Hiking in Seattle

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Hiking

Washington State has so many beautiful trails, if there was ever a state sport, hiking should be it. There are enough trails in Mt. Rainier National Park alone to keep you busy (and awestruck) for months. If hiking is a high priority for you, and if you have more than a few days in town, your best bet is to grab a hiking book or check out the site www.cooltrails.com, rent a car, and head out to the Olympics or east to the Cascades (Chapter 7 for more information on the major parks in the area). If you have to stay close to the city, don't despair, there are many beautiful walks within town and many gratifying hikes only an hour away.

Within Seattle city limits, the best trails can be found in Discovery and Seward parks and at the Washington Park Arboretum. Following the Burke-Gilman Trail from Fremont to its midway point at Matthews Beach Park (north of the U-District) would take several hours and cover more than 7 mi. You'll get a good glimpse of all sides of Seattle as the trail winds through both urban areas and leafier residential areas; the first part of the walk takes you right along the Lake Washington Ship Canal.

Hiking 101

Considering how many people take to Washington's trails every year, there are relatively few harrowing tales or outright tragedies. That said, the state is home to some true wilderness and nearly every year you hear at least one story of a simple day hike turned struggle for survival. Below are some basic tips to help make your hiking trips safer and more comfortable.

What to Bring

The "10 Essentials." According to the Washington State Trails Association, the ten essential items all hikers should carry are: a map of the area and trail; a compass; a flashlight; at least a day's worth of food (energy bars, gorp, and hardy fruits like apples and bananas are good); warm clothing and/or rain gear (a hat and a light jacket may be needed even on hot summer days); sunglasses, especially when walking across snow patches on sunny days; a basic first-aid kit in a waterproof container or baggie; a pocket knife or multipurpose tool; waterproof matches; and a fire starter like a candle or compressed wood chips (the Pacific Northwest is a damp place and you may have trouble finding dry kindling).

Water, water, and more water. A good rule of thumb is 2 liters per person for the average day hike. Take regular water breaks -- don't wait until you're very thirsty to stop.

Waterproof footwear or a change of shoes. Even if the sun is shining in Seattle, the weather may be very different at your destination. If there's even a hint of a coming rainstorm, make sure you have proper rain gear. Hiking in the rain can be exhilarating, but walking 3 or 4 mi in sopping wet shoes is never anything but miserable.

Anything but cotton. Veteran hikers can't say enough bad things about cotton clothing. It gets soggy (and then heavy) easily and is a terrible insulator, especially when it's wet. Your cotton T will probably be fine for an easy nature walk, but if you plan to do an all-day hike, you'll fare better with wool or synthetic fabrics.

Sunblock. Even if it's cool enough to require a jacket and hat, you can still get sunburned -- the sun is particularly intense above the treeline.

Toilet paper. A few squares will suffice. Though major parks usually have well-equipped public restrooms, the port-a-johns at less-traveled trailheads may not have any paper products.

Insect repellent. Rocky areas can get quite buggy with anything from gnats to horseflies. Mosquitos start biting in late afternoon. Bugs aren't always a nuisance, but carrying a small supply of repellent is advised.

Northwest Forest Pass, if necessary. Some trails require the purchase of a $5 pass (one per vehicle), which allows you to park at the trailhead. Check out www.fs.fed.us/r6/passespermits to see if your trail requires a pass; you can purchase them at any Forest Service station.

Safety

Don't overdo it. Injuries occur more often when you are tired and/or lack experience navigating a certain type of terrain. Know your ability and conditioning levels. The great thing about Washington is great views can be found even on relatively easy trails -- not everything requires a marathon slog up a mountainside.

Don't rely on cell phones to get you out of a jam. Service is spotty at best on trails, so don't let a cell phone in your pocket give you a false sense of security.

Hike in pairs. Although you'll see plenty of solo hikers, especially on the more heavily visited trails of the major parks, it's always wise to hike in pairs or groups, especially if you're a novice.

Exercise caution on Forest Service roads. Some Forest Service roads are mere steps from major highways; others consist of miles of twisting, often-unpaved stretches. Double-check road conditions, especially in late fall or early spring or after heavy rainstorms, and make sure you have a full tank of gas before turning off main roads. If at any time you are unsure of your whereabouts, turn around and retrace your steps back to the main road.

Keep track of the time. Be sure to clock the first leg of a hike, calculate how long the return trip will take, and plan accordingly. Know what time the sun sets and remember that dense, old-growth forest trails can get dark even if the sun's still shining up top.

Share your plans with someone. Let someone know of your hiking plans, including the trail name, the approximate time you're starting the hike, and the approximate time you expect to be back.

Be bear aware. Bear sightings are rare, but black bears (and even some grizzlies) do make their homes in Washington State. Bone up on bear etiquette at www.nps.gov/noca/naturescience/bear-safety.htm.

Lock up your car. Break-ins do happen at trailhead parking areas, so always lock your car and don't leave valuables in plain view.

Trail Etiquette

Don't litter. Even Washington's busiest trails are free of garbage. Your mantra should be: Leave no trace.

Clam up. Avoid chatter and non-emergent cell phone usage. A big part of hiking's allure is the quiet.

Stay on the trail. The delicate ecosystems of the state's busiest natural areas are under tremendous strain from all the foot traffic; wildlife habitats can also be disturbed by overzealous adventurers. Don't go off the trail, especially in spots where signs implore you to stay put.

Let horseback riders pass. Few hiking trails allow horseback riding, but if you encounter riders, step to the side and let them pass.

Let your fellow hikers pass. Step off to the side when you need a break or if you're moving slowly and sense you're causing a bottleneck on a narrow trail. In most cases, hikers going uphill have the right of way; hikers heading downhill should step aside until they pass. However, sometimes the hiker with the less-difficult or roomier path will go first to give the other hiker more time to contend with the terrain.

Smile. It's common for hikers to greet each other as they pass by. Expect to get a nod, a "hello," or all three, and return the greeting.

Outside Seattle

Bridle Trails State Park. Though most of the travelers on the trails in this Bellevue park are on horseback, the 28 mi of paths are popular with hikers, too. The 482-acre park consists mostly of lowland forest, with Douglas firs, bigleaf maples, mushrooms, and abundant birdlife being just a few of its features. Note that horses are given the right of way on all trails; if you encounter riders, stop and stand to the side until the horses pass. From I-90 or the 520 bridge, get on I-405 North. Take Exit 17 and turn right onto 116 Ave NE. Follow that road to the park entrance.