Hiking In The Northwest

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Summer is just around the corner in the Pacific Northwest and with it comes one of outdoor enthusiasts' favorite activities; hiking. From the Umatilla National Forest to the Oregon Sand Dunes, Oregon and SW Washington offer an exciting array of forests, parks and national monuments that are just waiting to be explored. But the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest can also prove dangerous to the inexperienced and unprepared. Forest, coastal and cave hiking all present different challenges, and without the proper preparation and equipment one might find oneself in an unnecessarily perilous predicament.

The Northwest's forest trails offer hikers cool areas of pine and fir trees, serene open fields and meadows, and an abundance of native wildlife, such as beavers, foxes, deer, elk, songbirds, mice and squirrels. While most of the forest trails are well maintained and patrolled, it's still important to prepare oneself for the unexpected.

Water is the most important non-clothing item to remember, especially during the hot summer months, with food a close second. But food and water alone aren't enough to ensure a safe and comfortable hiking trip. Emergency lights and signals are a must-have for any recreational hiker. Traditional roadside flares are not an option in the fire-prone Northwest wilderness; instead, try a LED emergency light. Small, lightweight and affordable, LED emergency lights offer a powerful, high-quality beam that can be used as a distress signal as well as a traditional flashlight.

Another useful item to carry with you during a hike is a multi-purpose pocket knife. Many multi-purpose knives offer functions that make a hiker's life much easier, including miniature scissors and pliers, tweezers and a compass. A basic pocket knife is itself a useful tool during a hike; marking trees and branches is a simple and easy way to avoid getting lost in unfamiliar territory. Mosquito repellent and sunblock are also useful and important items to bring on a forest hike.

Coastal hiking presents its own obstacles to the unprepared explorer. The Pacific Northwest is known for its often unpredictable coastal weather, and hikers are advised to dress for the elements. A good rain jacket and boots are essential, but one must not forget to pack layers; thermal underwear and wool socks are great for cold coastal nights, but a light cotton tee and a pair of jeans might be all one needs during a warm, sunny day. Of course, what trip to the Oregon or SW Washington coast wouldn't be complete without dense, heavy fog coverage. It is important for one to bring along a powerful LED flashlight or lantern, not only for trail and campsite illumination but also to alert other hikers, campers or park officials to one's presence.

Cave hiking is one of the more dangerous types of recreational hiking and thus requires more safety equipment and preparation. Along with multiple light sources, appropriate clothing and plenty of food and water, one must also make sure to bring protective head gear, rope, gloves, matches or some convenient fire source, and chalk or paint to mark one's trail. Of course, cave hiking and exploration can be a very dangerous and scary experience and should only be attempted with an experienced guide.

There's something incredibly satisfying and beautiful about a hike through one of the many Pacific Northwest trails. The variety of natural beauty in the area is hard to match. Woods, mountains, jungle forests, beaches, deserts, caves; all are available to the adventurous explorer. And with the right kind of equipment and preparation, one can easily develop an exciting, healthy and satisfying past time in the Oregon and Washington wilderness.

~Ben Anton, 2008
http://www.lightsandknives.com/northwest_hiking.htm