One of Greater Seattle’s most prominent stereotypes — we’re outdoorsy — is backed by data. Just under 40% of local adults — about 1.7 million people — hit the hiking trails over the course of a year, ranking us No. 3 out of 81 U.S. areas, according to The Seattle Times’ FYI Guy, citing Nielsen data from a few years ago.
As hiking remains a popular summer staple, budget cuts to the U.S. Forest Service may mean hikers are more likely to encounter overflowing trash cans, infrequently cleaned bathrooms, limited hours at visitor centers and unmaintained trails, according to the Washington Trails Association.
This year, it’s as important as ever to “do some good self-governing,” as Washington outdoors author Tami Asars put it — to know and follow hiking guidelines and etiquette.
“It’s great that everybody is (hiking), but that means that there’s just a whole lot more people on the trails, and the mountains aren’t growing,” she said. “We’re all sharing these beautiful places” and must take care of them together — “no matter what kind of budget cuts or things are thrown at us.”
Four local outdoors experts weigh in on hiking etiquette: spoken and unspoken rules for enjoying Washington’s natural beauty while respecting fellow humans and the wilderness. (Hiking newbies should also get familiar with safety guidelines; check out resources from organizations like the Washington Trails Association and National Park Service.)
GETTING ALONG ON THE TRAIL
Of those 1.7 million Greater Seattle-area hikers, “everybody’s going out there for different reasons,” Asars said, whether to catch up with friends, admire wildlife, take photos or find a sense of peace. Friendly communication and a few simple pointers can help everyone get along.
First, be mindful of noise levels. Even if you’re a social hiker, avoid “raising your voice, hooting and hollering,” Asars said. Blasting music from Bluetooth speakers is a “big, big faux pas in the wilderness,” said guidebook author Craig Romano. The easy compromise? Earbuds. Consider bone conduction ones or keep one earbud out to stay aware of your surroundings.
When passing other adventurers, mind right of way rules. Generally, hikers heading uphill have the right of way, bikers yield to hikers, and hikers yield to horses. Exceptions do happen; just make sure to communicate. For example, “sometimes people coming up are like, ‘oh, I need a break,’ so they’ll step aside and want you to pass them,” Asars said, “but let that be their decision.”
As in many areas of life, courteous communication can go a long way.
“We have the little Seattle Freeze thing going on, but be friendly. Say hi to people,” Asars encouraged. “Even if crowds are a little frustrating to you.”
Jessi Loerch, an avid hiker and editor at the Washington Trails Association, provided a few examples of times to speak up on the trail: If you need to pass someone hiking slower than you on a narrow trail (just politely ask them to step aside), or you’re able to give others a heads-up on what’s ahead, like a snowy section of the trail or wildlife.
Finally, on busy trails with spectacular viewpoints, don’t linger too long while others wait to take in the sights. “If there’s a prime spot, enjoy it, and then let someone else enjoy it,” Loerch said.
LEAVE NO TRACE (SOMETIMES, IT TAKES SOME SAVVY)
Even if you’re brand-new to hiking, you’ve probably heard the decades-old golden rule “leave no trace.” The catchphrase grew out of a 1970s movement to remind recreationists to minimize their impact on the wilderness — and never lost its relevance.
With fewer public lands employees available to empty trash cans or maintain trails this year, “we recommend that people dial up (leave no trace) practices — go from 100% to 110%,” said Betsy Robblee, conservation and advocacy director at The Mountaineers.
To start with the obvious: Don’t litter. That includes biodegradable leftovers like apple cores or orange peels. As Romano points out: “They’re still unsightly. They’re still not good for wildlife.”
Robblee advises bringing your own trash bag so you can bring any garbage home with you if trash cans at trailheads are closed or full.
Graffiti, whether spray paint or etching, is another no-no, Asars said (and unfortunately, she’s noticed more of it recently).
“Leave no trace” also looks like staying on trails.
“It can be tempting especially if other people have done it, but cutting switchbacks (a trail that zigzags up steep terrain) degrades the trail and causes a bunch of erosion issues,” Loerch said.
Another temptation to resist: traipsing into fields of wildflowers or other vegetation for that Instagram-perfect photo. And “only marmots are allowed to pick the wildflowers, because they eat them,” Romano said.
“Stay on the trail” seems like straightforward advice, but sometimes it requires more savvy than you’d think. Hikers often use crowdsourced, online resources where anybody can add updates or recommend trails, which sometimes “really aren’t official,” Romano said. “Be really skeptical. Use trusted sources,” like the Washington Trails Association or guidebooks, to avoid accidentally disrupting natural areas or trespassing on private property.
WHEN NATURE CALLS
Plan A is using the restroom before heading out or using bathrooms or privies at trailheads, if they’re available.
But be prepared for Plan B. You’ll need to find a private spot at least 200 feet — about 70 steps — away from the trail and any water sources or campsites, if you need to urinate or defecate. For the latter, holes you dig need to be at least 4 inches wide and 6 to 8 inches deep; otherwise, use a WAG bag or blue bag. Either way, “leave no trace” includes packing out your toilet paper. Asars recommends keeping a roll of compostable doggy waste bags in your hiking back and scooping up TP the same way you would dog waste. (Some hikers prefer a pee cloth, a sustainable alternative to bringing toilet paper on your hike.)
CANINE COMPANIONS
For dog owners, of course, those doggy waste bags have another important purpose. Make sure to pack out your dog’s waste.
Avoid this common snafu: “A lot of people leave those by the trail side on the way up, thinking that they’ll get them on the way down,” Asars said. “However, it’s easy, when you get in deep conversation, to walk right by it or to miss it, because (the trail) looks slightly different on the way down.” Instead, double bag it right away, and throw it in your pack, tie it to your dog leash or put it in your dog’s pack.
Wherever you hike, check and follow the rules about dogs. For example, they’re generally not allowed in Washington’s national parks (with some exceptions), and leashes are required in state parks.
“All it takes is just one bad behaved dog, creating a bad experience for everyone and wildlife,” Romano said.
BEYOND THE BASICS
Beyond hiking etiquette 101, Loerch and Asars shared a few examples of A+ outdoors behavior — like Washingtonians sharing resources on the trail.
“My favorite moments on trails have been sharing my binoculars with other people,” letting them admire wildlife like a black bear or a herd of elk from a distance, Loerch said. Sharing information — for example, about a water source ahead — counts, too.
Asars pointed to examples of backpackers offering extra food or water filters to one another. “Just be a kind person who can lend a hand if someone needs it,” she said.
This is also a great year to show public lands employees your appreciation. “If you see Forest Service rangers or park rangers out there, just thank them for the work they’re doing,” Loerch said. “If you need to visit with them in a service center or a visitor center, just be patient. They are all doing a lot with a very small amount of staffing and funding.”
Sarah-Mae McCullough is a freelance reporter who writes about how people around Seattle meet each other, build community and explore the area.
More guidance on hiking
Washington Trails Association: For more guidance on hiking and supporting public lands, visit wta.org.
The Mountaineers: For outdoor courses, group trips and information about advocating for public lands, visit mountaineers.org.