Hiking 101: The First Steps
Come springtime, flowers start to bloom, birds migrate back to us, and new hikers set their boots on the trails. If you are new to hiking and about to start heading out with this warmer weather, welcome! If your boots are worn in and you know the general idea, here’s a refresher for you anyway: The First Steps to Hiking!
So you want to go on a hike, but you’ve never been, or at least never planned one before. So what does that look like?
You might want to start out identifying if you want to go by yourself or with a buddy! Hiking alone can be a great way to connect with yourself and nature, and focus on your goals for the hike - whether it be peace and quiet or a good workout. But hiking with a buddy can add a layer of safety and prevent the trail from being lonely! Ask your friends if they want to hike, or check out apps like MeetUp or REI Conversations to find other hikers in our area! There are also lots of local hiking groups on social media. Once things begin to open up more, the IATC will also be starting up our hiking program again, so be sure to check that out!
Next, you’ve got to identify a hike that you’d like to do. Check out the Washington Trails Association’s Hike Finder Map or their app Trailblazer to find local hikes that interest you. Pro-tip - on Trailblazer, you can save hikes that you like for future adventures, so you don’t need to create your own list on some other document.
When picking a hike, here are some things you need to consider:
➢ Trail difficulty
➢ Trail conditions
➢ Pets
Trail Difficulty - Sure, you can have a fantastic time on any trail you go on, but you don’t always want to find yourself on a hike that’s so easy you get bored, or so hard that you’re miserable and in pain the entire time. The best way to determine if a hike is right for you is to know it’s difficulty, and we measure that in elevation gain. Here’s a breakdown of what that looks like:
If you don’t know your own capability on a hike, you should opt down in difficulty rather than up. If you are not physically prepared for a hike, it could take you a lot longer than you planned to complete, which could mean hiking into the night unprepared, and you could get a physical injury. If you aren’t ready for a moderate or strenuous hike right away, don’t feel bad! Washington has tons of beautiful hikes at every difficulty level, and the more you hike, the more you’ll learn your own capacity and develop your hiking physique. Additionally, the faster you hike, the more difficult you can make the hike for yourself!
A good rule of thumb from the IATC: A hiker should have completed a hike in the last few months with at least two thirds the distance and elevation gain of the published hike.
Trail Conditions - What you walk on - whether it be paved surfaces or a rocky scrabble you need to climb up - will have a huge impact on the trail difficulty and the time it takes you to complete your hike. Know what you are comfortable walking on, and dress appropriately when you head out! Here are the major conditions of trails that you’ll come across:
Pets - The last thing to consider as you look for a hike may just be whether your furry companion can join you! Determine if your pet is capable of doing the hike you’ve chosen - if smooth hard surfaces or softer uneven dirt is better, and if the trail will be too steep or long, and if the hike will be too exposed on a hot day. But you also need to keep in mind if your pet is legally allowed on the hike at all. Here’s a good note:
● Dogs are not allowed in National Parks
● Dogs are allowed but must be on leash in County Parks, State Parks, and National Forests Front Country (before wilderness areas)
● Dogs are allowed and must either be on leash or under voice control in State Forests and National Forest Wilderness Areas
You should always check if dogs (or hiking cats) are allowed in an area before you hike!
Once you’ve got a buddy or two and have identified a hike, you need to be sure that you have appropriate gear and supplies. You don’t need fancy brand items to get outside, you just need to have gear that is both comfortable and functional while hiking. You also need to know what to expect when at the trailhead! Here’s a list of things you should remember to bring:
● Permits - Depending on where you hike, you might need to have a Discovery Pass or another local permit. You don’t have to bring these with you, as sometimes you can buy one at a local gas station or even on-site. For a guide to Washington recreation permits, check out the WTA Recreation Passes and Permits guide.
● Day pack - When you hike, you are going to want to carry some supplies, such as food, water, and extra layers. Getting a comfortable backpack that isn’t too big (or too small) is going to be a big help when you’re sweating and panting on the trail!
● Food & water - Whether it’s going to be a couple hours or a full day, you are going to want to have enough water and food for the trip. Pack a protein bar or dense snack and at least one bottle of water (a general rule of thumb is one liter of water for every two hours of activity) to make sure you don’t get dehydrated or hungry on your way!
● Good hiking shoes - Sure, you can hike in tennis shoes or sandals, but having a pair of sturdy shoes that are meant to go long distances on rough terrain can make your hike a lot more comfortable, and keep you safe! This Backcountry article gives some good starting advice to help you figure out what’s best for your feet.
● Layers - Washington is known for quick weather changes, so you can’t always be sure what kind of weather to dress for on a hike. Wearing layers that you can shed as you hike is a great way to be sure you have enough clothing to keep you warm, while also allowing yourself the ability to cool off so you don’t overheat. Don’t forget to pack that raincoat, too!
● The Ten Essentials - Every hiker should have the ten essentials, a variety of supplies to ensure that you are prepared for any rough situations that may occur on the trail. Ten things might seem like a lot, but they can make a huge difference if needed! For a complete list, check out our article Hiking 101: The Ten Essentials.
The Issaquah Alps Trails Club has a list of things to know before you head out on the trail with us, but these are also great things to remember when you casually go out on your own or with friends. People have different preferences of places to hike and what to pack, and every experience is going to be different. So if you are unsure about something, take time to talk with other hikers about their experiences, and of course be sure to go make your own hiking memories - the best way to enter the world of hiking is by first getting your feet out the door and in the dirt!