a note of how it compares to normal.
This information is available online at www.wa.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/ for Washington state and www.or.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/ for Oregon. If the snowpack is significantly above or below average, adjust the trip’s seasonal recommendations accordingly.
WATCH OUT FOR LOGGING TRUCKS: When driving on forest roads in our area, keep a wary eye out for log trucks, especially on weekdays. These scary behemoths often barrel along with little regard for those annoying speed bumps known as passenger cars.
CHECK TRAIL CONDITIONS: The Northwest’s frequently severe winter storms create annual problems for trail crews. Occasionally trails are washed out for years, but at a minimum, early-season hikers should expect to crawl over deadfall and search for routes around slides and flooded riverside trails. Depending on current funding and the trail’s popularity, maintenance may not be completed until several weeks after a trail is snow-free and officially “open.” Unfortunately, this means that trail maintenance is often done well after the optimal time to visit. On the positive side, trails are usually less crowded before the maintenance has been completed.
LEAF IT, DON’T LEAVE IT: For environmentally conscious backpackers, one good solution to the old problem of how to dispose of toilet paper is to find a natural alternative. Two excellent options are the large, soft leaves of thimbleberry at lower elevations, and the light-green lichen that hangs from trees at higher elevations. They’re not exactly Charmin soft, but they get the job done.
WARN HUNTERS YOU’RE NOT A DEER: General deer-hunting season in Oregon and Washington runs from the second or third weekend of October to early November. For safety, anyone planning to travel on national or state forest land during these periods (particularly those doing any cross-country travel) should carry and wear a bright red or orange cap, vest, pack, or other conspicuous article of clothing. Hunting is not allowed in state or national parks, so this precaution does not apply to those areas.
YOU’RE NOT AN ELK, EITHER: Along the same line as the above, elk-hunting season is generally held in late October or early November. The exact season varies in different parts of each state.
BE CAREFUL WITH FUNGI: Mushrooms are a Northwest backcountry delicacy. Although our damp climate makes it possible to find mushrooms in any season, late August through November is usually best. Where and when the mushrooms can be found varies with elevation, precipitation, and other factors. Unfortunately, mushroom collecting has become a big and very competitive business in our region, and a few people have even been murdered in recent years in disputes over prize locations. Make sure any commercial collectors you meet are aware that you are only gathering a few mushrooms for personal use. Also make absolutely sure that you know your fungi. There are several poisonous species of mushrooms in our forests, and every year people become ill or even die when they make a mistake in identification.
BRING THE BEATER: Car break-ins and vandalism, sadly, are regular occurrences at trailheads. This is especially true at popular trailheads and is a particular problem for backpackers who leave their vehicles unattended overnight. Thus, hikers need to take reasonable precautions. Do not encourage the criminals by providing unnecessary temptation. Preferably, leave the new car at home and drive to the trailhead in an older, beat-up vehicle. Even more importantly, leave nothing of value inside, especially in plain sight. My car has been broken into three times over the years. The last two times all the thieves managed to take home were some ratty old tennis shoes, to which they were welcome. If all trailhead vehicles held only items of similar value, the criminals would soon give up and seek out more lucrative targets.
North Lake, Columbia River Gorge (Trip 34)
The 10 Essentials
Except when hiking on gentle trails in city parks, hikers should always carry a pack with certain essential items. The standard “10 Essentials” have evolved from a list of individual items to functional systems that will help to keep you alive and reasonably comfortable in emergency situations:
| 1. | Navigation: topographic map and a compass or GPS device. |
| 2. | Sun protection: sunglasses and sunscreen, especially in the mountains. |
| 3. | Insulation: extra clothing that is both waterproof and warm. |
| 4. | Illumination: a flashlight or headlamp. |
| 5. | First-aid supplies. |
| 6. | Fire: a candle or other firestarter and matches in a waterproof container. |
| 7. | Repair kit: particularly a knife for starting fires, first aid, and countless other uses. |
| 8. | Nutrition: enough extra food so you return with a little left over. |
| 9. | Hydration: extra water and a means to purify more on longer trips. |
| 10. | Emergency shelter: a tent, bivy sack, or emergency blanket. |
I strongly advise adding a small plastic signaling whistle and a warm knit cap to this list.
Just carrying these items, however, does not make you “prepared.” Unless you know things like how to apply basic first aid, how to build an emergency fire, and how to read a topographic map or use a compass, then carrying these items does you no good at all. These skills are all fairly simple to learn and at least one member of your group should be familiar with each of them.
More important to your safety and enjoyment than any piece of equipment or clothing is exercising common sense. When you are far from civilization, a simple injury can be life-threatening. Don’t take unnecessary chances. Never, for example, jump onto slippery rocks or logs or crawl out onto dangerously steep slopes in the hope of getting a better view. Fortunately, the vast majority of wilderness injuries are easily avoidable.
Mount Hood from Zigzag Mountain (Trip 39)
Advice for the First-Time Backpacker
This book is not a “how-to” manual for new backpackers. Entire books have been written on this subject, many of which are very good and well worth reading. (For recommendations, please turn to Appendix B.) However, since every year thousands of people go backpacking for the first time, it is important to cover a few basics about making the transition from dayhiking to backpacking.
First and foremost, welcome! There is something enormously liberating about spending a night in the wilderness. Many of the Pacific Northwest’s most spectacular attractions are beyond the reach of