How to Plan a Hiking Trip in Western Washington

The mountains, lakes and parks of Western Washington offer unparalleled opportunities for both novice and advanced hikers to enjoy nature's beauty. The key to a successful hike in this area of the Pacific Northwest lies in the planning, so before you step out on those trails, read through this guide to make sure you are prepared.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Assess your hiking skills and select a trail that is appropriate for your level. You can do this by reading a series of books called "Day Hike!" by Seabury Blair that list all the trails in Western Washington and their difficulty level. Remember that hiking in the great outdoors is much different than walking around a city, so be conservative in your estimates as to how much physical exertion your body can handle.
2. Visit the Washington Trails Association website wta.org and enter the name of the trail you have selected by using the "browse" function. Guidebooks can only go so far in telling you what to expect, so this feature works as an excellent supplement by providing you with firsthand accounts of hikers who have already visited practically every trail in the state. If there is a recent entry for the trail you are planning on, read closely for warnings about blow-downs, closures or reroutes.
3. Dress comfortably. Avoid open-toed shoes (even if it's a warm day) and opt for something waterproof. It also helps to invest in a waterproof coat since the ground can still be snowy in some places as you increase altitude.
4. Pack some hiking gear that could save your life in the event of an emergency. A first aid kit, flashlight, bottled water, compass and a change of socks are essential add-ons to any daypack when hiking in Western Washington.
5. Bring a hiking buddy. Even the easiest trails can turn dangerous whether it be due to climate changes or unexpected encounters with wildlife. Hiking with a buddy provides extra security and someone to share all those views with.
6. Outfit your car with additional emergency gear in case you need to wait out a storm. The weather in Western Washington can be very unpredictable, particularly in the mountain territories, and you might need your car to double as a shelter until it passes. Pack it full of extra blankets, water, food and a lantern.
7. Tell a friend or relative where you plan on hiking and be specific about the trail location and name. Many hiking trails in Western Washington have the same name or overlap with other ones and, in the event of an emergency, knowledge of your whereabouts will be vital.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep away from bears or cougars, particularly if they are with their young. If you see one, back away slowly and maintain eye contact. (Never turn your back because the animal will assume you are easy prey.) There have been very few reported incidents with bears or cougars in Western Washington, but it never hurts to be prepared.
• Stay on marked trails. Although unmarked territories are enticing, going beyond a designated trail could be damaging to the wildlife that resides there and also pose a threat to your safety.