Northwest Hiking

For those who have had the privilege of seeing the northern regions of Washington state, they know that some of the most beautiful territory in the world is there. Living in the northwest, I have had the opportunity of hiking the area up there many times. One of the regions I had the chance to hike was Mt. Pilchuck, a large mountain looming over the Verlot ranger station and Stillaguamish river. The surrounding area, home to many residents of the Mountain Loop Highway, is very mountainous and provides spectacular views paralleled by none other in the northwest.

The hike itself is 3 miles one way, so plan on using the previous tips and grab that water hydration pack and liniment for the 2,224 feet ascension to the top of Pilchuck.  It is categorized as a “most difficult” hike, so if you’re new to hiking, don’t kill yourself trying to reach the top.  For those know their abilities in hiking and are confident of such a climb, plan on experiencing views of the northern cascades, the Verlot area, and views out towards the sound.

For directions, please see the following sites for detailed explanations on how to get there.
Happy trails!
Washington State Parks
USFS: Mt. Pilchuck

For extended periods of hiking, you may find that running out of water is a big deal when it’s hot. It’s also not always practical to use water bottles when you need more than 20oz of water.  I have used the Cyclone hydration bladder from Outdoor Products for quite some time. It offers you 2 liters of water which you can slip in a backpack with a headphone hole in it, thereby supplying you with plenty of water for that all day hike.

As far as durability goes, the pack has more than enough “toughness” to stand up to the wear and tear you throw at it.  I have had this particular hydration system for over two years, and it still works and is in good condition.  That’s quite a feat for Outdoor Products considering that the system has yet to form any holes, clogs, or rips.  On the side of convenience, the bite valve lets you continue walking or hiking while drinking, so you aren’t losing those valuable miles.

Tip:
For maintenance, the bladder will start to taste foul if the water is not changed and the bladder is not rinsed.  It will also hold the flavor of any other beverage or powder you may choose to put in the bladder.  To help rid the bladder of a flavor stuck in it, fill it halfway with water, put 2-3 good squeezes of lemon juice in, gently shake, suck out the excess air, and store it in a dark and cool place.  After a day, remove the lemon water rinse the bladder, refill halfway with plain water, and let sit in a dark and cool place for a day.  Afterwards, empty it, let it dry, and you should have fresh water whenever you bite on the mouthpiece.  Happy trails!

After a long day hiking, there is nothing like climbing back into the car only to have those tired muscles making the drive home a more arduous task than it should be. After hiking, try a good liniment to help relax those tired, aching muscles away.

Liniment actually works by drawing in blood to the affected site and thus, by rubbing it into the muscle area, soothes aches and pains. It is often used primarily in the context of horses, but humans have been using it just as long as it has been used on animals. After you get home (or even in the car), you can rub it on, sit back, and let it do its work. It is well worth the money when you are a hardcore hiker needing relief from that weekend backpack trip.  After some searching, I found a basic recipe for a liniment that you could use to ease tired, bruised, and strained muscles (taken from Regaining Health Naturally):

1. Combine 4 tsp. powdered Myrrh, 2tsp. powdered Goldenseal, 2 tsp Echinacea root powder, 1 tsp. Cayenne pepper, in one quart of alcohol.
2. Mix together and let stand 7-10 days.
3. Shake well every day.
4. After 7-10 days strain and bottle.

For more information, please go to the following site:
Regaining Health Naturally
Jimbo’s Liniment

If you want a truly scenic hike, I would suggest Green Lake, located past the small town of Wilkeson, WA.  This hike takes you through 1.8 miles of old growth timber to a glistening lake at the an elevation of 3220 feet.  Along the way, you’ll see a rushing creek, climb switchbacks, and ascend 1120 into the heart of some of the most beautiful country this part of the northwest.

The first time I hiked this, I was with a group of high school and college youth on a “field trip” at a camp meeting I was attending.  After taking a bus up, we started to climb the fairly good trail to the top.  It was June, so the weather was actually somewhat cold, and it was about 45 degrees at the trailhead.  It took about 30 minutes to get to the top, where I was greeted by a calm lake with crystal clear waters and bordered by mountains.  Despite the 40 degree temperatures, I remember some of the kids couldn’t resist bragging rights about swimming in a freezing cold lake.

Overall, I would suggest this hike for beginner and intermediate level hikers.  For those who aren’t used to such a climb, it might take a little longer, but the lake and experience is definitely worth it.

Directions:
From Orting, WA, go south/east on hwy 162 toward Buckley and South Prairie.
After South Prairie, there is a turnoff to Buckley.  Continue going straight to Wilkeson on hwy 165.
Go through Wilkeson and continue on hwy 165 past Carbonado.
At the fork, continue left on Fairfax Forest Reserve Road to the Carbon River entrance.
Continue 3 miles east on Faifax Forest Service Road to the Green Lake trailhead.

If you’re into survival gear, you may have seen the countless multi-tools available to you through camping stores and backpacking outfitters and gear suppliers like REI. If you aren’t, but still hike, you should at least have some sort of tool for survival situations. Usually, when I mention multi-tools, most people think “Leatherman!” Although these are wonderful tools, a multi-tool in a survival situation means so much more. In a time and place where you life hangs in the balance, it is absolutely essential you are prepared with the proper equipment.

I personally use this multi-tool because it is cheaper than that of most name brand tools, but still offers you a down to earth survival multi-tool that you can use in a practical manner. Some of the key features are:

• 5x magnifying glass (doubles as an emergency ignition source in sunny weather)
• Water-tight match compartment (your real ignition source)
• Mirror (essential as a signaling device if stranded)
• Whistle (very loud to make easy locating of your whereabouts)
• LED Light (life-saver in the dark or as a low-light signaler)
• Compass (that’s no-brainer there)
• Thermometer (more of a convenience)

The only problem with this particular product is the lack of a knife on it. Of course, most likely you would want a larger hunting or pocket knife with you, but for those looking for an all-in-one, this won’t quite cut it. Over all, I have to give this a 4/5 stars. I used it several times in situations where it was greatly needed, and it always outperformed my other tools. Just remember to get a knife to complete it. Happy trails!

More information

As you consider your packing this summer, remember that packing a first-aid kit is an essential for any hiker.  Although not everyone has had the misfortune of such an event, a first-aid kit can mean the difference between a severe, life threatening infection, and a properly treated wound.

One summer, I had the unfortunate mishap of cutting a toe past all three layers of skin while swimming in a lake full of sharp rocks.  The wound was so severe that stitches would have been necessary had I gotten the chance to get to a hospital within the two days I had to keep it wrapped.  My kit came in the form of a REI first aid kit that contained various essentials for treating mild to moderately severe wounds.

As you look for first-aid kits, check for the following:

• Antibiotic ointment
• Gauze
• Sterile gloves
• Band-aids
• Pain killer (ibuprofen)
• Anti-itch cream
• Containers for prescription meds in case you are stranded
• First-aid handbook

These items are the bare minimum when getting a first-aid kit, and they are not a complete list of all the items you should have.  Remember, be safe on the trail and happy hiking!

Summer is fast approaching, and as you do more hiking, you’ll need to watch for signs of dehydration and remember to keep up on your water consumption. The human body is primarily water, which helps in the diffusion of nutrients and chemicals in and out of the cells. No water, and you’re going to be a sick hiker.

Experts generally agree that when exercising for more than an hour, 16 ounces per pound of weight loss is needed. In general, 16-24 ounces per hour is a good goal to set when exercising. Take note that if you are exercising for more than an hour or two, a sports beverage or performance drink with sodium and electrolytes are absolutely necessary to avoid hyponatremia, a potentially life-threatening situation. I remember last summer whileworking at a youth camp, I hiked for 10 hours over 18 miles with only straight water. By the time I got back to the camp, I was barely coherent and was nearly taken to an ER, had the nurse not been experienced in such cases. It was enough to make me think twice about my own personal nutrition during long bouts of exercise. It should also be noted that higher elevations may also trigger more frequent urination, which in turn results in faster fluid loss.

Here are some tips to beat the heat and dehydration:

• Pack the soluble energy powder “Propel” available at grocery stores, and add it to your bottled water.
• Consider investing in a backpack with a built-in water pack.
• Gauge your water consumption per hour to make sure you are taking in the appropriate amount of water.
• Pack more water than you think you’ll need. Water is a life saver—literally.
• Keep purification tabs with you in case you are stranded and don’t have water.

In general, you want to make sure you are very careful to watch for hyponatremia. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, headache, and malaise—all of which I had during my unfortunate encounter with hyponatremia. Symptoms eventually progress to include loss of reflexes, confusion, stupor, and coma. Remember, prevention is the best solution, and a little extra time and money is well worth it over an emergency room visit. Safe hiking!

More information:
How much water should I drink?
Hyponatremia

If you’re located in the Eatonville/Puyallup area, you are no further than 15-45 minutes away from some of the best hiking and views around.  With gas prices being so high, this is the perfect moderate to strenuous hike without breaking your gas budget while doing it.

After arriving at Pack Forest, park out by the road, then start your ascent to Hugo Peak.  The trail is located 15 feet from the parking area, so it’s hard to miss.  It crosses several access roads before climbing steeply into the foothills.  Halfway up offers you several wonderful views of the south sound, including views of the Olympic Mountains on a clear day.  The hike itself is about 4 miles round trip, and takes about 2 hours to complete if you keep up a good pace.  The last 1/4 mile to the top is on an access road, and at the top of Hugo Peak you can sign a guest book.  There are few views at the top due to large stands of trees, but there is a small opening that offers you a limited glimpse of the sound.  Overall it is a good hike if you are looking for a workout and don’t mind not having a great view at the top.  There are several other vantage points offering views from the trail, too, however.

Directions:
From hwy 7 continue south past Eatonville towards Elbe.
Pack forest is located to your left and parking is right out front before you reach the gate.

More information @:
http://www.packforest.org

As summer approaches, many people will be turning to short hikes suitable for the whole family. For people like me, there is nothing more enjoyable than a lake to fish or swim in at the end of the hike, too. Cora Lake, located near Ashford, WA, is the perfect place if you’re looking for a weekend camping trip and don’t mind roughin’ it.

The lake itself nestled up against a rock face, the top of which is called High Rock Lookout. It is a 3/4 mile hike from the trail head up a few switchbacks to the camping and picnic area. No motor vehicles allowed, so you’re going to have to pack in what you want up there by foot. The lake also lacks restroom facilities, so plan on bringing your eco-friendly toilet paper and shovel.

Directions:
From highway 7 heading south from Tacoma.
Continue south on hwy 7 until you reach Elbe.
Continue straight @ Elbe where hwy 7 becomes hwy 706.
About 2 miles past Ashford, turn right on Skate Creek Rd.
Follow Skate Creek Rd as it turns slightly left.
Turn right on forest service road 84, proceed over wooden bridge.
Follow FR 84 and turn right on FR8420.
Trail head is on the left marked by a sign.

Map of the region available here .

Note: Winter conditions can exist into June-July. I was up there two weeks ago (May 20) and could not proceed any farther than 2 miles on FR 84, about 10 miles from the trail head.

Here is a picture of the lake:

For starters, I would like to thank any viewers to this blog and today.com for allowing me the opportunity to write on one of my favorite topics. As a travel writer for over a year, I always believed that the real stories were on “home soil.” Hiking is no different, and I even consider it to be a part of the travel category. A new place; a new sound; a new view—all are important in any aspect of travel, and hiking is no exception.

Dictionary.com puts hiking in the following context: “to walk or march a great distance, esp. through rural areas, for pleasure, exercise, military training, or the like.” For enthusiasts, it might even be put something like this: “the obsession related to walking distances in order to obtain scenic views, to gloat about your walking successes, or to experience a new region through walking.” So maybe that doesn’t apply to quite everyone; nonetheless, whether you are hiking for leisure, distance, or views you are in the company of millions worldwide who have found “pleasure” in walking for the fun of it.

On this particular blog, there will be hiking tips, places to hike in the northwest (pictures compliments of “yours truly”), and gear reviews. I look forward to posting! Happy trails!