Fall 20 Washington Trails A Publication of Washington Trails Association • wta.org

Balance Finding it in our lives and on trail Emotional equilibrium: Hiking as a path to healing 53 Hike for a lifetime: Healthy habits of a guidebook author Stay on your feet: Exercises to improve your stability Enter your photos in WTA’s Northwest Exposure Photo Contest for a chance to win awesome prizes and be featured in our annual calendar.

Contest opens on August 17

For contest info and to enter, visit wta.org/photocontest.

Photo by Jay Hoover Front Desk: Chief Executive Officer Washington Trails A Publication of Washington Trails Association

Board of Directors President | Susan Queary Secretary | Mike Dunning A Time for Agility Treasurer | Geoff Martin o year goes exactly as planned, but 2020, I think it is fair VP, Philanthropy | Matt Martinez to say, is nothing like anyone planned. The unexpected VP, Board Development | Ken Myer challenges have required all of us to be nimble and shift quickly VP, Advocacy | Jenny Faubion to new ways of living and working. Agility — adapting rapidly to changingN circumstances while maintaining forward momentum — is turning Directors at Large out to be this year’s skill to master. Andrea Baines • Bruce Burger • Ethan Evans As it turns out, agility is solidly in WTA’s repertoire. We are not doing the Ashley Fontaine • Thomas Goldstein work we expected to be (and haven’t been since March), but we’re doing the Joe Gregg • Ken Helm • Charlie Lieu right work to advance our mission during this highly unusual year. Titti Ringström • Arun Sambataro Mason White When our field work needed to pause, we ramped up online communications and virtual engagement, connecting with our community in new ways to provide support and inspiration while we stayed close to home. WTA Leadership As public lands opened back up, we stayed on top of the latest information Chief Executive Officer Jill Simmons and partnered with REI to create the Recreate Responsibly Coalition — nonprofits, land agencies and businesses working together to make sure people know how to enjoy the outdoors safely. Washington Trails Staff And now, we’re back in the field with enhanced safety protocols so that our Washington Trails Editor | Jessi Loerch dedicated volunteers can continue the essential work of keeping trails open Hiking Content Manager | Anna Roth and accessible, providing places to find nature’s healing touch. Graphic Designer | Jenica Nordstrom I think the key to WTA’s agility lies in the breadth and depth of our work Copy Editor | Cassandra Overby and our community. We are a nonprofit community of thousands of hikers who come together in myriad ways — as trail volunteers, as advocates, as Volunteers information providers, as storytellers — to give back to the trails we love and Contributors | Pam McPeek, to share that joy with others. Chelsea Murphy, Roselie Rasmussen, In a year like 2020, the ways we planned to give back may be out the window, Craig Romano, Sandra Saathoff but our motivations and urgency are as strong as ever. With indoor activities Proofreaders | Jim Cavin, Rebecca Kettwig facing an uncertain future, the outdoors are where we will find rest, healing Trail Team | Lindsay Leffelman, and community. And, it’s also important to remember, we are not only Steve Payne, Rolan Shomber, working for the trails we need during these hard times; we are also working Craig Romano to ensure trails are abundant and welcoming every year. 2020 has taught us the power of agility and the power of trails. At WTA, we will continue to adjust, adapt and innovate to keep us on the path to our vision of trails for everyone, forever. Thank you for coming along with us on this year’s journey — and for making all of our work possible.

Washington Trails Association 705 Second Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104 Jill Simmons| Chief executive officer | [email protected] 206-625-1367 • wta.org

General Information | [email protected] Membership & Donations | [email protected] Editorial Submissions | [email protected] Meet all our staff atwta.org/staff

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 3 Fall 2020: Contents 26 Find Your Footing Simple exercises to become a more nimble hiker and build confidence on any terrain.

Features

16 Taking Shape Community input is helping to create a much-needed green space.

24 Healthy Hiking Guidebook author Craig Romano has hiked more than 27,000 miles in Washington. Natural, Nature Here’s how he takes care of himself to make After fighting her hair all those miles possible. for years, a hiker learns On the cover 20 to love it as it is — and 32 Hiking Toward Healing Kevin Clarridge stop letting it hold her back from outdoor How time on trail has helped a survivor of took this photo of adventures. sexual abuse find a measure of peace. his fiance, Lauren Davis, on the Dock 38 Developing a Point of View Butte Trail. Find 34 From A to Zzzzzz Find a new sense of creativity by taking them on Instagram How to gear up for a good night’s sleep in at @foxandpines. photos with film and taking it slow. the backcountry. Photos: Imran Kasmani, Chelsea Murphy Chelsea Kasmani, Imran Photos:

4 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org Signpost: Editor Departments

3 Front Desk Greetings from our chief executive officer and Washington Trails editor 6 Community Finding balance as a parent and an Balancing Act employee in the time of coronavirus ecently, I went backpacking. It was a short trip, just 2 8 Trail Talk nights, and I probably only covered a total of 12 miles. How to sleep comfortable in your car; the But those 2 nights and 12 miles made all the difference. value of urban green spaces Normally by this time of year, I’d have gone on several 34 Trail Mix Rbackpacking trips, but nothing about this year is normal. I needed that Photography, sleep systems time outside more than ever. 44 Hike It When I returned home, I found that I had more patience and energy. I had Choose your hike — these trails can be a the mental capacity to tackle problems I’d been ignoring. Time outside day trip or a backpacking adventure can do that — it’s like a reset for the brain. 50 Flora & Fauna I’ve always found time on trail and in nature to be centering. It puts Lupine and river otter things back in perspective. That’s the focus of this issue of the magazine 51 Snapshot — finding balance. How time in nature helps us find balance — literally The story behind our favorite photos and figuratively. We write about how to stay on your feet on trail. If you’ve ever found yourself wobbling on a rocky trail or struggling on a steep slope, give this story a read. You’ll thank yourself the next time you’re descending slick POWERED BY YOU rock or navigating a rooty trail. Washington Trails Association is a nonprofit supported by a community We also explore how relationships with nature can center us in a much of hikers like you. By mobilizing deeper way. I love the story in this magazine by Chelsea Murphy, who has hikers to be explorers, stewards and written for us before and is a force in creating a more just and equitable champions for trails and public lands, together, we will ensure that there world both on and off trail. Chelsea beautifully tells the story of how are trails for everyone, forever. coming to love her own natural hair was an important part of her outdoor journey.

Krista Dooley, one of WTA’s longtime employees, writes about how she’s WTA was founded by Louise B. finding balance in her many roles — from parent to employee — in a year Marshall (1915–2005). Ira Spring (1918–2003) was its primary supporter. when nothing is as expected. And maybe you just need some stories to Greg Ball (1944–2004) founded the help you be a bit more comfortable when you get outside. We share tips to volunteer trail maintenance program. help you plan your next hike or sleep through the night without shivering. Their spirit continues today through Or learn how guidebook author Craig Romano keeps his legs, passion and contributions from thousands of WTA members and volunteers. career strong as he puts in thousands of miles on trail. I hope you read this magazine, and then I hope you put it down and go outside. Because there’s no better way to find a bit of balance in your life Fall 2020 | Volume 55, Issue 3 than by enjoying a bit of time on trail. Washington Trails (ISSN 1534-6366) is published four times per year by Washington Trails Happy hiking, Association, 705 2nd Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104. Annual membership, which includes a subscription to Washington Trails magazine, is $20. Single copy price is $4.50. Periodicals postage paid at Seattle, WA, and at additional mailing locations. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Washington Trails Association, 705 2nd Ave., Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104.

Jessi Loerch | Washington Trails editor | [email protected]

CLEAR

AREA

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 5 Community Krista Dooley’s Perspectives kids take a break from a bike ride to check out the best spot for bug Finding viewing. Balance as A Parent My life at home and work are much different than what I’d planned for 2020 — but I’m finding ways to make peace with that. By Krista Dooley

other, sister, wife, friend, daughter, niece, co-worker, colleague, employee, neighbor, Mcommunity member. I wear many hats in my life. It’s a constant, delicate balancing act to care for myself and the people I love. At WTA, I’ve worn many hats, too, most recently as the leader of our community partnerships and leadership development team. Part of my job is supporting programs that help young people get on my refrigerator. I’ve had to be flexible, I’ve gotten to know my neighborhood outside — challenging right now, when adjust my priorities and rethink how to much better during family walks and we can’t be together physically. But we’re manage all that I’m experiencing on this bike rides. As the seasons have changed, adapting, and doing all we can to provide adventure called life. we’ve noticed more flowers, trees and even support, including by moving training As I reflect on the first half of the year, I gotten familiar with where the bugs live in online and creating videos that will understand that good enough will keep the cracks of the sidewalks. I’ve channeled ultimately allow more people to enjoy the things moving forward — but perhaps pent-up creative energy to encourage benefits of time outside. not at the pace I had envisioned for the my kids to brighten our sidewalks with I’m adapting in my own life, too. My new decade. I am looking at the second chalk and create window murals from plans for the summer included wandering half of 2020 with a new perspective. I’ve their paintings. Even our mail carrier across the Western U.S.. with my family done a few things to keep balance this commented that it brightened her day to in search of outdoor adventures. Instead, year, including slowing down, finding see the colorful displays. I’ve been staying close to home, trying new ways to stay connected, adjusting While I had high hopes in January for the to find time in nature and balancing my routines and keeping creativity flowing. start of a new decade and grand outdoor many roles as best I can. I take time each day to listen to what adventures, I have taken a step back. Finding balance has been at the front brings joy to my family. At dinner, we ask I look forward to spending more time of my mind since I welcomed my first “what was your favorite part of today?” on trails and getting outside to explore daughter in 2016. It resurged again in and we each share a response. It’s been nature with my family and friends when 2018 when my second daughter arrived. great to hear the answers and a nice we can to do so safely. I’m adapting my In a year such as this, with so much reminder of what joy can be at age 2, 4 work life to support my coworkers and our uncertainty, I have realized I need to or 40-something. I’ve scheduled walk partners in new ways. And as I reflect, I find new ways to create balance. I have and talk phone calls with colleagues to realize that the adjustments I’ve made to accepted that being good enough is replicate the strolls we used to take from maintain balance are still keeping forward what I have to offer. I’ve had some proud our office to get updates about work and momentum. And I know that the people moments and big fails as a parent this life. I’ve had weekly zoom sessions with who I engage with each day, no matter year and that’s OK. I don’t need a parent grandparents and cousins and shared what hat I’m wearing, only need me to be

of the year award or gold stars to hang long-distance celebrations of birthdays. good enough. And that’s enough. Dooley Krista by Photo

6 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org Share a story Tell us about your first hikes in Washington Memorable moments from WTA’s Instagram community

Though I’d visited the region with family before, I went on my first true Washington hike in 2015 with the person who would become my fiancé more than 4 years later. We over-researched our route and previewed sights online, but the peninsula rainforests still left us winded in astonishment when we encountered them in person. The Sol Duc environs in particular, with their quiet darkness and — Albertine Wang, @alb.ert.ine air of mystery, left such a life-altering impression that we knew we Photo by @thecellofellow needed to be in the northwest. Together, years later, we moved halfway across the country (well, across an ocean on his part) to the PNW so we could keep chasing that feeling.

Oyster Dome was one of my first hikes as a little sea otter! I picked it because of the name. Sea otters love our shellfish, and I was really looking forward to gorging on the oyster stash at the top. In a highly disappointing turn of events, there were no oysters at the top of this huge mountain. I learned a hard lesson about humans and false advertising that day. The views were pretty OK at the top, though, and I did find some oysters down the road after the hike, so the day turned out pretty great after all. Pro tip — eating too many oysters after a hard hike can lead to belly aches, even for shellfish aficionados.

— River Sea Otter, @riverseaotter

I love this photo — probably the first time I photographed my daughter on trail — because my husband, Doug, is happiest and his most true self when he is in nature and when he is with his daughter. When he’s in nature with his daughter, I don’t think there is anywhere else in the world — Sarah Gardner, @o_apostrophe he’d want to be. Greta was so excited on this hike because there was a deer in the woods. Now Greta is old enough to go fishing with Doug and jump into his Alpaca pack raft to venture through some light rapids.

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 7 Community

Never leave your car running In the dry heat of summer, leaving your car running for any The Art of Sleeping length of time can pose a wildfire risk, so it’s best to leave your car off and parked safely. Remember to unplug any chargers or other devices and turn off your lights when your in Your Vehicle car isn’t running. The last thing you want is a dead battery By Erika Haugen-Goodman when you get ready to head home! Keep the critters out raditional car camping in a campground is a In some areas you’ll need to be mindful of small rodents that great way to enjoy time outside without the can make their way into your car through vents and other logistics of backpacking. However, camping open spaces. Make sure to keep all food sealed and stored in a in your car doesn’t have to be in a developed hard-side container when not in use. You can also utilize food Tcampsite. With a bit of preparation, you can turn you car into storage methods you’d use when backpacking, such as a bear a cozy sleeping spot anywhere dispersed camping is allowed. canister or hanging food properly from a tree. It means you won’t have to set up or take down a tent — and if you sleep near where you’d like to hike, it makes it easy to get Never light stoves inside an early start. Here are a few things to consider. Make sure to do all your cooking outside of your vehicle (unless you’re in a camper van designed for it). Not only is Know where you can park an open flame in your car a fire hazard, it can also cause Developed trailheads on Forest Service land are closed to hazardous breathing conditions that can be fatal. camping; same goes for picnic areas. However, there are many areas in national forests where you can camp in a Stay cozy dispersed camping spot and be near trails. Check with local Think about how you can make your car more comfortable land managers before heading out, and make sure your to sleep in. Depending on your car, you may be able to add a car is capable of handling the roads you’ll encounter. The small section of flat board or other solid surface to give you local ranger station will be able to provide you with the best a more comfortable space. Reflective bubble insulation, or information. Most national parks will not allow you to sleep in similar material, can be cut to fit in your car windows, adding

your car outside of established campsites. some privacy and keeping you warmer. Holly Mandarich / Unsplash by Photo

8 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org Highlights

A quick look at what WTA is accomplishing on trails around the state

Safety First Trail maintenance volunteers are back in the field! Since May, we’ve hosted work parties across the state, adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols including physical distancing, hand washing stations and smaller, more experienced crews. We’ve even worked in the backcountry with multi-day backcountry response teams and volunteer vacations. Keep an eye out on our work party calendar ­— our schedule may be limited but there are still opportunities to get out on trail if you are comfortable doing so!

Protecting Each Other WTA worked with REI and outdoor organizations across the country to shape recommendations about how to get outside safely in the time of coronavirus. #RecreateResponsibly includes 6 safety tips and a foundational principle to help ensure that trails are a safe and welcoming place.

Victory for public lands! projects. Additionally, federal agencies will The Great American Outdoors Act has passed receive up to $1.9 billion a year (for five years) to Congress! The act is a landmark piece of address the deferred maintenance backlog. As legislation that will make a massive impact on a part of this funding, the Forest Service could federal public lands in Washington. receive up to $285 million a year. This investment NOTEWORTHY in public lands and trails could support volunteer The bill addresses two major priorities of WTA’s maintenance for years to come. advocacy work: permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and funding We appreciate the hard work Washington’s for deferred maintenance projects on federal congressional delegation put in to make this public lands. LWCF will now receive $900 million dream a reality. And thanks to everyone who

each year for land acquisition and conservation spoke up to help get this vital bill passed. Budd Barbara by Photo

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 9 Trail Talk

Practice makes possible. Interrupting bias can be hard, so WTA offers regular trainings and scenario practice sessions to help our volunteer crew leaders prepare.

but these types of injuries are often harder to identify and Caring for Each uncomfortable to address. We’ve responded to reports from work parties about a volunteer demeaning another volunteer’s nationality, and Other on Trail recurring instances where women are given less technically The skills we teach our crew leaders and demanding projects. These experiences can be harmful even if the injury isn’t visible, and we strive to prevent them. volunteers can help cultivate a more When they do occur, we strive to address them with as much welcoming trail community — whether on a determination and care as we do for physical injuries. To work party or just out on your own. help our crew leaders respond to all kinds of injuries, we By Janée Romesberg offer training in emergency response, group management and how to address bias, like unwelcome jokes and Safety, fun and work — in that order — has been the comments or stereotyping, on trail. WTA trail maintenance motto since our program was When physical, emotional and mental safety are given equal founded 27 years ago. Volunteers and staff have worked consideration, it’s possible to create an environment where hard over those years to develop a culture of safety. Physical people can bring their full selves to a work party and have safety is relatively straightforward — keep the sharp ends of a safe and rewarding experience. This culture of safety — of all tools away from all body parts (yours and others) and be compassion and care for each other — can extend beyond aware of your surroundings. trail work and into your personal hiking practice and daily life. Here’s how. But tripping over a tool left in the middle of the trail is not the only kind of injury we’re concerned about on a work Situational awareness party. Emotional and mental safety are just as important, Good situational awareness is crucial on a work party. The Photos by Janée Romesberg and Britt Lê and Britt Romesberg Janée by Photos

10 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org Put it to work If you have been on a WTA work party, you know that our work on a single trail is never finished. In order for us to have trails for future generations to enjoy, we return time and time again to maintain trails to a standard that provides safe access for all those who may visit. The same can be said for our work making Washington state a place where trails are truly welcoming and safe for everyone, especially those who are most marginalized in society. It’s an ongoing project that requires all of us to take regular and mindful actions in our daily lives. WTA and our trail maintenance crew leaders are committed to continuing to help make trails a safe place for everyone, and we hope you will join us in this work. Here are some suggestions on how to get started. • Situational Awareness: Learn crew checks the project site for hazards experience or ability based on their about the history of racism in when they arrive on trail, and they keep body type or size; expressions of your community and how to an eye out for new hazards throughout surprise when seeing a hiker of color; identify instances of bias like the day. Crew leaders in particular need or comments about safety to women microaggressions. to recognize potential dangers to the hiking alone are just a few ways bias • Preparedness: Reflect on how group as a whole — like dead standing can creep into on-trail encounters. you might respond when you trees in a windstorm or crews working Hikers can increase their situational notice someone saying or doing with large rocks on switchbacks above awareness by researching unconscious something harmful to another other crew members — so we offer bias and microaggressions, then hiker on trail. trainings that develop these awareness evaluating their own interactions • First Aid: Make a commitment skills. with other hikers. Only when you can to yourself to speak up when you recognize biases in yourself and others Situational awareness is vital for mental witness something. Interrupting can you start to avoid and address this and emotional safety too. One of a crew the interaction provides support type of harm. leader’s core responsibilities is creating to your fellow hiker and shows a welcoming environment for the entire Preparedness them that trails truly are for crew. This means greeting volunteers everyone. Take into account your Crew leaders carry big packs full of as they arrive and learning their names. own safety, especially if you are everything they might need to keep But creating a welcoming space also the person impacted by the biased volunteers physically safe — extra requires tuning into social interactions, behavior. gloves and warm layers, a first-aid recognizing potentially harmful, often kit, a radio for additional help. What If you’re looking for anti-racism subtle, actions and stepping in to you won’t see is the suite of tools and bias resources, you can find a address them when they occur. these folks have for maintaining a curated collection on our website at wta.org/wtas-equity-work. These subtle interactions happen crew’s emotional and mental safety. outside of work parties, too. It is important that our crew leaders Assumptions about a person’s hiking recognize and interrupt situations

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 11 Trail Talk

that put volunteers’ mental safety at risk. But it can be intimidating to speak up in these situations, so to help crew leaders prepare for moments like this, WTA offers recurring leadership trainings where crew leaders are able to practice realistic scenarios in the field. Over the course of the day, they are given scenarios (some of which have occurred THANK YOU TO OUR during past WTA events) to work through just as they would on a real work party. After each scenario, leaders discuss CORPORATE PARTNERS how it went and continue practicing strategies that will help them speak up and interrupt bias in the future. RAINIER | $25,000+ You may not be able to attend a trail maintenance leadership training, but you can create your own opportunities to practice scenarios. Spend some time reflecting on past situations where you witnessed racism or bias and were unable to or chose not to act. Think about what you could have said or done differently. Don’t waste energy feeling guilty about these missed opportunities! Instead, refocus that energy into preparing yourself to OLYMPIC | $10,000–$24,999 respond in the future. If you feel comfortable, talk about what you’ve learned with a friend. First aid No matter how strong our culture of safety is, occasionally crew leaders need to respond to an injury. They’re prepared to respond to physical injuries with first-aid certifications, carrying a first-aid kit and having systems in place for addressing emergencies. As a hiker, you likely carry a first aid kit too, and may even remember that the main goals of first aid are to preserve life, prevent further injury and promote recovery. These goals also apply to mental and emotional safety. Microaggressions can cause significant damage to mental

health (sometimes the example used is “death by a thousand ALPINE | $2,500–$9,999 cuts”). Continually facing bias can make a joyful activity, like hiking, exhausting, and enough microaggressions may lead someone to stop hiking entirely. Hiking is healing and we want trails to be a safe, welcoming place for every hiker. By addressing a microaggression or other biased interaction when you see one, you contribute to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. Interrupting bias requires you to step outside your comfort zone. Don’t feel obligated to do so if you feel unsafe, especially if you are the one being impacted by the racist or biased interaction. Just like physical first aid, the scene should be safe before a responder provides care. And just MATCHING GIFT CORPORATIONS | $5,000+ like first aid, properly addressing an incident requires some knowledge of how to address it. If this is new Apple • Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation • Boeing • ground for you, do some research into this subject and Google • Microsoft get comfortable with techniques that interrupt bias but maintain compassion. Take your cues from first aid training — if you know how to address the problem and the scene is safe, challenge yourself to push past discomfort and Find out if your company matches charitable gifts. respond. This work is a journey that can be challenging, but Your donation could go twice as far! To learn more the payoff is powerful, creating spaces where everyone feels about supporting WTA’s work, call us at 206-508-6846. welcome.

12 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org Wild Grief, which usually connects people on Wild Grief started facilitating monthly in-person wilderness online hikes that begin with an opening outings, has shifted circle via video call — similar to the this year to adapt to the reality of COVID-19. opening circle on the group’s in-person hikes. Then everyone finds a safe place close by, to be in nature for 30–45 minutes. This could be a walk around Wild Grief’s programming is driven by the neighborhood, a sit spot in the yard, The Power of three core beliefs in the healing power or even just opening a window to feel of nature, the importance of community the fresh air and see the sky. After some Community and the need to acknowledge the impact quality time reflecting in nature, everyone of death in our lives. The Olympia-based reconvenes for a reflective closing circle. nonprofit facilitates peer groups for This summer, Wild Grief is expanding and Nature children and adults who are grieving a online offerings for teens age 13–18 who death by creating the space for sharing, Although in-person trips aren’t have lost a loved one. Solo Together is a connection and healing. possible right now, Wild Grief four-day online opportunity to explore is finding a way to fulfill its Like many local programs that use nature the wild in your own neighborhood, as a tool for positive youth development, engage in creative activities to help deal mission. By Andrew Pringle Wild Grief’s big summer plans were with loss, connect online with other onnecting with nature upended by the COVID-19 health crisis. grieving teens and receive support from and each other is more And while some programs have been able skilled guides. important than ever in to resume backpacking outings for youth How you find nature and community these challenging times, with extra precautions, the small size of during the pandemic might change, Cbut the reality of the health crisis means the organization means it’ll have to wait but we are committed to helping our many of us are having to find new and until next summer to get back into the community and our partners explore new innovative ways of coming together wilderness. But that hasn’t kept it from ways to connect, explore and experience while maintaining physical distance. The building community and supporting the benefits of time spent outdoors. And creativity of many of WTA’s community participants. when we can all safely return to making partners has inspired us and reminds us Wild Grief believes in the power of new friends on outdoor adventures, that connection is the most important wilderness exploration to aid in the WTA will be there to support schools part of this work. Guided by this value of healing process, but until they can return and community organizations leading connection to nature, one of our partners to nights under the stars, they’re finding independent outings with skills training — Wild Grief — has been exploring how to innovative ways to reach new people, for group leaders, mini-grants to cover bring together people and nature in this create community and support each other trip costs and free lending of clothing and new reality. through the process of grieving. equipment. Photos courtesy Wild Grief courtesy Photos

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 13 Trail Talk

Archana Bhat loves to on Whidbey Island this spring, which explore with her twins has a wealth of trails that are not super and use photography to encourage taking a closer crowded and beach walks at low tide.” look at nature. Archana has also made use of her skills in nature photography, a hobby she says is a vital component of her work-life balance. “Being a working mom and primary household manager, I have found that photography gives me an outlet to find peace and solitude in my busy life,” she said. “A little bit of balance.” Along the way, Archana has relied heavily on WTA as a resource to navigate what outdoor activities she and her family could partake in while staying in line with public health recommendations. According to Archana, it’s resources like these that convinced her to become a supporting member of WTA years ago and continue sustaining her support over time. She also uses her stunning photography, featured here, to put together calendars that raise funds for WTA. “I think it is important to give back to the communities you care about,” she said. “And just like paying for food, gas and essentials — hiking is an essential activity for our family. I also appreciate the efforts WTA makes to welcome families of color and the focus on diversifying the outdoors Finding a Little Bit of for all. Growing up in a family of non- hikers, I have had to learn about hiking, Balance in the Outdoors conservation and backpacking on my own. Having an organization like WTA By Patrick Myers has been tremendous in my education.” For long-time WTA member Archana landscapes and learn about ecology. On

Bhat and her family, there’s no such their hikes, Archana enjoys taking in the Find Archana at www.archanabhat.com Bhat Archana by Photos thing as an uneventful backpacking trip. world with her macro photography and and @travelingbhat on Instagram and Facebook. “The recurring theme with our encourages her twins to find richness in backpacking trips is that we always have the details of the natural world, rather some sort of ‘excitement,’” she said. than simply striving for the summit. “On our very first backpacking trip, my But like every other hiker, Archana has son sprained his wrist. Last summer in found herself adjusting to an altered the Goat Rocks (Wilderness Area), my hiking reality in 2020. The family’s daughter got sick and we had to camp in annual backpacking trips were either a site that was closer than planned. We canceled, postponed or altered due to end up making a lot of memories that, in trail closures implemented in the interest retrospect, make great stories and lots of of public health. The closures forced lessons learned.” Archana’s family to find creative ways to Since their twins, a son and daughter, stay connected to the outdoors. were young, Archana and her husband “We ended up hiking on our have prioritized hiking and backpacking neighborhood trails once they opened,” as a way to stay active, explore new she said. “We also spent a lot more time

14 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org Check your city If you’re curious about what park distribution in your city looks like, check out The Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore index, tpl.org/parkscore. You can see where parks Cities Need are distributed where you live, who has access to them and even the More Open highest-need areas for new parks. While no tool Spaces is perfect, this is a great starting point if you’re Street closures have made it clear interested in learning that we need room for people to more about how green move and enjoy green spaces in space is (or is not) equitably distributed. urban areas. By Allie Tripp

here have been a number Drummond, WTA’s digital content along the coast, could at least have this of inspiring stories and manager, who lives in Seattle. “Seeing kind of safe space — to walk, breathe, innovations to come out this rich tapestry of people out walking, play with their kids and stay connected to of our ongoing public running and biking by the house every each other.” health crisis. One such day keeps me feeling so much more WTA launched our Trail Next Door bright spot is the closure of streets to T connected to the real community of this campaign this year to focus on urban through-traffic to create pedestrian-only city. I’ve even had friends from across trails, prioritizing those in areas with town hike their way here on mostly zones in cities like Seattle, Bellevue, less access to nature and supporting closed streets to meet our 2-month-old Olympia, Everett and Edmonds, as well as the development of new green spaces son from a safe distance.” others across the nation. in our cities. We are actively listening to These closures have helped urban While these street closures are a great communities about what they need and residents maintain a safe distance from win for nearby urban residents, the need want in their own backyards, whether one another while walking, biking and for close-to-home recreation and outdoor that’s a brand-new trail or simply running and have played a critical role time during the pandemic has further access to an existing green space. And in allowing people to get much-needed highlighted the inequitable distribution we’re using all our skills — advocacy, exercise, fresh air and nature exposure of green space in our cities. Were you able fundraising, outreach, teamwork — so when access to even local parks was to walk to parks from your home during that everyone has better access to all restricted. the stay-at-home order? Many folks living the things nature has to offer. We want in Washington’s urban centers were not to ensure that the benefits and joys As of June, the City of Seattle has even able to do so. from creative solutions like these street decided to permanently close 20 miles “I feel incredibly grateful to have this closures aren’t temporary and that cities of these “Stay Healthy Streets.” Local network of closed streets right out my continue to invest in parks and trails so access for residents (as well as deliveries front door, but I’m also keenly aware of that all residents have easy access to time and services) will continue. For many what a privilege it is to have this kind of in nature. urban residents, the street closures are a outdoor space and access to green spaces welcome silver lining to a difficult time. within walking distance,” Loren said. “I You can read more about The Trail Next “What I’ve learned from all this is that wish every person in this city, especially Door campaign and our work to bring I really love being surrounded by my those without cars or the money to reach better trail and green space access to

neighbors, not their cars,” said Loren other public lands in the mountains or south King County on page 16. Allie Tripp by Photo

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 15 A New Trail Next Door WTA is partnering with King County to help ensure everyone has access to green spaces close to where they live. By Erika Haugen-Goodman

King County Executive Dow Constantine and Warren Jimenez, King County Parks director, walk along a street to take a closer look at the new park property. Once work is complete, people will be able to access trails in the area from an already existing sidewalk.

16 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org o enjoy the benefits of being in nature, you must be able to reach it. And, as the challenges of the last few months haveT shown, having close access to green spaces is more important than ever for people’s mental and physical health. WTA’s Trail Next Door campaign is working to make this the reality by exploring the challenges of inequitable access to green spaces and working to solve them. Looking at both demographic and park data from across the state, it’s abundantly clear that not every Washingtonian has equal access to green spaces. In many areas, higher- income neighborhoods scored better for access when compared to lower-income neighborhoods, and the same divide showed up when comparing the racial makeup of the area’s population. In fact, there are places across the state that lack even a single accessible green space for miles while others enjoy a multitude of parks and recreation opportunities. Given the immense Charleisha Cox and This disparity in access and need for her son, Marlon, joined WTA and King urban green spaces and trails has physical and mental health County Executive been all the more apparent during the benefits of time spent in Dow Constantine for COVID-19 pandemic. Those who live near a tour of the future green spaces have been able to enjoy nature, it’s clear that access King County park that the outdoors while practicing safe social will be behind their distancing, but for many, that simply to these spaces is needed backyard in urban isn’t an option without getting in a car unincorporated North and traveling farther afield (assuming a more than ever before Highline. “We are very car is even available). Given the immense as urban populations appreciative of this new physical and mental health benefits of park,” Charleisha said. time spent in nature, it’s clear that access continue to grow. to these spaces is needed more than ever before, especially as urban populations continue to grow. long and successful partnership with start working in a neighborhood, it’s important that you’ve listened to the And while we can’t predict the long-term King County, together we're bringing hopes and needs of the people that impacts of the pandemic, we know that to life a new urban green space in live there. We’re committed to working there will continue to be a widespread unincorporated North Highline, between need for additional green space. That White Center and South Park. This directly with community members and is why we launched our Trail Next Door project will allow WTA to be involved in local residents, as well as the three local campaign earlier this year, to ensure that urban green space work in a deeper way schools and nearby places of worship, nature is always within reach for all of us. — from the very beginning of this project in order to support King County’s Despite experiencing some slowdowns to the on-the-ground trail work. community engagement goals for due to COVID-19, we’re hard at work This new urban forest will provide developing this park. with partners in solving the inequity we much-needed access to the outdoors in In early July, Jaime Loucky, WTA’s chief currently see in urban outdoor recreation. a community lacking developed outdoor impact officer, joined King County Enter our largest pilot project to date recreation sites. But this work doesn’t Executive Dow Constantine for a tour of for The Trail Next Door. Building on our take place in a vacuum. Any time you the future King County park. They saw Photos by Eli Brownell / King Parks County Eli Brownell by Photos

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 17 crews doing work to remove debris and non-native species to make the forest safe, welcoming and healthy. They met neighbors, including a mother and her son, who are excited to have a park in their neighborhood. The nearest public green space right now is two miles away, across busy roads and a highway. As they reached the center of the small forest, Jaime showed Dow Constantine potential options for the new trail and a bridge that will cross the seasonal stream and wetlands. “Staying home to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has given each of us an even greater appreciation for open spaces, yet too many underserved communities do not have a park, trail, or green space,” said Constantine. “The new forest park we are creating with community input WTA will play a key role in improving the coming year.” will make it possible for more people access to the outdoors. But these projects aren’t possible and families in urban unincorporated “Planning and developing an entirely without you. Each step, from planning King County to experience the benefits of new green space for an area previously to putting together trail work parties, green space in their own neighborhood. without access is incredibly exciting for requires your help. Consider supporting It reflects our progress toward making both our work and the community who our Trail Next Door work this year by access to open space more just and will get to enjoy it,” Jaime said. “We’re giving to WTA so that we can continue equitable.” excited to be moving forward with this to move our work forward quickly in This project in King County is just one important work and to learn and evolve bringing accessible and safe trails to example of many across the state where our approach to The Trail Next Door over everyone in Washington.

DOUBLE your My ability to donate money to IMPACT the causes and organizations I Many companies in our state generously “care about is limited, but time is match employees charitable contributions something I can give. Working for or volunteer hours by making a donation a company that matches my time to WTA. If your employer makes matching with a donation to WTA means donations, as a donor or volunteer at WTA, you have the power to direct these that my time isn’t just volunteer contributions. Ask your HR department how hours, it’s also a donation that your support can go even further for trails! fuels WTA’s amazing work. wta.org/matching — Aaron Peabody

Photo by Rick Goble

18 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org friends

skill building

Accepting applications through Become a Sept. 27, 2020. Throughout the program year, youth WTA youth ambassadors will: • Earn 30+ service hours ambassador! • Design leadership projects • Attend skill-building workshops The Youth Ambassador Program is a free • Practice public speaking opportunity open to all high schoolers who enjoy nature and want to connect others to the outdoors. • Win prizes for participation • Connect with WTA and other Learn more about the program and outdoor agencies and organizations application process at wta.org/ • Make new friends youthambassador or email Britt Lê at [email protected].

Learn more at wta.org/youthambassador

Photo by Britt Lê Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 19 MY HAIR WAS MADE

BY CHELSEA FOR WILD MURPHY

rowing up, my outdoor I wanted that versatility, too, even with adventures came at harsh, dangerous chemicals. European a cost that my White beauty standards made many African friends didn’t have to American women and children think that deal with — and didn’t they weren’t beautiful if their hair wasn’t understand. They could straight like White women’s. hike, camp and swim I first started relaxing my hair, with without worry, but for me, water meant my mom’s help, when I began playing wild, frizzy hair and hours of work later. competitive sports in middle school. It took time, but I’ve now come to love my own natural hair — and learned how to It seemed to make my hair more balance my beautiful natural hair and my manageable. Now, I realize I didn’t have outdoor adventures. a good representation of Black women with natural hair. In my mind, a relaxer That good hair, at a cost was the only way to play sports and still I have come to an amazing place in my life look decent the next day. Over time, the where I love everything about myself and chemicals in the relaxer damaged my the woman I have become. My favorite hair, flared my eczema and created limits features are now my hair and my full on outdoor adventures. lips — the two things I most struggled to love while growing up in a White- Nature or natural? centered world. Most of my role models As I began enjoying more outdoorsy — Aaliyah, Brandy and the ladies of activities, I soon realized my hair was Destiny’s Child — relaxed their hair, and holding me back. My White friends went

20 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org Chelsea Murphy finds great joy getting outside, either with her daughters or on her own.

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 21 THE MOVEMENT adventuring with ease. For me, going camping, swimming and sweating all came at a price, because water brought back the natural frizz to ALLOWS BLACK my hair. Water and hair relaxers do not mix. I didn’t want to jump into the river for fear of the grueling hair day that would follow so I could WOMEN TO BE be cute for school by Monday. A spontaneous 5 minutes in the water was not worth the 5 hours it took from wash to being style-ready. I wasn’t THEIR MOST afraid of the water; I was afraid of what my hair would look like exiting the water. What would people think of my natural hair when it wasn’t AUTHENTIC SELF prim and proper? Eventually, some friends just stopped asking me to join them in the water, or made fun because they didn’t understand. I lived in an area with little diversity and most of my friends were White. I tried, but they never understood why I skipped adventures. Having hair that requires little maintenance is a privilege, and they never understood my reservations. Curls on trail After moving to Central Washington about 7 years ago, I decided to change my story. Would I continue to say no to adventure and the things I loved most? Would I risk showing my daughters that beauty is determined by a lack of curl patterns? Hell no. I cut off a lot of my hair, eventually stopped using relaxers and started my natural hair journey in 2015. I did not anticipate how hard it would be to find someone on this side of the mountains comfortable enough to tackle my natural hair with me. I found no one in Central Washington who could do hair like the Black women in Tacoma. I kept hearing, “I’ve never done hair like yours” and my requests for the types of products I needed — they were focused “I don’t know if the product I use will work on your on what they usually sold. They’d been trained to style White hair. kind of hair.” Again, I saw that beauty standards and products were not created with me in mind. I realized I needed to do my own hair — but my mom had always White women have privileges I don’t. done it. I didn’t even know how to braid my hair, and I couldn’t find Eventually I did find someone who was the products I needed in my rural town. I had so many fears. But, comfortable with putting her hands through my one YouTube video at a time — and with some trial-and-error online thick, beautiful hair and that satisfied me for a orders — I began my natural hair journey. while. I brought my oldest daughter to her for I bought oils, creams and detangling spray. I tried different styles haircuts. My daughter’s hair is closer to what of braids and twists — protective styles that nourished my hair many stylists are used to because she is biracial. and allowed it to grow. With no chemicals, less heat and prenatal My daughter loved that the stylist would give her vitamins — in preparation for daughter number two — my hair grew! temporary hair color, like a rock star. But the thrill The longer it got, the easier it was to style. As I worked at it with was short-lived for me. The stylists missed that some of my favorite YouTubers, my hair stresses began to melt away. my hair needed a different process and different As my hair grew, so did my love for the mountains and forests that products. I felt like I was wasting my time and surround me. My hair would not continue to hold me back from an money. The last visit, I left with an Afro as big outdoorsy life the way I had allowed it to as a teenager. as the moon, which I didn’t ask for. I’d simply wanted the stylist to wash and dry my hair and As a proud African American woman who has joined the natural

even offered advice. I felt defeated. No one heard hair movement, I now choose not to relax my hair. The movement courtesyPhotos Chelsea Murphy

22 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org allows Black women to be their most authentic self. For 5 years, I’ve been free of that awful chemical and a routine that skewed my idea of beauty. My daughters and I love the mountains around us and we hike weekly. Their father is White and their hair is more reasonable than mine on most days. I love doing my girls’ hair each week. If there are new styles I want to try, I can use their hair to practice. I started young with them, so we all know the routine. After baths, I style and wrap their hair with a silk scarf, which protects their hair so they can get up the next morning and be ready to go. I alternate a few different styles on our hair, ones that last longer for our adventurous lives; I lean on protective styles like braids and twists. My favorite twist style is a three-strand twist. It can last 2 weeks in between wash days and it helps keep twigs, dirt and rocks out of my hair. These days, I worry less about what I look like, because as an adult I know beauty is measured from the inside, out. Nature has taught me a lot, and confidence is one of those things. Now, I can paddleboard, float or swim down the local river without hesitation. And my natural hair dries fast! Last summer I hiked to Colchuck Lake and jumped in almost immediately. After getting out, I put my cap on and started descending. My hair was dry and ready for more by the time we got to the car. My hair was made for wild adventures; I simply needed to start my journey. I love my hair. I am so thankful for Chelsea found the natural hair movement for encouraging Black girls that learning to let their hair go. My hair no longer defines me or how to manager dictates my adventure for the day. My hair is natural. her hair gave her more freedom It’s original, versatile, and it’s everything I could ask for outside. in a crown.

Learn MORE

If you need style tips for Black hair, you can watch hair influencers online to start your own hair journey. Keep in mind there are different curl patterns for everyone, from 1A to 4C.

It helps to find a role model with the same pattern as your own hair. I have a 4A curl pattern, so I have found women with hair that matches mine. I suggest you start with that and branch off accordingly! My favorite YouTubers are Cali Curls, Alana Simone and Shanice Cox.

Find Chelsea Murphy online at shecolorsnature.com and on Instagram @she_colorsnature.

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 23 How to Stay Healthy for a Lifetime on Trail

By Craig Romano

have been hiking and running regularly since my and not out of routine. I shun soda and many processed foods early 20s. Now in my late 50s, I’m still going strong. In and eat plant-based meals about 60% of the time. On the trail, my 20s, I could never have imagined the kind of mileage my intake is primarily carbohydrates and protein, and I graze that I am putting on the trail in my 50s. I regularly do as I go. This keeps my caloric intake consistent, my blood sugar 20-plus-mile day hikes and 30-mile trail runs. I ran 50 from crashing and my engine continuously motoring. miles for my 50th birthday and to celebrate my next decade, I Move your body: I engage in cardiovascular workouts 6 days I’m training for my first 100K (62-mile) trail run. a week, year-round. I hike, run, walk or bike almost every If you’re interested in endurance athletics, genetics might day. Keeping your heart strong is one of the best ways to help, but it really comes down to lifestyle. And whether you’re stay conditioned for the trail. But regularly exercising is not 20 or 60, right now is the perfect time to make changes and everything. I also strive for an overall active lifestyle. I shun commitments to living a healthy lifestyle. While living healthy elevators for stairs, park farther from the front of stores and may not guarantee longevity (there are factors we cannot embrace activities like lawn mowing. My vacation, down and control), it will almost certainly guarantee a more satisfying life leisure time is rarely sedentary. You’re at your own place in your fitness journey, so wherever you are, find a way to move that — and one that makes hiking more enjoyable and rewarding. works for you. So here is what I have learned over the decades and from tens Mix it up: Cross-training is vital. I stretch regularly (although of thousands of miles on the trail. never enough — and I swear this is the year I finally take up Eat well: Eat for performance and strive to eat healthy. I enjoy yoga) and do weight repetitions and resistance exercises to burgers, pizza and other treats like most people — but I limit strengthen core muscles. Keeping the upper parts of your body my intake of them, often to after a long hike or challenging run, in shape also enhances your trail performance — especially Photo courtesy Craig Romano Craig courtesy Photo

24 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org Craig Romano has been regularly hiking and running for decades. Now in his late 50s, he shares advice on how to stay healthy and keep hiking for many miles on trail.

when carrying a pack, scrambling or important to me is that they redistribute And as we age, accept that we may not climbing up and over obstacles. half of my weight to my upper body when be able to do things like we once did. Set new goals. I no longer have the speed Be gentle with your body: One of the I am coming down a steep slope. That’s that I had when I was younger. Now I aim most important lessons I learned was a lot of pressure off of my knees — and for endurance. And eventually I won’t be while backpacking (and hurting) on a lot of weight off of my feet, lessening able to go as far as I once did — but that Vermont’s Long Trail during my 20s. chances of a sprain. is okay. The mere fact that we continue to Always listen to your body. It will tell Stay hydrated: Always staying properly get outside, move and explore the world you when it needs a break — don’t ignore hydrated is tantamount to staying around us is enough. it. Just as important as regular exercise healthy on trail. Drink plenty of fluids. Remember too that with age comes years are rest and recovery days. Get adequate Sports gels and electrolyte tablets are sleep and take time off to recover after of experience and conditioning that can great too — especially in warm weather exhausting days on the trail. As you age, very well lead you to doing things on the and when you’re sweating profusely. recovery time increases — don’t rush trail and pushing your body to points that Staying properly hydrated helps prevent it. But don’t be completely sedentary. If were inconceivable to your younger self. heat stroke and fatigue. It also helps you you’re sore, take an easy walk to work Last summer, I chatted with a seasoned think clearly and stay focused, which out lactic acid and prevent muscles from hiker on the top of West Tiger 3. I asked tightening up. To really work out the lessens your chances of being injured or him if he gets out much. He told me yes, kinks and tightness, I regularly schedule getting into a bad predicament. but not as much as he did 4 years ago deep-tissue massages. These are intense Mental health matters: Hiking and before he turned 80! — but the results are rejuvenating, and running are excellent for maintaining Living a healthy lifestyle is contagious within a couple of days I am renewed good mental health, which is more too. Model it and encourage others to live and ready to push myself again. important than ever during this age of healthy so that they too can look forward Gear up: Equally important as eating COVID-19. When we head outside and to many fulfilling years on the trail. properly and exercising is having the move freely through the backcountry, it proper equipment — especially footwear. helps validate our existence. And when Craig Romano is a guidebook author Be properly fitted and purchase quality we feel good mentally, it helps us stay who has hiked more than 27,000 miles in shoes. And consider trekking poles. physically healthy — creating a circle of Washington. Learn more about him and They have many applications, but most positivity. his books at craigromano.com. Photo by Wendy Wheeler-Jacobs Wendy by Photo

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 25 Having steady balance can make hiking easier and more enjoyable, Find Your Balance whether it’s climbing a rocky trail or crossing a With practice, you can improve your stability on trail log bridge. — making for safer and more comfortable hiking

By Roselie Rasmussen Photos by Imran Kasmani, Donna Hahn Kasmani, Imran by Photos

26 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org rails can be complex, shifting and of our feet to the nerve endings slippery. When hiking, if you feel like around our joints that get stretched See it in action you might slip and fall, then you’re or compressed and signal nearby For more details and a more careful and use more effort. muscles to contract if needed. video demonstration of Over time, that extra effort can wear With a bit of practice — and play these exercises, go to you out and cause issues such as knee pain. But there T — we can develop a stronger sense wta.org/balanceexercises. are ways to improve your balance that will give you of where our body is in space and more solid footing on trail. how to adapt quickly. Training this What you want is to develop dynamic stability, so self-sensing system has been demonstrated to reduce athletic injuries in when a rock shifts under your foot you’re not thrown comparison with stretching and more general training. off balance, risking a tumble or potential injury. There are ways you can develop unshakable balance Train your joints and enhance the reflexes that can save you from a • In a standing position, allow your weight to sink down to your feet. Try hard landing. to “let go” of your knees and hips. Enhance your self-sensing system • Picture the basin of your pelvis as a bowl and begin to rotate it so that water will pour out of that bowl in a circle. First out the front, then the Among our human senses that allow us to sides and then the back. Go around in circles in both directions. experience and interact with the world is our self- sense, or proprioception (proprio = self, ception = • Hold on to the back of a chair and bring your knee up toward your understanding). This “sense” is actually a collection chin. Now move that leg out to the side and internally rotate it, swing of senses that range from the movement of the inner it down and behind you, then bring it back to the starting position. Do ear bones to the sensation of pressure on the bottoms these circles going one way and then switch directions. Do both hips.

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 27 You can work to improve the sensitivity of your feet, which can be helpful on slick or steep surfaces. Trekking poles can also do a lot to help your balance.

• Place one hand on the front of your pelvis and the other on • With a firm grasp, begin to move the bones of the foot the front of your lower rib cage. In a shearing motion, move the relative to each other. There is a lot of subtle mobility in the two hands in opposite directions by moving your rips and lower foot. All of the joints can wiggle a little. body, first side to side and then front to back. • Grasp the ball of the foot in one hand and, with the other, • Have a seat, and straighten and flex one knee at a time. As give the base of each toe a gentle tug, one by one. you straighten, rotate your toes outward, and as you flex, rotate them inward. You can also stand and flex your knees slightly • Firmly grasp the ankle and use your fingers to press the top while moving them together in a circular motion. Add some of your foot and the top of your heel away from the ankle (as twisting motions by rotating your torso. though you were going to pop your foot off). • Rotate your ankles, either in a weight-bearing position (you • Place your thumb on the inside of the bottom of your foot already did this if you chose the standing knee motions) or with and the side of the first finger on the outside of the bottom of your foot dangling. Draw circles with your toes, and then draw the foot and gently squeeze all the tissue there, working your circles with your heels. way up and down the foot. By moving our joints through their potential range daily, we help to place them on our sensory map, as well as strengthen • Explore the bottom of the foot with both thumbs as though the neural pathways of our reflexes. The movement also you were texting, pressing in here and there. encourages joint health. After you’ve done this on one foot, stand up. Notice any To reconnect with your feet difference in the level of sensation you experience between the foot that you just worked and the other foot. The To develop the sense of where our feet meet the ground, we simply have to stimulate the many self-sensing nerve endings massaged foot may feel bigger and like it has greater contact on the bottom of the foot. Try the following exercise. with the floor, compared with the other foot, which might be harder to “find” on your body map. • Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position, grasping one foot in both of your hands. Repeat everything on your opposite foot. Photos by Jim Oker, WTA, Trish Glover, Richard Forbes Richard Glover, Trish WTA, Jim Oker, by Photos

28 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org To deliberately test your balance, get playful and creative on rocky surfaces.

comfortable stride, placing each foot on Put the pieces together this rock will have one fairly flat side and one of the rocks. Try not to pause, but the rest will be knobby and uneven. rather flow from one step into the next. If Now, let’s bring these new sensations you have trekking poles, use them to help • Place the rock flat side down so that out to the field. you keep your balance, but keep your it doesn’t tilt. Hold on to something for body weight over the rocks. For a simple exercise, walk across a balance and stand on the rock with one grassy surface with awareness of how foot, letting your foot and ankle sink into • As an advanced balance exercise, turn the bottoms of your feet connect with the the rock. This is best done in footwear the rocks over so they’re unstable, and ground. You can experiment with how that’s a bit flexible. The idea is to let your walk down them, with or without using much ease and looseness you can allow ankle stretch and compress and move your trekking poles to help. Try to do this in your knees and hips as you walk. into a variety of positions. This helps all as a continuous motion, without pausing at any one rock. You’ll find that if you’re If you take this same idea to a trail with your joints work together to keep you only just using the rock to push off, then uneven surfaces, you can notice how upright and stable on uneven terrain. the tippiness does not cause a problem much the hips and low back move to • Turn the rock over so that it’s no longer for balance and stability. accommodate slight elevations and stable. Continue to hold on to something depressions. This low back movement and stand on the rock. Now your body The next time you’re out on trail, you can be very relieving for cases of chronic has to sense and adjust your position can practice applying this. As your tension in that area. rapidly as your environment shifts in self-sensing awareness increases, you’ll unpredictable ways. This strengthens develop better balance in motion — Find stability your body’s ability to respond rapidly to leading to stability with ease. Now it’s time to work on exercises to changes. develop the ability to move with flow • Find several similar rocks and place Roselie Rasmussen is an orthopedic and balance over uneven or unstable them in two staggered rows, about 2 feet massage therapist in Darrington. She surfaces. Pick the starting point that best apart in both directions. The distance enjoys backpacking, trail work and helping reflects your current ability level. depends on the length of your stride. people do the activities they love. You can • Find a rock large enough to Place them flat sides down so they are contact her or read more of her articles at accommodate your entire foot. Ideally stable. Walk down the row of rocks in a OneHealthMassage.com.

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 29 Expert advice What about hills? When going uphill for a long period of time, consider shortening your poles. The steeper the hill, the How to Use more you should shorten them. And for downhills, lengthen your poles. Trekking Poles What about traversing? If you’re traversing a very steep slope, consider using only your uphill pole. Plant it firmly and then step forward with the opposite foot first. Then follow f you already use trekking poles, you probably with the uphill foot before moving the pole again. You can understand why they can be so helpful for hikers either let the downhill pole hang or put it away while you’re of all interests and abilities. If you haven’t ever traversing. tried them, they’re well worth considering. We How do the wrist straps work? For poles with wrist straps, talked to Brandon Winchell, a hiker and doctor of put your hands up from the bottom of the loop, let your hand physical therapy in Edmonds, for some information on the I rest on the wrist strap and then grab the handle of the pole. value of trekking poles — and some advice on how to use The idea is that, when you hike, you shouldn’t have to grip the them properly. handle too tightly. Adjust the wrist straps so they’re a length Why use poles? The biggest benefit of poles is that they that works well for you. help take some of the load off of your legs, Brandon said. If you put a pole on a potentially Especially when going up or down hills, poles transfer a bit Any safety considerations? of the work to your upper body, which can keep your legs unstable surface, be sure to test it before you trust it with your from wearing out as fast. Additionally, adding poles turns weight. On particularly uneven surfaces, for instance on a you into a four-legged animal. Instead of having one or two boulder field, consider removing your wrists from the straps. If points of contact on the ground, you can have three or four. your pole gets stuck and you lose your balance, you’ll be able That really decreases your risk of a fall or an ankle strain if to quickly move your hands to help catch yourself. you hit an unstable surface. Do hand grips matter? Brandon says to pay attention to the How tall should your poles be? To properly size your poles, hand grips when picking out poles. Foam or cork might be Brandon says to stand with your arms relaxed at your side more comfortable while poles with firm rubber ridges might be and your elbows bent at 90 degrees. That’s how tall your more likely to cause blisters. If the poles have a relatively long poles should be. (Make sure your shoulders aren’t shrugged grip, it can make it easier to make small adjustments as you go

up toward your ears.) up and down hills. Doug Diekema by Photo

30 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org REBECCA COLLINS

“It feels good to work with Washington Trails Association. It’s so important to make sure everyone has the opportunity to explore the outdoors. I joined the Legacy Circle to make sure this work can continue.”

A lasting impact – by making a legacy WHAT IS YOUR gift to Washington Trails Association, you’re protecting the trails you love for future generations. Anyone can LEGACY? participate, and no amount is too small.

Learn more: wta.org/legacy | 206-625-1367

Photo by Karen Wang Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 31 Pam McPeek has hiked more than 3,000 miles Hiking Toward Healing since she and her husband, Bill, started hiking regularly. Most of Time on trail is helping me recover from years of trauma those hikes have been in the Olympics, including to Lena Lake (above) and Obstruction Point (right). By Pam McPeek Photos courtesy Pam McPeek Pam courtesy Photos

32 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org ix years ago, a few weeks after my husband’s retirement, a hiking suggestion in the Kitsap Sun caught my eye. We Swere in our late 60s, hadn’t been on a trail for more than a decade and had never been serious hikers. We weren’t sure how we’d do. But we headed out for an early spring hike up the Four Stream Trail in the North Fork Skokomish Valley. As it happened, we did quite well. Beyond that, we loved it. Three days later, we were in the Dosewallips Valley, and in 4 more, the Lower Big Quilcene. Soon we were hooked, and by the end of the year, we’d walked more than 500 miles on trail. Now, nearly 500 hikes later, we’ve passed the 3,000-mile mark, all but a few of those miles in our nearby and beloved Olympic Mountains. We hike easy trails and hard trails. Some of hike especially, though in the company our favorites have included Tubal Cain become something I can count on to help Mine, Royal Lake, Tunnel Creek to 5050, restore a sense of equilibrium and peace of countless others, is both model and Deer Park and Obstruction Point, most when I’m in the grip of frightening and metaphor for my overarching journey, memorably on full-moon nights using sometimes overwhelming feelings. In a bearing the message that I can keep only the light of the moon. stroke of pure serendipity, it is hiking that going, can continue moving forward, has given me this gift. even in the hardest of times. While all of this has been wonderful, adding richness and a lovely rhythm to As our trail miles have grown, I’ve The second factor, and the more obvious our retired life, a particular aspect of it become aware of a pattern. Even on the and likely more profound, is the effect has an element of the miraculous. worst days, when feelings of depression, of being outdoors, unbounded, in the disconnection, loneliness and fear In 2014, when our hiking began, I had wild and glorious natural world. It is swamp me, I almost always feel better as known for 15 years that I was a survivor unfathomably complex but at the same a hike progresses, and this improvement of father-daughter incest and had time simple, asking nothing of me but commonly persists afterward. Once home, gradually become aware that it spanned to be present. I relish this simplicity, I often feel markedly different from the my childhood and some years beyond. the lack of anything like pretense or person who headed out earlier in the Traumatic dissociation — a brain phoniness or betrayal. It is what it is: day, a factor of inestimable value and miracle, as I call it — had allowed me to honest, basic — birth and life and death something largely unique to hiking. have no knowledge or even an inkling of — and soul-stirring beauty that touches the abuse until I fell apart after the birth I’ve given this considerable thought, me, often moves me to tears and, yes, of my son and only child when I was 41. and while I can’t be certain what the brings me a sense of peace. It wasn’t until he was 10 and I had been determinants are, two in particular have I am not healed. That may never fully in psychotherapy for half those years emerged. First, I often set ambitious come. The abuse, I believe, was too that I began to know what the emotional goals for a hike, goals that I, along with crash and ensuing struggle were about. my husband, rarely fail to accomplish. long-lasting, the damage too deep. It became part of who I am. But I am My time in therapy didn’t end then but Perhaps the best example of this is healing, with the matchless, unwavering, instead became more frequent and what we’ve come to call our “Big Hike,” unconditional and selfless love of my intense. More than half a dozen well- a one-way trip we first did in 2015 and trained, skilled and compassionate have repeated every summer but one. husband; with the steadfast help of a people have now worked with me around It involves walking from the Tubal Cain therapist of now 19 years who continues the aftereffects of my trauma history. Mine trailhead, up over Buckhorn Pass to believe in me; and with the miracle of Certainly, I have been helped by their and on to Marmot Pass, and from there hiking, the gift that has hauled me back, efforts, and my therapy continues. But down through the Dungeness Valley to step after step, untold times, to the world nothing in the psychotherapeutic realm, the Upper Dungeness trailhead — a total of beauty and possibilities and healthy including antidepressant medications, has of 17 miles. I’ve come to believe that this love in which I live — here, now, today.

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 33 Good Night Create a sleep system to stay warm and cozy on overnight adventures

By Sandra Saathoff

ou’ve been hiking all day, enjoying expansive views and the laughter of your hiking companions. Now, though, it’s time to sleep. Inside your pack, you’ve been hauling around the components to give you a safe, dry Yplace to stay warm and happy overnight, so you can get up and do it all again the next day. What do you need in your pack to help guarantee that cozy night? You need a sleep system, which is made of several components that work together to help capture and contain body heat. Choosing the pieces that work best for your individual needs will help you get a good night of sleep. The basics include a shelter of some kind, a sleeping pad and a sleeping bag or quilt. Then, those items can be mixed and matched to create a system that works for you.

34 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org Shelter The ability to stay dry and out of the wind is integral to keeping you warm and safe during the night — or during extended weather events. Here are some options to consider for a key part of your sleep system. Tents: Single- or double-walled, free-standing or using trekking poles, tents offer myriad options in all sizes and weight classes, providing protection from the elements and a place to house your gear. Three- season tents work well for, you guessed it, three seasons. If you want to camp in winter or in very cold places, look for a four-season tent, which will provide more protection from the elements. In general, tents with rain flies that come lower to the ground will be warmer. Tents with more exposed mesh will be cooler. Consider the type of camping you most often do to pick a tent that will meet your needs. Tarps: Like an old-school camp illustration, two sticks, a bit of cord and some stakes can create a simple, lightweight shelter to keep you out of the weather. Not so great during mosquito season or wet, windy weather, though. Bivies: Like a little burrito for humans. You don’t have much room to move or store your stuff, but a bivy keeps you out of the weather and bugs and lets you set up home for the night pretty much anywhere. These are also useful to carry in case of emergency. Hammocks: If you prefer to be off the ground, perhaps a hammock is for you. Two well-spaced trees are all you need to set up camp. Additions such as an overhead tarp, bug net and an insulating quilt add comfort and weather protection. Photos by Patrick Sloan, Grant Roush Grant Sloan, Patrick by Photos

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 35 Sleeping bags and quilts Additional considerations Both offer a cocoon of fluffy happiness for you to curl up inside each night. Choose Sleeping clothes: Having a set of dry what works best for your needs on a given trip. It might not always be the same. clothing to change into after hiking Sleeping bags: Bags generally have a zipper the full length of the bag, and often offers multiple benefits. You can stay come with hoods and neck baffles to help keep heat in. For three- or four-season warmer by getting out of your sweaty, backpacking, sleeping bags can be the warmest option, and they are available in both damp clothing, and clean(er) clothes down and synthetic versions. Down tends to be lighter than synthetic but needs to offer a morale boost as well. Even on be kept dry, even when treated to be hydrophobic, as it will lose loft and insulation summer trips, I generally pack a long- properties when wet. Synthetic tends to offer better insulation when damp than down. sleeved shirt, long underwear and wool socks. They add an extra layer Sleeping quilts: A quilt is usually designed with a zipped or sewn footbox that of insulation if the day is especially extends to the calf area and is then open the rest of the way up. Quilts usually have cold. Be sure to keep your sleep snaps every few inches that allow them to also function as a bag. Most often, the quilt clothes dry. In the morning when I’m is snapped to straps that encircle the sleeping pad. The concept is that when lying on packing, I stuff them into my sleeping the insulation on the bottom of a sleeping bag, you are compressing it, thus negating its insulating properties, so quilts save weight by having you sleep directly on your bag sack to keep everything together. pad. Most quilts do not come with a hood, but if the quilt is long enough, it’s quite Pillow: Most people are used to easy to make a cocoon that encases your whole body and has a space to poke your sleeping on a pillow each night at nose out for air. For warmer nights, you can open everything up and just drape the home. In order to get restorative sleep quilt over you like a blanket, making heat management simple. Quilts tend to be much on trail, it’s helpful to have some lighter than most bags and, if conditions warrant, can be the best option. kind of pillow. Whether you choose to Considerations to keep in mind as you shop: All bags and quilts are not created bring along an inflatable pillow or put equal. Bags specifically designed for women generally put more insulation in the core some extra clothing inside a stuff sack and footbox areas, to compensate for the fact that women tend to sleep colder than is completely up to you. Inflatable men. Of course, you can buy whatever bag works for you, regardless of your gender, pillows generally weigh 1–2 ounces but knowing how bags are made and marketed can help you make the right decision and cost $25–$40. Packing your for you. Pay attention to the rating numbers and explanations for each brand of bag or sleeping bag stuff sack with clothing quilt. Most rating numbers are meant to indicate that the bag will keep you alive down adds no extra weight or money but

to that number, not necessarily that you’ll be comfortably warm all night. can be difficult to make comfortable. Alisse Cassell Asher Baden, by Photos

36 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org Tips to stay warm at night Choose your site carefully: If you have a choice of sites, you can choose one that will be warmer. Sheltered sites will be warmer, as will sites that aren’t too close to water or in the bottom of a drainage where cold air and mist can collect overnight. Of course, wherever you camp, make sure you follow Leave No Trace principles. Shake your bag: When you set up camp and free your sleeping bag from your pack, give it a good shake and enough time for its fibers to expand before bed, so they’ll be better at trapping your warm air. Have a snack before bed: Foods that include fat (like a handful of nuts) give your body slow-burning calories to stay warm during the night. Hydrate: A hydrated body sleeps warmer. Of course, this may mean you need to get up to use the restroom during the night; if you need to pee, get up and pee. Your core spends more energy heating liquid inside you, making you colder. Sleeping pads Exercise for core warmth: If the evening is chilly, remember that your bag doesn’t add heat, it traps it. Mother Nature is really good at sucking heat from your body, so Consider doing a few jumping jacks to warm your body it’s important to have an insulating layer. That’s where sleeping before getting into the tent, though not enough to get pads come in — and they add important cushioning for your sweaty, of course. During the night, you can do a few tired muscles and bones. Pads may either be foam or inflatable, crunches to help you warm up if needed. and each has pros and cons. Insulation ratings are important for both options. The higher the rating, the warmer you’ll sleep. Keep moisture out: Once you’re all cuddled into your bag, make sure to leave a hole for your nose and mouth Foam pads can be a multipurpose piece of gear — a place to lay to poke out, so the humidity you exhale doesn’t end up your sleeping bag and also to sit during rest breaks. They don’t inside your bag. fail often and can even be used as the structure inside your backpack, to save weight. They are light but tend to take up Layer up: Nothing says you have to “only” sleep in more space and can be too thin for comfort for those with older your sleep clothes. If it’s cold out, consider adding your bodies or bad backs. hiking pants (or even down pants, if you have them), jacket, socks, hat and gloves — having them handy to Inflatable pads take up less space and can be a heavenly air add during the night. Sometimes all that is needed is cushion, offering inches of space between you and the ground to drape your puffy jacket over your core in the early for a wonderful night’s sleep. Some care must be taken to not hours of the morning. For trips when colder weather is lay them on pokey things. They can generally be repaired if predicted, an option like down booties can save the day. punctured, but if they fail spectacularly, the rest of the trip becomes quite uncomfortable — or dangerous, depending Liners: Another option for expanding the warmth on conditions. That said, a majority of backpackers have rating on your bag or quilt is to add a liner — kind of a transitioned to inflatable pads, due to their benefits. thin mummy bag you slip into before getting into your sleeping bag. What if your pad fails? If you have an inflatable pad, make sure to bring a repair kit. As long as there’s a stream Hot-water bottle: Heating up some water and taking it or lake around, finding and repairing most leaks isn’t to bed inside of a well-sealed bottle can help you start difficult(submerge your pad and look for air bubbles the night out warm. Once the water gets cold, though, coming from the site of the leak), though you may have push it outside the bag, so your body isn’t trying to heat an uncomfortable night first. If it’s a slow leak, adding air the water in addition to yourself. throughout the night may get you through until morning. It may take some trial and error to find your perfect Backpack: Some people elect to save weight by purchasing a sleep system. Don’t underestimate the value of camping shorter sleeping pad and then putting their empty backpack overnight in your backyard to test different combinations at the foot of their tent to provide insulation and lift for their of gear before taking your sleep system out on trail. Once calves and feet. In this way, your backpack becomes part of your you have things dialed in, have an excellent adventure, sleep system. I’ve been doing this for years and it works great. knowing you’re prepared for (nearly) anything!

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 37 Trail Mix Camera Bag

hen I was 8, I went on my first vacation. It was only 45 minutes away from home, but we stayed in a hotel! During this trip, I established myself as the family documentarian,W using up four rolls of film in 3 days. Amid the shots of the hotel room and pool and blurry fingers half covering the lens were abstract images and pictures of sunsets and nature — my first inclination toward using the medium to express myself creatively. This trend continued through my junior high and high school years, when I became known for doing the same in my friend group as in my family. I would always get double prints from the pharmacy photo lab to share. When 1-hour film processing was introduced, my world was changed. But things really took off as I entered my freshman year of college, with the advent of the point-and-shoot digital Slow it Down camera. No need for expensive film or long periods of waiting; the only hurdle for massive photo taking was the Reverting back to film photography size of the memory card you had. And then with Facebook, I had an instantaneous outlet to upload and tag all my friends has helped me reconnect with a hobby — no double prints required. By my senior year, though, I have always loved — and grounded I found myself missing the anticipation and the artistic sensibility of using film, and so I enrolled in a photography me during challenging times. course. I learned how to use a manual film camera for the first time and how to develop my own film. Many nights were Photos and story by Christina Hickman spent alone in the darkroom on campus. I loved it.

38 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org But then I graduated and moved away. A huge part of the allure of film photography was those solo nights spent with the smell of developer chemicals stuck in my nose, the darkness punctuated only by the glow of the red lights and jazz playing softly in the background. The final blow to my college photo days came when a bunch of sand clogged my camera after a day on the beach, breaking it — and my desire to keep the hobby going. Then came the iPhone. Soon enough, my pocket-sized phone was taking better pictures than my point-and-shoot camera. Why carry two things when one does it all? And so, I stopped using photography as an art form, and started using it solely as a way to capture moments in time. Over the following years, I longed to replace that broken camera and fill my empty creative gap but quickly became overwhelmed by the process of finding and purchasing another one. That is, until spring in 2019. I finally decided on and bought a “new” film camera — a classic beginner’s model, the Canon AE-1 — from eBay. I was intimidated as I relearned everything and afraid that every picture I took was going to be terrible. To be fair, there were and are many terrible photos on every roll. That’s also part of the draw; simply knowing that only 20 percent of your photos are worth sharing makes you truly focus on making each shot meaningful. Over the last year and a half, I have toted my film camera everywhere — on trips, on hikes, on walks around my neighborhood, on my (now- Film photography tips former) commute to work — intentionally carving out a little time each Where to buy a film camera: I found one of day to connect with the creative part of myself I’d lost for so long. I notice mine on eBay and the other at the University of so many more little details. I’ve come to know my favorite city streets Washington surplus store (other second-hand more intimately, like old friends. I know when the setting sun will hit a stores can work too). Be sure to check the return particular neighborhood tree. I know what downtown buildings have the policy just in case the camera is defective. You best angles in the early morning light. I even knew where and when the can also purchase a variety of lenses that can flowers would pop up this spring after studying their life cycle through upgrade even the most basic of camera bodies. the lens last year. Being so in tune with nature this year really helped How to choose the right film: There are so reinforce the notion that nature and life are cyclical, a much-needed many kinds of film! In short, lower ISO numbers reminder of normalcy in the upheaval of March and April. (50-200) are going to work best on sunny days When hiking and walking, taking pictures with a film camera really outside. Higher numbers (400 and above) will makes you slow down, more so than using a DSLR. I usually hike work better on darker days or inside. If you want and walk fairly quickly, but you simply can’t with a camera in tow. I to really get into it, it’s worth doing a research have truly regained (some) patience, something that has never come and experimentation to find out what film and easily to me, and especially not in our 21st-century fast-paced world of brand work best for you. instant gratification. You can’t just snap away frantically. You have to Where to buy and develop film: While they are frame every single photo precisely how you want, adjust for lighting, fewer and farther between, camera stores do still wait for the wind to stop blowing … everything has to be just right offer film services. A bit of web searching and to justify using one of your precious snaps (most film rolls have 36 phone calling can find you a store in your area. exposures). And then, of course, you will wait some more for the film to be developed. I no longer have access to a darkroom like in college so the process can take upward of a week — and of course that’s after you finish your roll. I still use my iPhone to capture everyday moments, But getting your photos back brings such joy, such anticipation! Most every day. Many times, I’ll still snap a quick phone of the time, I am also kind of let down; usually how I envision a photo pic even if I take a film photo, just in case. I’ve come as I take it is definitely not how it comes out. But that just inspires me to realize that using both and having both is the right to keep trying. I love experimenting with new films and new lenses. My balance of pure documentation and pure joy, between film preference tends toward a more nostalgic, timeless coloring, but necessity and something that feeds my soul. If you’ve you can buy film that provides a super vivid, hi-defnition photo as well. been wanting to give film photography a try, now’s the As we stayed close to home this spring and summer, I’ve made a game time, with fall colors just around the corner. Jump in, out of biking to new neighborhoods and documenting the feel of each try something new and don’t be afraid to mess up. It’s through the camera. part of the fun.

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 39 NW Weekend

By Rachel Wendling PACKWOOD A rustic mountain town home to incredible adventures, all year long PACKWOOD Nestled between Mount Rainier and Mount Adams, the quiet town of Packwood is small but mighty. The town has a year-round population of less than 2,000, but bursts at the seams during the busy summer months and the height of ski season with an influx of hikers and adventure seekers enjoying the small-town wonders. This year, of course, things will be a bit quieter, as visitors have to be careful to keep space between folks outside their own household. But with a bit of thoughtful planning, you can visit the area and enjoy the many beautiful trails nearby and still keep yourself and rural communities safe. It’s no surprise hikers flock to this area. The town is surrounded by lush forests and snowy peaks on all sides — Mount Rainier National Park, Tatoosh Wilderness and William O. Douglas Wilderness to the north, and the stunning Goat Rocks Wilderness to the south. Whether you’re hoping to embark on a multiday backpacking trip or enjoy a family-friendly expedition, there is plenty to see and do around Packwood. If you find yourself with a free weekend, we think it’s absolutely worth considering.

40 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org Day 1 Begin your weekend by finding a riverside site at La Wis Wis Campground. Once you arrive at camp, there is plenty of exploring to be done right from the campground. Take a bike ride around the many paved loops, watch the rushing rapids of the Cowlitz River or, if you’re feeling brave, take a plunge into the chilly glacial waters at the “Blue Hole.” Alternatively, if you’d like to get some miles in, it might be the perfect time to check out the trail to Packwood Lake — just beware this can be a popular trail, so consider visiting on a weekday to reduce your chance of encountering crowds. Round out your day with a fireside meal with a hefty helping of s’mores back at camp.

Day 2 Take a short drive over White Pass to enjoy the scenery of the eastern Goat Rocks Wilderness. If you prefer a short and steep leg stretcher, head to Round Mountain for expansive lake views at the site of a former fire lookout. If you’re looking for something a little more rigorous, consider driving up the teeth-chattering forest road to the Bear Creek Mountain trailhead. This 7-mile-roundtrip trek will leave you with jaw-dropping views of Old Snowy, Mount Adams and Mount Rainier — while winding through picturesque meadows along the way. Whichever hike you choose, don’t forget to bring a supply of insect repellent. After taking in the sights up high, drive back down toward Rimrock Lake and spend the afternoon swimming around in the refreshing blue waters and cooling down with a scoop of ice cream from the Silver Beach Resort. When you make it back into town, grab a piping hot pizza Cruiser’s. Then turn in for the night at one of the many cozy, cabin-inspired hotels along the main strip and enjoy a few pages of your latest read by a blazing fireplace. Packwood Lake, Photo by Lyle Rice Lyle by Photo Lake, Packwood Where to play The Packwood area The Goat Rocks Wilderness is like a backyard offers excellent access playground for those staying in Packwood. to adventure, including Here are a few of our favorite hikes in the a hike to Packwood area. Check wta.org/hikingguide for more. Lake (previous page Packwood Lake: This classic Packwood-area and above), Angry hike is always a crowd-pleaser. Thanks to Mountain (left) and the its low elevation, the trail is often snow-free Goat Rocks Wilderness early in the spring and late into the fall. Plus, (top right). during the warm summer months, it makes for an excellent swimming destination. Bear Creek Mountain: Brave the drive up to Bear Creek Mountain to soak up some of the best views on the eastern flanks of the Day 3 breathtaking basin views. If you’d prefer Goat Rocks Wilderness. Your summit views include Mount Adams, Mount Rainier and Get an early start and head across the something a bit more mellow, a trip up the monumental Goat Rocks, along with the street to The Mountain Goat for a cup to Nannie Ridge and Sheep Lake will do countryside to the north and east. of coffee and one of their famous savory the trick. While you’ll still be faced with Round Mountain: Hike above the dense scones. Then, buckle up for a bumpy an incline (notice a theme here?), the trees of the Goat Rocks to the site of an old fire lookout, with views of the signature Goat ride along Forest Road 21 toward Walupt trail soon levels out along a berry-filled Rocks peaks and Rimrock Lake. Lake. There are plenty of adventure ridge and transports hikers to one of the Angry Mountain: This steep and challenging opportunities off of this road, but we’re best swimming holes around. After your (yet rewarding) trail was recently reopened partial to a trip up Angry Mountain. The hike, pop into the ski-inspired burger thanks to the efforts of WTA’s Lost Trails challenging 16-mile-roundtrip trek to the joint, Cliff Droppers, to regain your Found campaign. Thanks to several years summit is not for the faint of heart, but energy for the drive home. And if you effort by volunteers you can be among the first to hike this newly “found” trail. the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel have the time, pay a visit to Packwood after reaching the top is truly unbeatable. Brewery — they have outdoor seating Nannie Ridge – Sheep Lake: Wildflowers, fresh berries, lake access, ridgeline views, Plus, you’re almost guaranteed to and to-go options — for a celebratory lush forest — this trail has everything on have solitude while you take in the pint after a well-spent weekend. your bucket list. Photos by Piper Bagley, WTA, Eric Gale, Rachel Wendling Rachel Eric Gale, WTA, Piper Bagley, by Photos

42 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org Where to stay Whether you’re looking for a campsite, cabin, lodge or hotel, Packwood has options to satisfy the needs of any hiker. Cowlitz River Lodge: For maximum cabin vibes, try booking a room at the Cowlitz River Lodge. The main lobby is chock-full of antler- inspired decor and cozy leather couches, and there’s a hefty in-house breakfast. Packwood Inn: Known for its hiker-friendly spirit, the Packwood Inn is a go-to spot for PCT thru-hikers making their way across Washington. Your room includes access to the indoor pool, cheap laundry service and a backyard hangout and barbecue space. Packwood Lodge: This Tudor-inspired lodge has both classic hotel rooms and private mountain cabins. La Wis Wis Campground: This large campground sits in a forest of old-growth cedar, hemlock and Douglas fir, with the Cowlitz and Ohanapecosh rivers rushing nearby. You’ll have easy access to trails right from your campsite — including the short and family-friendly Purcell Falls and Blue Hole hikes. Camping is generally available from mid-May through mid-September.

Where to eat Packwood is home to a nice selection of local eateries to satisfy your rumbling post-hike stomach. Here are a few places to try. Packwood Brewing Co.: This relatively new brewery serves up beer in a rehabbed 1933 building complete with cozy fire pits, picnic tables and occasional live music. The Mountain Goat: This quaint coffee shop makes a perfect pit stop before your final destination in the mountains. The adorable Mountain Goat logo is hard to miss right off of the main drag. Packwood Spirits & Quilts: Fabric and beer may not seem like a logical pairing, but this popular Packwood locale serves up a fine collection of craft spirits, local brews and artisanal wine to indulge in at your campsite. (Plus — maybe the inspiration for a new quilting hobby?) Cruiser’s Pizza: If you’re looking to feed a group, Cruisers Pizza may be your best bet. Blue Spruce Saloon and Diner: Tired of the classic post-hike burger? Snag a steak from the Blue Spruce instead. Cliff Droppers: A popular burger joint decked out with old skis and plenty of outdoor seating. Blanton’s Market: Local groceries, perfect for stocking up on snacks before your hike (or for the long drive home).

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 43 Hike It

Day hikes or overnights Pick Your Distance Sometimes, despite your best attempts at preparation, something comes up that forces you to bail on a hike. Here are several trips with good turnaround spots — they’ll serve as nice campsites on a long trip, but if you have to turn around, you’ll still feel like you made it to a destination.

44 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org Upper South Fork Skokomish River Olympic Peninsula Enjoy a tough day hike or the start of an epic backpack in the Olympics! By Steve Payne The journey begins behind a stock unloading ramp — seldom used, judging by the garden of weeds on top. The first mile of old roadbed gets you to Rule Creek, where a giant fallen tree has been repurposed into a solid footbridge. Calf-deep crossings at two other creeks and the Upper Skokomish are best tackled with water shoes and trekking poles. Route- finding can be difficult on the other side of streams and meadows. Think like a trailbuilder (no sharp turns) and look for cairns or flagging tape as you keep the same general direction of travel. Long pants and gaiters are recommended, as portions of the trail become brushy and overgrown past the 2-mile mark. Backpackers will find several established campsites along the route, beginning at Snowfield Creek, 2.7 miles from the trailhead. Cross from national forest to national park at 5 miles — time for responsible canines to turn their humans around. Otherwise, push on to your high point at Sundown Pass, or even down to Lake Sundown if time and legs allow. There are seemingly endless stretches of 30-degree slope trail with rocky tread and no switchbacks, and only peekaboo views of the Skokomish Valley. Why go to all this trouble? It’s the TREES! Acres of old-growth evergreens create a canopy that blots out nearly all direct sunlight and fosters a lush forest floor of ferns, berry bushes and subalpine wildflowers. Distance: 14 miles roundtrip ◆ Elevation gain: 2,950 feet Highest Elevation: 4,103 feet ◆ Map: Custom Correct Enchanted Valley-Skokomish, USGS Mt. Tebo ◆ Permit: None Dogs: Leashed, then no dog past national park boundary Info: wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/upper-south-fork-skokomish-river Trailhead: From US 101 (Hood Canal side), head west on Skokomish Valley Road for 5.3 miles. Take a slight right on Forest Road 23 and drive for 15 miles and then take a slight right on (unsigned) FR 2361 (a mix of paved and gravel road, accessible by low-clearance vehicles) to the trailhead at the end of the road. There’s no toilet or potable water at the trailhead. A wildlife gate adds another 8 miles roundtrip to the hike from Oct. 1 to April 30. Note on camping: This trail crosses into national park land. If you plan on camping in the national park, you will need a permit. Check Olympic National Park’s website for information on how to get a permit. NEARBY HIKES Lower South Fork Skokomish: The Upper South Fork Trail shares a trailhead with the upper end of the Lower South Fork Skokomish Trail. It’s a relatively short hike to Camp Harps, Laney Camp and Church Creek Shelter on the Lower South Fork Skokomish Trail. (8.5 miles, 800 feet elevation loss to the other trailhead) Pine Lake: If you want something a little less rugged in this area, try Pine Lake. At 4.8 miles roundtrip and 700 feet of elevation gain, it’s a moderate walk to a placid lake. Like the Upper South Fork trailhead though, there’s a gate closure on the road in effect in October, adding almost 4 miles each way.(4.8 miles, 700 feet elevation gain.) Weinberg Alex by Photo

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 45 Distance: 11.5 miles roundtrip Lake Caroline Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet Leavenworth Area Highest Elevation: 6,300 feet Map: Green Trails 209S: Enchantments One of the less-visited lakes in the Enchantments, Lake Caroline is a Dogs: No hard-earned reward for those seeking a bit of solitude in this immensely Permits: Northwest Forest Pass, free day-use popular region. permit at trailhead for day hikers or Enchantments permit (reserve online) for overnight trips By Lindsay Leffelman Info: wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/lake-caroline From the Eightmile Lake trailhead, the trail ascends steadily through a burn area Trailhead: Drive Highway 2 west for 0.8 miles from before entering the Alpine Lakes Wilderness at 1 mile. The grade eases a bit as Leavenworth. Turn left onto Icicle Road and drive the trail follows along Eightmile Creek. At 2.8 miles, just after Little Eightmile 8.5 miles, then turn left onto Forest Road 7601 and Lake, is a signed trail junction. To reach Lake Caroline, take the trail to the right. follow it for about 3 miles to the trailhead. (The trail straight ahead makes its way to Eightmile Lake.) Note on parking: Lake Caroline is in the Enchantments permit area. Because of this, you The trail continues climbing, steeply now, through the brushy recovering will want to get to the trailhead early in order to burn area. Be prepared with sun protection and plenty of water as the trail find a space in the lot. Day hikers should leave the switchbacks upward. The views increasingly improve as you climb, with the designated overnight parking spaces open for Stuart Range and the Enchantment peaks coming into view. After crossing a backpackers. If the lot is full, you can also park on few small streams at 4 miles, the grade eventually relaxes as the surrounding only the right side of FR 7601 — a pass must still be displayed if parking on the road. landscape transitions to unburnt forest and then to meadows. Cresting a high point at 5.5 miles, the forested trail now drops steeply for a quarter mile to the NEARBY HIKES shores of Lake Caroline. Icicle Gorge Nature Loop: This is a short little Nestled in a basin between Eightmile Mountain and Cashmere Mountain, Lake loop trail just up Icicle River Road. It’s a great, informative little trail to add on to your adventure Caroline is a peaceful place to soak your feet while you soak in the sun. Day at Caroline, or do all on its own. (4.2 miles hikers will want to enjoy the lake’s shore before returning the way they came. roundtrip, 150 feet elevation gain.) Lake Caroline does make for a great overnight destination, but you will need Icicle Ridge via Fourth of July Creek: This steep permits since it’s in the Enchantments area. Those camping at the lake might trail is a wildflower lover’s delight! A grueling hike wish to explore the high country more by continuing on the trail for another 2.3 to an old lookout site offers 360-degree views of miles to Windy Pass. From here, stellar views of the surrounding mountain peaks some seriously stunning mountain backdrops. (12 miles roundtrip, 4,370 feet elevation gain.) will take your breath away. Tracey Jennifer by Photo

46 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org Hike It

Cramer Mountain Loop Highway 12 – South Cascades With the bugs gone and berries starting, this is a good backpacking or day hiking option for late summer or early fall. By Rolan Shomber Climb through forest on the Pacific Crest Trail, entering the William O. Douglas Wilderness a mile in. Turn onto the Dark Meadows Trail and 1. 7 miles in, arrive at the Cramer Lake Trail. Turn left and walk a nearly level 1.3 miles through forest. At 4.1 miles, reach North Fork Clear Creek, which requires a ford. After crossing the creek, start a climbing traverse through open forest, complete with views of Dog Lake and the White Pass Ski Area. At 6.4 miles, arrive at a trail junction in a meadow. The main trail continues along the edge of the meadow and reaches the Dumbbell Lake Trail at 6.6 miles and 5,040 feet of elevation. Turn onto this trail and climb slightly to reach a pass at 6.9 miles with views of the lake. These are a tease, since the trail turns away from the lake. Luckily, 0.4 miles on, there’s an unmarked access trail to campsites on the northeast shore of the lake. Dumbbell Lake is about the halfway point of this loop and makes a good basecamp for exploration, or lunch spot to turn around. If you continue on, you’ll enter a former burn area, then reach a junction with the Long John Lake Trail at 7.6 miles. Arrive at a junction with the PCT and turn left, following the trail to the Beusch Lake outlet. From here, start climbing, traversing to an unnamed pass at 9.4 miles and 5,500 feet of elevation. Continue south through meadows to a junction with the Cortright Trail at 9.6 miles and the loop’s high point at 10.1 miles and 6,000 feet of elevation. Distance: 14 miles roundtrip ◆ Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet Highest Elevation: 6,000 feet ◆ Permit: Northwest Forest Pass ◆ Dogs: Leashed Now start a gradual descent with a few views, Map: Green Trails 303: White Pass; Green Trails 303S: Goat Rocks & William O. Douglas passing through sloping meadows and forest to Sand Wilderness; USGS 7.5 min Topographic: Spiral Butte; USGS 7.5 min Topographic: White Pass Lake, situated in a large meadow. The junction with Info: wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/cramer-mountain-loop the Sand Ridge Trail is on the west side of the lake. Trailhead: From White Pass, go 0.6 mile east on US 12. Turn left at the sign for White Pass Continue south, descending past another large Campground. Follow the gravel road for 0.2 mile to the trailhead, just beyond the road to the horse camp. The trailhead parking is shared with the Leech Lake access. meadow, and at 12.1 miles, reach an unmarked access trail to Deer Lake. The lake is about 70 yards NEARBY HIKES from the junction and has a massive camping area Carlton Ridge: A bit west of the Cramer Mountain trailhead, you’ll enjoy a remote in the forest on the north side. The PCT continues experience on this rugged trail and can lay out loop hikes using this and other trails that to descend, passing a campsite at 12.5 miles before intersect. (8.8 miles roundtrip, 2,400 feet elevation gain.) reaching the Dark Meadows Trail at 12.9 miles. This Tumac Mountain Loop: You’ll have to do a bit more driving, but the Tumac Mountain point completes the loop part of the trip, with just loop is nearly as long as Cramer Mountain, with similarly varied scenery. (13.5 miles, 2,400 the retrace of 1.1 miles back to the trailhead. feet elevation gain.) Photo by Jessi Loerch Jessi by Photo

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 47 Hike It

Trails Less Traveled with Craig Romano

through the burn and soon enter the Lake War Creek Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. At just past 5 Distance: 20.8 miles roundtrip Twisp River Valley, North Cascades miles, you’ll reach a historic Forest Service Elevation Gain: 4,050 feet Follow the historic War Creek route cabin, a good turnaround spot if you’re ready Highest Elevation: 6,900 feet to Stehekin via a lofty pass granting to do that. Map: Green Trails 82: Stehekin, sweeping views of Lake Chelan more The way then steepens, passing a few camps Green Trails 83: Buttermilk Basin than a vertical mile below. (use caution near dead timber). At around Guidebook: 8 miles it leaves the burn zone for cool old Backpacking Be warned, however, that much of the way Washington, burned in 2018. Plan for a hot and dusty 8- growth. It then switchbacks to a junction with 2nd Edition mile slog through a scorched landscape. But the Boulder Creek Trail. (Mountaineers Books) you’ll be rewarded by a march through old Bear left, crest War Creek Pass, and enter the larches and firs to a verdant basin cradling Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Then Permit: Northwest Forest Pass; little Lake Juanita. And push a little farther to backcountry permit required for pass the Summit Trail and descend through Lake Chelan NRA Purple Pass to be blown away by a stunning meadows to Lake Juanita. Here, find good Dogs: Leashed view of fjordlike Lake Chelan flanked by camps (permit required). The trail continues serrated summits. to a junction, where the Purple Creek Trail Info: wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/ war-creek The War Creek Trail once offered a fine heads left to Purple Pass. Enjoy the jaw- dropping view to shimmering Lake Chelan far Trailhead: From Twisp, follow the overland route to remote Stehekin at the Twisp River Road, which becomes northern end of Lake Chelan. In 2006, wildfire below. Find even better views by going right Forest Road 44. At 14.3 miles, incinerated the route from Purple Pass to the at the junction on the 0.5-mile climb to the old turn left onto FR 4430 (just after lake. Then in 2018 the Crescent Fire scorched 7,350-foot Boulder Butte fire lookout site. War Creek Campground). Upon crossing the Twisp River in 0.25 the old growth along War Creek Ever since, You can continue exploring, dropping 7.3 miles mile, reach a junction. Turn right WTA has been working hard to restore this and 5,700 feet via countless switchbacks into onto FR 4430 and drive for 0.3 trail, and nature is busy regenerating the Stehekin. There are campsites here too, but you mile. Then turn left onto FR 4430- vegetation. Solitude is pretty much assured — may want to make a reservation at the lodge. 100 and continue 1.4 miles to the trailhead. and the higher elevations remain green. If you visit in fall, mosquitos are absent and Craig Romano is a guidebook author, craigromano.com.

From the trailhead, immediately begin hiking alpine larches brighten the high country. Romano Craig by Photo

48 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org Scouting Challenge

Help fellow hikers, and WTA, stay up to date on trail conditions

Swift Creek Last summer, a trip reporter tried to run the Swift Creek Trail and reported it was passable and navigable, but the bridges were degrading fast. We’re curious how they’ve held up. If you can go find out, let us know by filing a trip report at wta.org/go-hiking/ hikes/swift-creek.

Do you love hiking overgrown, hard-to- follow trails? How about exploring areas that haven’t seen a trip report in years? If that sounds like what you’re into, WTA has a challenge for you.

Trip reports help people decide where they want to go and know what conditions are like, but not all WTA’s hikes have current trip reports. We love it when intrepid hikers take the plunge onto a trail without a recent trip report and then share conditions in their own trip report.

Are you one of the confident, responsible hikers we can count on to Last Time: Horseshoe Ridge do some on-the-ground This area has seen some pretty rough weather and is still recovering. We sleuthing? haven’t heard from anyone about it yet, but we know a couple folks tried to trail run the nearby Siouxson Loop and found it slow going because of trail damage. If you get out to Horseshoe Ridge, we’d love to hear how it is. Photo by Rashel by Photo

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 49 Trail Mix Flora and Fauna Fauna

River otter • Lontra canadensis

It’s hard not to anthropomorphize river otters. They just look like they’re having so much fun. River otters are well adapted to their watery environments. Their bodies are long and graceful, with short legs, webbed feet and a long tail. Their fur is plush and helps keep them warm, although when wet it appears shiny and slick. They grow up to 4 feet long, including their tails, making them much smaller than their sea otter relatives. They eat a variety of foods, but most of their diet is made up of fish. Where to see them: River otters live near fresh and salt water across Washington. You can sometimes spot where an otter likes to hang out by slides in mud or snow leading to water. If you’re lucky enough to spot an otter, give them space. Otters can be unpredictable or dangerous, especially if caring for young.

Flora

Mountain bog gentian • Gentiana calycosa

Mountain bog gentian is a striking flower — especially if you can catch it in the sunlight. The flowers, which are shaped like a flared funnel, are a deep blue or purple color and tend to bloom in late summer or early fall. The leaves are sturdy and grow directly on the stem of the plant. You’ll usually find it growing together in large clumps. The gentian genus is large — you can find at least one species in every state in the United States. Many species of gentian are used for flavoring in bitters or as medicine. Where to see them: Mountain bog gentian grows at middle elevations in the mountains of western North America. It prefers wet areas, such as bogs, damp meadows or stream sides. It grows in both the Olympic and Cascade mountains. — Jessi Loerch Photos by Jeff Lewis, Delton Young Delton Lewis, Jeff by Photos

50 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org Snapshot

BEFORE THE SPLASH If you ever see me This hike was in the early summer, last year. Goat Lake has always been one of my favorite hikes and my roommate and I set up a small doing a handstand picnic and just took in the crisp air. Then we decided to take some “ pictures. or cartwheel, it’s I’m known for some of my unique picture poses. After I balanced out to the middle of the log, I went for the handstand. Once the because I’m very picture was taken I remember closing my eyes, leaning back and just allowing gravity do its thing. I opened my eyes when I hit the freezing happy. Nature brings cold water! Our Washington trails are extremely therapeutic! I enjoy spending my the best out of me. time on these trails to forget about my job, problems, bills, stress and allow myself to heal. — Ramon Alvarez

Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 51 TRAILS ARE A MUST HAVE Support Washington’s trails at wta.org/donate

Photo by Andrew Holland