Hiking in our mountains has become a popular way to get out of the house during the COVID-19 pandemic.
And while spring and summer are times when most people think about hiking in the mountains, many people might consider hiking over the winter to get some fresh air.
Winter hiking does pose unique risks that you should be prepared for should you decide to hit the trails. Here are some suggestions form the Washington Trails Association (WTA),
· Choose where you hike wisely. Avalanches, snow
and otherwise, are big problems in the winter. You can find the best trails for
winter hiking (and the ones to stay away from) on the Washington Trails
Association website. Also, check out avalanche conditions in the mountains at
the Northwest Avalanche Center.
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Washington
Trails Association:
§ Hiking Guide- https://www.wta.org/go-outside/hikes
§ Where to go and
not go for a winter hike- https://www.wta.org/news/signpost/seasonal-avalanche-chute-trails-snow-hazards?fbclid=IwAR3zyyI-XUMjdIkz3at5-pwtCVHZlhjOJx_L9WMzL5t2cehLs2BcZ8qe25g#.X755yHyxEzU.facebook
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Northwest
Avalanche Center:
· Check the weather. Before you go, check the weather
forecast for the mountains. The National Weather Service’s Mountain Forecast
website is a good place for this information.
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National
Weather Service Mountain Forecast:
§ https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sew/forecast03.php
· Check road conditions. You can check
mountain pass conditions on the WSDOT website.
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Washington
State Department of Transportation Mountain Passes:
· Wear the right clothing. With colder, rainy,
or snowy weather, you need to be sure that you have the right clothing to
survive the cold. Have a base layer of long thermal underwear tops and/or
bottoms. Next, a warm insulating layer such as a fleece jacket or wool sweater.
Finally, a waterproof/windproof layer like rain/wind jackets and hiking or rain
pants.
· Let someone know where you are going. Make out a trip
plan and leave it with someone who can call 911 if you do not return on time
from your hike.
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WTA
Hike Itinerary Form:
§ https://www.wta.org/go-outside/new-to-hiking/hiking-101-1/hike-itinerary
· Take the 10 essentials with you.
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WTA
10 Essentials:
§ https://www.wta.org/go-outside/trail-smarts/ten-essentials
Washington Trails Association:
The Herald:
https://www.heraldnet.com/life/heres-how-to-hike-safely-during-the-rainy-season/
KING TV News:
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