User talk:Latson123

Hiking in the Pacific Northwest

There is much to know about hiking and the Northwest before venturing out on your own as a beginner hiker. One must be prepared for any possible emergency involving weather, wildlife, injury, etc. or it could possibly result in a life or death situation.

History
The Northwest has always fascinated people with it's grand mountain ranges and scenic beaches. However, prior to the modern day sport, hiking was more of an exploratory mode of mapping the territory. The Northwest consists of two mountain ranges, the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Mountains. For those exploring in the 1800's, the newness of these mountain ranges meant that the terrain was harsher and more sharply jutted than the terrain of older ranges such as the Appalachian Mountain Range. Expeditions would be sent out to map out trails or simply create maps of the mountains themselves. The weather in the Northwest is extremely unpredictable especially at higher altitudes therefore the explorers were risking their lives everyday that they were out. Flooding, mudslides, rockslides, avalanches, blizzards, and hail are all common in the Northwest and even today people are injured and killed because of these natural events.

Being Prepared
One of the most important things to remember is that an inexperienced hiker should never go out on a hike without someone else or at least telling someone else where they are going. It is wise to always let someone know where you will be going and when you are you planning on being there in case something happens. Because of the unpredictable nature that any wilderness possesses, it is in one's best interest to be as prepared as possible. Experienced hikers, such as Chris Townsend, recommend proper footwear (hiking boots), a comfortable pack, and of course a first aid kit for any hiker. It is also important to dress appropriately and flexibly. Northwest weather can change quickly so the key is in layering. It is also wise to bring along some kind of device, such as a whistle, that makes noise easily if you happen to get lost or hurt and cannot move. It's always a good idea to bring emergency food and water purifiers as well.

While the beauty of the northwest can be breathtaking, take care to be alert. Wild animals such as black bear, cougars, and even mountain goats and elk can be deadly. At the trailheads, there are usually signs posted about what to watch out for and how to handle a confrontation. If camping overnight, never leave food out in the open on the ground, especially near where you are staying. Food can attract dangerous encounters with animals. To avoid such encounters, be sure to hang food up on a tree limb, out of reach and far from your campsite. Never eat any plants that you don't know are 100% safe, there are toxic plants that could result in death if not treated quickly. Also, plants that cause rash such as stinging nettles are abundant in the northwest--be sure to familiarize yourself with what these plants look like. Most generally, rashes that occur because of these plants heal quickly but applying a mixture of baking soda and water helps in soothing it. Whenever in doubt about plants or animals, it is most advisable to avoid them. If one ever has a bad encounter with either, it is best to get back to civilization quickly in order to get checked out by a medical professional.

Taking Care of the Environment
Preserving our environment is important for insuring that generations to come will be able to enjoy it as well. The ecosystem is sensitive and destroying something as minute as a type of mold or bacteria can be catastrophic for the community. The best way to take care of trails and campsites is to leave as you found it. At some sites hikers must carry out their own human waste and dispose of it at an actual restroom/garbage can. This is all in the effort to leave as small a trace as possible, enabling nature to continue unharmed. Also keep in mind that especially during the summer, burn-bans involving fines are quite common--so be sure to check beforehand whether or not fires are allowed. Check out www.wta.org for more information on caring for our northwest trails.

Recommended Books for Beginners
There are several books dedicated to helping beginner and inexperienced hikers choose where to go. When choosing a book, make sure that it includes a map of the trail, elevation gain, and level of difficulty. This will help the hiker to assess if they will be capable of doing the hike at all. These books usually also give a good indication of whether or not it's good for pets and/or children, if any passes are necessary, and may also give advice on what to bring or do during the hike or at the destination. A specific author of these books is Ira Spring. Spring has been hiking in the Pacific NW for decades and has written several books with plenty of pictures and information useful for any hiker.

June 2011
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Proposed deletion of Hiking in the Pacific Northwest


The article Hiking in the Pacific Northwest has been proposed for deletion&#32; because of the following concern:
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