Northwest Hiking

Survival Shelters Part II:  Natural Shelters

Shelter in a survival situation may come in many forms.  For some, it’s a plastic survival bag meant to curl up in to stay warm and dry in snowy or rainy conditions.  For other, it may be a stick built shelter such as a raised platform and corresponding roof.  Still others may find refuge in a cave or other natural shelter.  The latter of these is the topic to be discussed.

The most important shelters that should be considered when seeking a way out of the elements are in fact natural shelters.  They don’t require a lot of work, can be found with some relative ease, and are usually a good way to stay out of the rain and wind.   Here is a list of some simple natural shelters:

• Caves:  Good ways to stay out of the rain, but somewhat risky depending on stability and location, so be careful for cave ins and water.
• Underneath Rocky Ledges:  These are great to avoid the rain, but you’ll need to watch for wind and the stability of the rocky ceilings that form your roof.
• Large Trees:  If you have a low hanging tree with thick branches, these will provide you with wind and rain protection.  By staying close to the trunk, you’ll be dry and warm with the use of a blanket or think coat.
• Fall Trees:   A large fallen tree makes a good way to get protection from the rain and elements.  Better yet, a large tree with a partially uprooted root system can also provide a good shelter from the elements.

The main problem that natural shelters can cause is the lack of visibility to search and rescue.  It is thus vital to mark your shelter with something visible from above.  An orange string or canvas is a great way to do this.

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