By Roxanne Johnston, Guest Writer
When it comes to outdoor recreational activities, hiking has got to be one of the top ones on the list. According to Statista, approximately 44.9 million Americans participated in hiking and other related activities in 2017, and the numbers have been on a steady climb since.
Hiking is more than just a form of exercise — it's also one way to build a healthy appreciation for nature. Operations like the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy offer hiking trails that help people gain a better understanding of the local landscape and ecosystem. But to preserve that natural beauty, it's important for hikers to understand that every little thing they do has an impact. Here are some ways you can ensure an eco-friendly hiking trip.
Tip 1: Leave No Trace
Natural ecosystems can be very sensitive to human activity, and even something as small-scale as hiking may still have an impact. The American Hiking Society espouses a system of "Leave No Trace," which in effect means leaving what you find and taking only photos and memories. Remember, as a hiker you're only "visiting" the landscape, so make sure you make as minimal an impact as possible.
The American Hiking Society recommends that you take your trash with you, plan out your routes and focus your activities on resilient ground that won't widen the trail. One way to make sure that you leave no trash is by not taking any trash with you in the first place. Additionally, lifestyle writer James Gonzales suggests using travel-sized containers for toiletries, which can help keep plastic and other non-biodegradable packaging material from ending up in the trails. Apart from allowing you to better stick to the "Leave No Trace" principles and being more sustainable when traveling, doing this can also help keep your load lighter as you traverse new trails.
Tip 2: Practice Proper Trail Etiquette
You aren't the only person who'll be hiking on your desired trail, so make sure you practice proper trail etiquette. For hikers who are new to the sport, it's important to let faster hikers pass and give way to uphill hikers. You should also be careful not to make any unnecessary and loud noises so as not to disturb both fellow hikers and the wildlife that make their home near the trails. Finally, be considerate and remember to let others enjoy the trails as well.
Tip 3: Maintain the "Wild" in Wildlife
Research on the impact of hiking on local wildlife has been growing, and many researchers have found that even low-impact activities like hiking have a cost. Hiking and other outdoor recreational activities can disturb local wildlife and cause animals undue amounts of stress. However, it is still possible for hiking and the wild to coexist. Experts recommend keeping a far distance from local wildlife. Stick to the trails, don't feed the animals and remember to clean up after yourselves.
Tip 4: Know Where to Go When Mother Nature Calls
Sometimes you just can't resist the call of nature, especially on long hikes. While it's important to remember to "Leave No Trace," it can be pretty hard when you need to do your business in the wilderness. Luckily, there are ways for hikers to relieve themselves with minimal impact on the environment. First, find out if there are any regulations on human waste in the area where you’re going. If regulations allow, make sure you follow standard hygiene practices: Don't go near a water source, dig a deep enough hole for your deposits and make sure that you cover up your activities as much as possible.
Tip 5: Have Fun
At the end of the day, remember that hiking is a fun activity that's meant to leave you better off as a person—in health and in mind. Hiking can lower the risks of heart disease, improve your blood pressure and blood sugar levels and, of course, build strength in your muscles. It can also lead to a better appreciation of your local wildlife and ecosystems and is one way to teach children about the outdoors. If you remember the reasons why you're hiking, it'll also be easier to remember to keep your surroundings pristine so that future generations can enjoy the same views.
Tip 6: There's Always a New Trail to Discover
Nothing is as motivating when hiking as walking through a forest trail that you've yet to discover. In partnership with organizations like the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust and Washington Trails Association, The Nature Conservancy in Washington is creating and marking new trails within the Central Cascades Forest — recreational corridors that link the towns of Cle Elum, Roslyn, and Ronald. The Towns to Teanaway Corridor new trail system is being developed to benefit both the people and wildlife in the Central Cascades with recreational connectivity being a key vision for the towns.
Interested in recreating in the Central Cacades? Please review our guidelines on year-round access to the Central Cascades Forest and its 124.4 miles of authorized trails.
For more information on how to easily access old and new trails nearby, King County's Trailhead Direct service provides public transportation routes to where other trails begin.
