The Mountaineers
Most outdoor experiences on public lands and waters begin on trail or at a trailhead. Trails serve as pathways and connectors to the special parks and recreation areas where we teach and learn outdoor skills, engage with the natural world, and make memories with our community. On the first Saturday of June each year, outdoor enthusiasts from across the country come together to celebrate National Trails Day - sharing time outdoors together and giving back to lands that make our adventures possible through on-the-ground stewardship.
Practicing low impact recreation is always important, but significant reductions in the federal land manager workforce and budget cuts for Washington state land managers underscore the need to recreate responsibly and show extra care when you’re outdoors this weekend and throughout the busy summer season. With fewer agency staff to steward and manage sustainable visitation to these places, things are likely going to look a little different on your next hike, climb, or trail run. Facilities might be closed, trails may be inaccessible, and search and rescue response times could be longer.
Before you get outdoors for National Trails Day, learn more about the top ways you can recreate responsibly - it will take extra effort to ensure a safe and accessible outdoor experience for all this year.
Recreate Responsibly
Doing our part to show up for public lands during a difficult time starts with practicing responsible recreation - whether you’re leading a Mountaineers trip in the Cascades or on a casual adventure with your family at your favorite Puget Sound state park. As a Mountaineer, we know you’ve honed your responsible recreation practices, but let’s take a moment to consider how we can all rededicate and adjust our responsible recreation practices to meet the current moment.
Plan and Prepare
Given the current challenges for public lands and the agencies that manage them, it’s critically important to choose an outdoor trip you can do safely. Put safety first by having a backup plan ready to go and don’t push past your limits or the limits of those in your group. Land managers are anticipating slower response times for search and rescue operations. Before you head out, be sure to pack more than you think you’ll need. Expect fewer trailhead services, so consider packing a garbage bag to collect litter on the trail and a wag bag to pack out your own waste.
Know Before You Go
You probably always check weather and trail conditions and closures like a pro. Leaning into the “know before you go” best practice will help set you up for success when you reach your destination. When you’re out on the trail, anticipate more challenges - like trees down or bridges out. If you’re traveling with a group, be sure to communicate in advance with others in your party to share the latest weather and trail conditions. Consider visiting mid-week and at non-peak times, if you can.
Leave No Trace/Practice Low Impact Recreation
With fewer land managers out on the landscape, it’s imperative that all recreationists pack out all trash, including toilet paper, dog waste and food scraps. Stick to designated trails and existing campsites and keep wildlife safe by giving them space and leashing pets and respecting closures. Learn more about all of the low impact recreation best practices through our eLearning course.
Respect
It might sound obvious, but pack your patience and be kind when you're out on public lands this year - parking lots and on trails are going to be crowded. Summer trips present a good opportunity to practice mindful and respectful recreation toward our shared lands and waters and others who are experiencing them. Public lands are the ancestral lands of Native peoples, who are the first stewards of these places. We hope you’ll take time to learn about the histories of the places you visit and the Indigenous communities who have stewarded them for thousands of years.
Wildfire Smart Recreation
Wildfire and the associated smoke and impacts are increasingly becoming part of our recreation experience, and we’re likely to have above-average wildfire conditions across the PNW this summer. When you’re on your next camping or backpacking trip, be sure to respect fire bans and always put out your campfire completely. You could also skip the campfire and save the s’mores for your next backyard fire pit. Learn how wildfire is reshaping our outdoor experiences and get top tips for fire-smart trips.
Give Back Through Stewardship
Another best practice of responsible recreation is to give back. National Trails Day is a great time to go above and beyond by giving back to lands you love. There are several opportunities to celebrate with your fellow Mountaineers by participating in trail work and other important stewardship activities in honor of National Trails Day. Browse our stewardship opportunities for both Mountaineers stewardship activities and outside events from local stewardship organizations. Volunteers are already helping fill some gaps left by land manager workforce reductions. Consider lending an extra hand this summer to show your support for these land managers and make a greater impact.
Mountaineers Foothills Branch trail work with the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust at camp brown in the Middle fork Snoqualmie River area. Photo courtesy of the Greenway Trust.
Throughout the year, we plan to share more about emerging recreation impacts to Washington public lands and how our community can help. In the meantime, stay safe on National Trails Day, and thanks for giving back and digging in on responsible recreation practices this year.
We’re grateful for the Washington Recreate Responsibly Coalition for curating the top ways for Washington’s outdoor enthusiasts to practice responsible recreation this year.
