As our public lands and hiking trails begin to reopen throughout Washington State, it is imperative to #RecreateResponsibly in the times of Coronavirus. Our call to action is to expand Leave No Trace principles beyond the hiking trails and ensure our gateway communities are not adversely affected by the reopening of outdoor recreation. As public lands and trails begin to reopen, here are Six Guidelines we encourage travelers to follow to limit the spread of COVID-19:
Six Guidelines to Leave No Trace during COVID-19 on the trails and in the community.
1. Research your destination, double check closures, and create a Plan B
If you’re planning to hike, the Washington Trails Association is a great starting point for research with an extensive trail library, a continually updated listing of closures, and very helpful guidelines for Hiking in the Time of Coronavirus. Create a detailed itinerary for a Plan A destination, and also a nearby Plan B, in case your destination of choice is already overcrowded upon your arrival.
2. Follow a Pre-Trip Checklist Prior to Departure
Research – select your Plan A trip, Plan B trip, and double check closures. Fuel – safely top off your tank in your hometown community. Ten Essentials + one – be sure to carry the Ten Essentials plus a face covering (mask or bandana). Food, water, and supplies – organize your daytrip supplies within your home and local stores to limit exposure to other communities. Make sure hand sanitizer is on that list somewhere!
3. If the parking lot is crowded, proceed to Plan B
If your destination of choice is already crowded upon arrival, avoid unnecessary exposure in the parking lot and on the trails and proceed to your backup destination. We recommend that your Plan B location is nearby the first destination or home to avoid having to refuel or make unnecessary stops.
4. Maintain Physical Distancing of 6 feet or more
Whether in the trailhead parking lot or on the hiking trail, it is vital to keep at least 6 feet distance from fellow travelers. Communicate in advance and yield to hikers going up-hill with plenty of distance to safely pass while not trampling fragile flora and fauna off trail.
5. Expect Bathroom Facilities to be closed
Plan out your bathroom breaks in your itinerary planning considering that many trailhead facilities and visitor centers will remain closed. WTA has some great articles for when nature calls in the great outdoors. As always in the outdoors, follow Leave No Trace principles and leave only footprints.
6. Start Planning that Big Outdoor Trip for the Fall or Winter
Many camping trips, backpacking adventures, and international travel plans have been cancelled for this summer. For us in the Pacific Northwest, we are lucky to be surrounded by beautiful destinations, which provide a wide array of adventures year-round. Optimistically hoping that COVID-19 is under control by fall and winter, consider rediscovering the outdoor gems nearby your hometown community within your state to help many small businesses recover after a tough 2020. With international travel restrictions likely lingering beyond intrastate travel restrictions, planning an action-packed staycation near your hometown would do wonders for economic recovery in your community.
Here at Olympic Hiking Co., we will safely resume our guided hiking tours and shuttles in accordance with Washington State’s health and safety guidances by Labor & Industries, Department of Health, and specific outdoor recreation industry guidelines.
