Northwest Recreation

Back country hiking is a phenomenal way to see nature.  Going “off the beaten path” lets you search out the few wonders that many people don’t get to see.  It also lets you hike in quieter, more serene places.   With a tendency to have more wildlife, back country areas are known for their undisturbed beauty and difficulty to get to in many cases.  It can be an amazing experience, but here are some things to keep in mind:

• Get stuck, and you’re stuck: It is much harder to get around with no trail, so remember to tell people where you are going and when you will be back.  No cell phones and few people mean that it can be more dangerous.
• For the love of animals:  They’re great critters, but they also abound out there.  Hang your food high between two trees at least 15 feet off the ground.  More certainly can’t hurt, because I wouldn’t want to be hungry out there.
• Nature calls: There aren’t facilities out there, so plan on using proper means to dispose of human waste.
• Manhunt:  Search and rescue doesn’t need more calls to find lost people.  Know where you are going and hike with someone to avoid getting lost or stuck alone.
• Respect your mom:  Mother nature has its own balance of ecosystems, etc.  Be respectful.  Pack it in, pack it out.  Don’t feed critters, and make sure you stay off of known delicate environments.

Back country hiking is incredible, and definitely my favorite type of hiking.  Just remember to be safe out there and be respectful.    Happy hiking!

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