It’s prime winter hiking season in WA state. Here are some trail safety tips and tricks
With holiday vacation time approaching and snow in the forecast for much of western Washington, late December and January are opportune months for scenic winter hiking. Whether you want to explore a new destination out of dozens around Tacoma and Pierce County, or revisit an old favorite covered in a fresh white blanket, basic trail safety precautions are essential.
Thousands of hiking-related injuries occur every year in the U.S. Nearly half of all accidents occur due to a fall or slip, according to a July analysis from Hikers Daily. Additionally, the recreation site reports that about 15,000 search-and-rescue operations occur every year nationwide.
It isn’t uncommon for hikers in Washington state to sustain injuries, get lost, or die from accidents like slipping off a ledge, an avalanche triggering or getting stranded because of a weather storm. To help mitigate chances of an accident happening, be sure to exercise some basic safety precautions.
Set realistic hiking expectations
If you are unfamiliar with a trail or don’t hike often, then consider your body’s limits, says Larry Leveen, executive director of ForeverGreen Trails, a nonprofit organization in Tacoma that promotes trail access throughout Pierce County.
Leveen says people should build their fitness up over time. New hikers should tread less distance per hike at first and focus on easier trails, such as ones with less incline.
“Doing too much too soon, that’s a recipe for injury for sure,” Leveen said.
In addition, hikers should know if they might encounter people mountain biking or horseback riding. Keep and eye out for signage to check the types of activity certain trails permit.
Follow hiking safety protocols
The Washington Trails Association, a nonprofit organization in Seattle dedicated to educating the public on opportunities for outdoor recreation and safety, lays out five safety measures all hikers should put into practice before embarking on any excursion:
Plan ahead: Check the weather and avalanche forecasts, as well as trail conditions. Consider if a path will be icy or muddy and if it’s riddled with hazards. Share your plan with someone before heading out and notify them when you return.
Pack: Washington Trails Association outlines hiking essentials every person should be equipped with and know how to use. Important items include a form of navigation, such as a trail map or GPS, nonperishable food, extra polyester clothing in case of rain. Depending on a trail’s incline and terrain, consider bringing trekking poles. Cell phones are also a must for any group, as emergencies can arise at any point.
Decision-making: Acknowledge when a hike presents potential risks or you encounter something unexpected. Adjust your plan and act to mitigate potential danger, even if it means turning back.
Wildlife: Maintain distance from any wild animal you may encounter. Never feed an animal either or leave food remains behind, as that can encourage animals to interact with humans more often.
Act in an emergency: If an accident occurs, stop and consider your options. Call for help if you need it, or if that isn’t an option then stay put until another hiker passes through.
Other hiking resources
Another valuable resource to use when researching a trail is the website AllTrails. The travel site, which is also available as an app on smartphones, is similar to the business review website Yelp, but users leave feedback on trail systems instead. Every trail contains either an easy, moderate or hard difficulty.
Users can also filter their search to find exactly what they’re looking for. For instance, people can set how far they want to hike and choose the scenery they want to encounter, like rivers, waterfalls or forested regions.
