Safety and Outdoor Ethics
Safety tip: All forest visitors are encouraged to notify family or friends of their trip itinerary including their expected return schedule. It is common for weather conditions to change suddenly in mountainous terrains; sunny mornings can turn into stormy afternoons. Always be prepared for bad weather. Remember you can't count on cell phone coverage in remote areas!
Visitor guidelines for camping, campfires & pets
Key Safety Information
The 10 essentials you should carry include:
- Navigation: Map, altimeter, compass, [GPS device], [PLB or satellite communicators], [extra batteries or battery pack] (*Don't rely solely on a mobile device for navigation.)
- Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries.
- Fire: Matches, candle or firestarter - make sure matches are protected.
- Knife: plus, any repair kit
- First aid: carry items that take care of blisters, headaches, foot care, insect repellent etc.
- Sun protection: glasses, sunscreen, sun protective clothing
- Emergency items: light shelter, mirror and whistle.
- Extra clothing: Raingear and non-cotton layers.
- Extra water: at least one quart, means to purify
- Extra food: high energy snack such as chocolate, jerky or protein bars.
Safety Tips for Burned Areas
Hikers ALWAYS assume risks when entering trails in natural areas, but in burned areas those risks are greater. Your safety is in your hands! Minimize your exposure to natural hazards.
Wildfire Safety Tips for Outdoor Recreation
Learn what you can do when planning an outdoor vacation in an area that has potential to be impacted by wildfire or wildfire smoke, what to do if you encounter wildfire and other wildfire safety tips for outdoor recreation.
Winter Safety
Winter recreation is popular on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. A trip into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest can take visitors into high elevations of 3,000 feet or more where temperatures are colder and weather more severe. Every year we hear about the plight of motorists caught on the road during a severe blizzard or storm. The results can be traumatic and/or fatal unless you are prepared.
Many people are unaware of the hazards of winter travel. Harsh conditions of wind, cold, snow, or whiteout can turn an outing into a tragedy. Knowledge of the area, elevation, weather, route and the limitations of your body and equipment can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Hiking During Hunting Season
Hunting is allowed across most of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) regulates hunting in our state. Dates and locations vary based on the type of animal and the style of hunting, and change year to year.
Safety Tips for Visitors in Hunting Season
Wildlife
Cougars, bears, and other large mammals are some of the wildlife that call Washington's Cascade Range home. Learn more about these animals and how to share the forest safely. Remember to NEVER feed wildlife, help keep wildlife wild.
Tips for Visiting Bear Country
Leave No Trace
We need every visitor's help in keeping our public lands healthy. Learn some key principles you can practice to help forest ecosystems stay intact for future generations. Also be aware that additional regulations apply in all designated Wilderness areas.
Key Principles of Leave No Trace
Annual Cornice Safety at Mount St. Helens
Cornices are overhanging chunks of snow at the top of Mount St. Helens that occasionally break away, so it is important to hike a safe distance from the edge.
A snow cornice develops in winter and often lasts well into summer. The crater rim is precipitous with drops of more than 1,000 feet to the crater floor. Take great care, as portions of the rim may be unstable year-round. Stay off the snow cornice!
A cornice (giant, overhanging mass of snow) forms every year at the summit of Mount St Helens and can release at any time, plunging into the crater. Stay well back from the edge and DO NOT trust tracks already present.