How to Plan A Day Hike In A National Forest

Hiking is great fun. You do need to prepare whenever you go hiking anywhere but especially so at one of the national parks.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• National Forest pass
• 10 essentials
• Hike plan
• map

1. Most people do not realize that you need a parking pass whenever you go hiking at a national forest. You can buy a yearly pass if you hike often or just a d=single day pass the day you go hiking. The cost varies depending on which national forest you plan on hiking at. You can find information on fees at the National Forest Service link listed below.

2. Whenever you go hiking you need to carry the 'Ten essentials' in case you get lots or the weather turns bad. map and compass are very important especially where there are many intersecting trails. They do not take much room and they do not cost a lot. They include:
   
   1. Map
   2. Compass (optionally supplemented with a GPS receiver)
   3. Sunglasses and sunscreen
   4. Extra food and water
   5. Extra clothes
   6. Headlamp/flashlight
   7. First aid kit
   8. Fire starter
   9. Matches
   10. Knife
   
   You should also include water purification tablets. Even mountain water contains bacteria and if you need emergency water, it is good to have a way to purify the water.

3. Weather briefing. Many areas, especially in mountainous regions, the weather can change rapidly. Mount Rainier in Washington State has hundreds of miles of hiking trails and is popular for day hikers. ost regulars know that Mt. Rainier can generate its own weather systems and can be entirely different weather than in the low lands (why it's very important to carry the 'Ten Essentials') Get a weather briefing as you are planning your hike and an updated briefing before you go. You can check the weather and plan your trip using any one of the numerous weather services, including the National Weather Service, online. ou can always plan a hike for another day. There are some days it isn't worth taking the risk.

4. Hike plan. Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. This way if you are lost or have an accident, someone will be looking for you. If you do not have anyone close by, then email one of your online friends. You can leave a not on your car for the rangers t find- but be sure no valuables are in it because if the rangers can find and read the note, so can thieves.
   
   The hike in my avatar is at Annette Lake in the Snoqualmie National Forest September, 2008

Tips & Warnings

• Best to drive an older car to the trail head (see warning)
• be sure you are fit enough for the hike you are planning. Hiking on the flat is much different than mountain hiking.
• Take lots of drinking water
• Do not leave valuables in your car. Trail heads are increasingly become targets for car prowlers.

Resources

• U.S. Forest Service
• National Weather Service

[rfoote]

on 9/7/2009 Great tips! Going on an outing in a National Forest is so fun and it's good to be prepared.