Northwest Hiking

As winter approaches and the snow and rain (really, right?) move in, hiking will take an entirely different turn for the year. With September being the last truly good month for hiking, this is an article due as a reminder to get out there and get in some last good hikes. Of course, the hiking season isn’t done yet, but it is certainly winding down. On a different note, this doesn’t have to be the end of your hiking excursions. There is one good alternative in the form of snow shoeing that many enjoy throughout the winter season.

I personally like Sportsman’s Warehouse in the pacific northwest as a good place for snow shoes. Their amazing deals make them a good place to get snow shoes for under $180. Snow shoeing is definitely a worthy alternative to consider as the winter months creep in. More information and updates coming soon!

For the hardcore hiker, there is nothing like conquering a serious trail to enjoy the best views around.  Crystal Mountain, WA offers just that.  As winter closes in, this will be one of the last hikes presented on Northwest Hiking until spring.  The trail offers spectacular views of Mt. Rainier and surrounding areas while offering challenging terrain for even the toughest hikers.  If you want an amazing hike and are in good shape, then you better head out before the end of September.  Here are some trail stats:

Location:  Crystal Mountain, WA
Distance:  A 9 mile loop
Elevation gain: 3000 feet
Views: Mount Rainier, surrounding areas, and Crystal Mountain Ski Resort
Terrain:  Hard pack dirt single track
Difficulty: Moderately difficult

The trail, although fairly good in most places, is steep and hard to follow in many areas.  When in doubt, follow the more obvious trail and DEFINITELY take a map.  You’ll end up in the wrong place otherwise.  Overall, this is a hike for more advanced hikers and outdoors people.  The views are definitely worth it, however, and I highly suggest it for anyone who wants a long hike with rewarding views!

More info:
Maps and Directions

For those needing a better backpack when carrying gear to various places, the Lowepro CompuDayPack will provide you the perfect place to keep your gear.  Primarily made for SLR cameras, the backpack’s rugged design give it plenty of padding and durability when trusting it with your camera on a hike.  Not only does it store your camera, it also has a sizable storage area for food, water, and your survival and first-aid kit.  In the slot closest to your back, it has a spot for your laptop—although what you would do with it on a hike, I have no idea.

For those who need a better backpack that holds camera gear and regular hiking gear on a hike, this backpack will do more than its part in the protection and storage of your equipment.  I recommend it to anyone who has a SLR camera and needs to take it safely to places where it needs superior protection.

 CompuDaypack

Foul weather is predominantly a dangerous scenario when stranded out in remote territory and regions.  Although not all bad weather is a likely killer if individuals are prepared for it, it can be a life threatening situation when unpreparedness is matched by poor weather.  Here are some things to remember when stranded:

• Shelter is paramount!  Find shelter or construct a means in which to stay dry and out of the elements.  If that means a cave or hand built shelter, then so be it.
• Watch for weather changes. Although not everyone is a weatherman, most can learn to discern weather and its patterns and decide whether or not it will change. Some common ways to tell weather is the color of the sky.  A red sky in the morning should raise concern because it usually brings foul weather.  A red sky in the evening means good weather is usually on the way.  In a similar manner, when smoke rises steadily, good weather is usually in store.  If smoke rises, but then falls or is beaten down, then bad weather may be on the way.
• If foul weather does move in, seek shelter and avoid being exposed to the elements at all costs.  Hypothermia can take its toll even in warm weather if the right conditions are present.

Always take proper steps to avoid bad weather.  This includes planning well and checking the weather report before a hike or camping trip.  Remember to be alert and watch the weather around you, and if you do become lost or stranded, to take appropriate measures to avoid exposure.

Although hiking is a great way to get out and enjoy nature, it is vital that you leave information for someone in case your camping plans take an unexpected turn.  In a situation that requires search and rescue, the only thing standing between you and the chance of finding help is the person designated to obtain help if you do not return.  Here are some important things to remember when planning your hike:

1. Tell someone you are leaving.  This is vital when hiking in order to make sure that if something does happen, someone will know you are going.
2. Make sure you tell the person details about where you are going.  This includes showing them on a map, telling them the trail and region, and explaining how to get there.  Rescuers don’t need to waste time that could be spend finding you trying to figure out sketchy directions and locations.  And once you have told someone your route, don’t deviate at all costs!
3. Set a time to be back.  I always setup a grace period, as well.  That way if something minor happens, I have a designated time that I can use to get back.  For instance, I set a “be back” date of July 1st by 10am, but I also specify a grace period of 6pm that same day, that way I won’t have rescuers wasting time on my flat tire or sore legs.

Remember to always tell someone when you go someplace.  It is pivotal when the need for help is required, and it can save your life.  Be safe and have fun hiking!

When you are out camping or hiking in the backwoods, most likely you are not going to bring along an axe or chainsaw to cut firewood or clear the trail of larger branches.  Not only can it be a hassle, but it is also too much weight to carry something larger than a small hand saw, many of which are bulky and will cut through your gear.  For the hiker and backwoodsman, however, Coghlan’s Sierra Saw offers you perfect versatility and functionality when you need it most.

The Coghlan’s Sierra Saw folds up into its own handle to provide a safe means by which to store and pack it.  This is a huge bonus for those who need to cut down on space and still have something that is beefy enough to take on the larger branches.   With a 7″ blade and an overall size of 17″, this is sure to take care of all your needs—whether that is clearing a trail, or cutting firewood for the night!

Coghlan’s Sierra Saw

A nearly unavoidable fact of camping is burns over a campfire—usually while cooking or stoking the fire. Burns can be fairly dangerous when not treated properly, encouraging the onset of infection and causing a reasonable amount of discomfort.  Here are some important treatment steps to consider after being burned by a campfire or other heat related object:

• Cool the affected area with cool water and/or ice immediately.  This is the first important step in burn treatment.  Never use warm water in the treatment of burns.
• Assess the situation for second degree or worse burns that may lead to complications.  Such burns may include the following signs: charred, sloughing, or blistering skin.
• If second degree burns are present, seek medical attention to be sure that serious complications do not arise.
• If the burn is not serious, apply burn ointment or similar product, but never oil or butter.

Remember to be safe while treating burns and seek medical attention at once if the area becomes infected or severely inflamed.  Minor burns are usually not serious, but second and third degree burns present a dangerous scenario if not treated properly.  And as always, prevention is the best treatment.  Happy trails!

Nwhiking.today.com, its editor, and today.com take no responsibility for actions carried out by the influence and recommendations of this article.  This article is suggestion only and does NOT replace professional medical advice or treatment.  Thank you!

In most cases, hiking provides a way to connect with nature on a new level and experience all it has to offer.  Rarely, however, does this experience include views that one can truly call magical.  Eagle Cliff, a short hike from Mowich Lake, WA, offers one such view.  The privilege to hike this trail is one that can be called an honor for those who view hiking as a look into the deepest recesses of what the world has to offer.

The trail, although hard to hike in some portions, is relatively short.  It starts out at Mowich Lake and continues about 1.5 miles up to the viewpoint.  The overlook area is perched on the side of a cliff (hence, Eagle Cliff) and offers stunning, if not spectacular views of Mt. Rainier, part of Spray Park, and the mountains surrounding Mt. Rainier.  It is a hike I would highly suggest to those who enjoy amazing views.

Trail difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Hard-pack dirt
Habitat: Old growth forest

Picture:

As an essential tool, I would always suggest you bring with you a magnesium stick when hiking.  Not only does it make a good fire starter, the flint side of it can also be used alone to start fires.  It is a tool I refuse to leave home without, and one that is well worth the few extra bucks to buy.  Here are some of the benefits of using a magnesium stick:

• It is water proof and easy to light, even when conditions are wet.
• The flint side of the stick can be used as a stand-alone ignition source, making it functional out on the trail.
• The stick lasts for months starting multiple fires.  You can expect to use this often and for a long time.
• Starting the fires is easy.  Just use a knife to shred magnesium filings, then place your tender next to it.  Ignite the magnesium with the flint side and place your tender on top.  Voila!  Instant flame!

I would definitely suggest this stick to anyone who needs a good survival tool that is functional, light weight, and easy to use.  Happy hiking!

Magnesium Stick

Video:

If you’ve ever tried lighting a fire in the wind and rain, you know that the experience is not always a pleasant one.  On the contrary, it can be a tough thing to start a fire with limited resources, especially in the context of matches.  I remember one such time on a horse camping trip, when I couldn’t start the fire no matter how hard I tried.  The tender was somewhat wet, it was windy, and the matches kept getting blown out.  Now, however, I trust Coghlan’s wind and waterproof matches to start my fires.  They burn much longer than a normal match and are resistant to being blown out by a simple wind or light rain.

The amount of matches included isn’t significantly large, with only about 20 matches per box, but when one is all you need, it is a huge lifesaver.  As a tip, I would carry them in a waterproof package to keep the box from getting soggy and breaking, thus spilling the matches everywhere.  But if you don’t have a huge desire to do so, then you can be at peace knowing the matches will still light on the striking strip when you need them!

Coghlan’s Wind and Waterproof Matches