Guest Blog: Beginner's Backpack Spots in the Pacific Northwest

Guest post provided by COAST Products, a Portland, Oregon based LED flashlight and outdoor knife company. 

We had the opportunity to field test the HP 7 Coast flashlight and found it an excellent product for camping or for group backpacking. The push button switch is easy to activate with one hand. While on the heavy side for individual backpacker use, a ranger on patrol or backpacker group will find the "flood beam" helpful when hanging a bear bag at night or for Scouts setting up a tent. The flood or spot beam can be locked into place. It is durable and provides a well field of light for camp uses. It comes with its own sturdy holder that can fit on a belt. I am happy to recommend it. 

- "Blissful", 2 time Appalachian Trail hiker and ridgerunner

Beginners’ Backpacking Spots in the Pacific Northwest

When asked why he wanted to climb Mt. Everest, climbing legend George Mallory famously responded, “Because it’s there.” Mallory’s sense of adventurous exploration is just one of many good reasons to get into backpacking.

For one thing, a backpacking trip is far less expensive than a vacation spent poolside – and far healthier. Just ask the “world’s oldest backpaker,” Keith Wright, who is currently traipsing around Europe at the ripe old age of 95. A hankering for freedom and breathtaking beauty may be the most common motivators for strapping on a heavy pack and exiting society for a few nights. Whatever your reasons for taking up backpacking, this much is clear: Your safety and enjoyment depends on your degree of preparation.

If you’re used to car camping, you may not be aware of just how much planning (and physical exertion) is required for a backpacking expedition. Navigation planning is the first thing to do. For beginning backpackers, a 4-6 mile hike in, a night or two camping, and a 4-6 mile hike out is a good format. Ideally, this expanse should consist of fairly even terrain – inclines will be challenging with a 40- or 50-pound pack on your back.

Fortunately, the Pacific Northwest offers wonderful backpacking spots for hikers of all ability levels, including beginners. Here are a few favorite beginner-appropriate backpacking spots in the Pacific Northwest:

Backpacking in the Olympic Peninsula

The Olympic Peninsula is located west of Seattle; it is the northwestern most area of the contiguous 48 states. It is also the sole temperate rainforest in the United States. A trip to the Olympic Rainforest is unforgettable; diversity abounds here. 

Olympic Peninsula area, courtesy Lauralee Bliss

One great Olympic Peninsula trip for the learning hiker begins at the Hoh Ranger Station and continues for 12 miles along flat ground. Breathtakingly tall ancient trees create a canopy overhead. As you become a more experienced hiker, you can venture to the more remote eastern side of Olympic National Park.

Southern Washington Backpacking

Dark firs border the Lewis River, which is located just 75 miles northeast of Portland. This tributary of the Columbia has an enchanting turquoise tone. There are plenty of places along the Lewis River where beginning backpackers can park and hike a short distance in to established camping spots.

Beginner Backpacking Around Mt. Hood

When you’re slogging along the trail, sore, hungry, and tired, there’s nothing like a phenomenal view to keep you motivated. The Elk Cove hike is perfect for the view-hungry alpinist. After about a mile of hiking through mossy forest, you reach a ridgeline with commanding views of Mt. Hood. Camp here or continue on as far as you like along this 10-mile trail. 

Multnomah Falls, Courtesy Lauralee Bliss

Backpacking in the Columbia Gorge

Eagle Creek is another great beginning backpacking trail near Portland. Considering the stunning waterfalls along Eagle Creek, it’s no surprise that it’s a popular trail. In the summer, you’ll have plenty of company – often a good thing for beginning backpackers.

These Pacific Northwest backpacking spots are great for the beginner. Once you know where you’re headed, ensure that your pack is complete. Do you have a trusty tent? How about a stove and a backup stove with fuel? In addition to bedding, a camp kitchen, food, water and a water filtration system, you’ll want a high-quality LED torch, such as the G45 LED flashlight from COAST. With its clear white flood beam and impact resistance, the G45 will probably light your way along the trail for years to come.

One last planning consideration to remember for beginning backpacking is that you will probably need a forest pass or other permit to park and hike in the areas mentioned above. Nearby ranger stations are typically happy to sell wilderness passes.

A Caretaker's Life at Annapolis Rocks, Maryland

Annapolis Rocks, Maryland where the Maryland ridgerunner oversees the campground there

Ah...a day in the life of a caretaker for the backpacker campground at Annapolis Rocks. Actually, the very first day as the official caretaker. What I do not know won't hurt me, right? That's what you have to believe when called upon to do extraordinary things.

Like having the boss hand you a four man tent (in this case the REI Hotitat 4) and tells you - here it is. And you must carry the 15 plus pound tent up the trail to the caretaker site at Annapolis Rocks.Unfortunately the rain is coming down as I hastily read the short version of tent set-up printed on the outside bag. Laying out the tent on the dripping wet tent platform, I try to keep the tent dry by draping the rain fly over it. The poles are fairly easy to maneuver. But then comes the grand daddy of them all, trying to raise the tent by myself as rain is making it heavier and heavier. This is looking like an impossibility as the tent teeters to one side and falls. I envision the fabric ripping and myself huddled in my little MSR hubba amid a thunderstorm-soaked week. With a feeble prayer, I ask for heavenly intervention, and suddenly the tent seems to spring to life. The poles go in. The tent stands upright. Suddenly I have a tent on the platform. A miracle has taken place this dreary day, and I am fairly beat after that.

But now I must make a hasty departure to the ranger station at Greenbrier State Park. It's time for me to be introduced to my assorted gadgets. I've already been given a brand new cell phone by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. I am now handed a pager (which I have never used) and given a lesson in its operation. I then am given instructions on how to use a walkie talkie - not just any one, but one with so many buttons it makes my head spin just a bit. Especially as I need to use different channels for different places along the trail I am monitoring. I leave the ranger office rather benumbed and still wet from my wrestling with a Hobitat 4, equipped with probably five more pounds of electronic gear that must be carried up to Annapolis Rocks (which I am now calling The Rock for all intent and propose).

But before I can settle in to my duties, I must get the caretaker locker open. WHne I first arrived with the tent, I tried opening the lock for nearly 15 frustrating minutes. The lock refused to budge. It hates me, even as I tell it that I am the caretaker and am even wearing the badge of honor - a drenched green work shirt with the appropriate patches that say "Ridgerunner" hastily sewn on (and which promptly came off as soon as the backpack strap brushed against the sleeve, sigh). I prevailed upon the ranger at my meeting to teach me also a simple system to unlocking a lock that won't unlock but remains locked. Armed with some insight, I try once more more. It opens. Another miracle unfolds at the Rock!

Setting up the site now, I am feeling more and more at home. The hikers are passing on by. I am in full greeting mode. A few ask about the spring that gushes profusely from the raging storms that hit each day I am there. The climbers come to try their hand at scaling the rocky faces that make this area famous. And many other hikers simply linger on the rocks, some for hours at a time. I even convince a few thru hikers to stay and enjoy the area.

Hikers are conquering a trail. Climbers are conquering rocks. I am slowly conquering caretaking of a nice campsite area and the beauty of a fine view.

Up next...conquering ridgerunning itself....

  

On the trail Ridge Running

Will be back on my days off with good and informative posts! Meanwhile, scan the content for blogs on various topics.

Sickness on the Trail

Trail forums have been buzzing recently of hikers getting sick with vomiting and diarrhea on the Appalachian Trail, especially in the Tennessee area. This is the warning that was posted on White Blaze and I believe it is very useful information to pass along for when this kind of illness strikes, no matter what trail you are on
(I have added a little bit more under the What to Do part as well)

"The health department in TN has received an increase in reports of AT hikers with gastroenteritis (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea), sometimes called stomach flu, between Erwin and Hampton, TN. It is likely caused by Norovirus, which is known to cause outbreaks on cruise ships and summer camps. Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people and on infected surfaces that have been touched by ill people. Outbreaks occur more often where there are more people in a small area, such cruise ships (and AT hostels/shelters).

How noroviruses are spread
People can become infected with the virus by:

• Eating food or drinking liquids infected with noroviruses
• Touching surfaces or objects infected with noroviruses and then touching own mouth, nose, or eyes
• Having person-to-person contact (with a norovirus-infected person) by
  
  • being present while someone is vomiting
  • sharing food or eating from the same utensils
  • caring for a sick person
  • shaking hands
  • (also) eating out of contaminated food bags or food contaminated by the virus
• Not washing hands after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food.

Norovirus infections are not usually serious
Noroviruses are highly contagious, but infections are not usually serious. People may feel very sick and vomit often or get diarrhea, becoming dehydrated if lost liquids are not replaced. Most people recover within 1 or 2 days and have no long-term adverse health effects.

What to do if you get norovirus (I am adding more to this)

• Rest
• Drink plenty of fluids as you tolerate it. Start with clear fluids first - like broth from Ramen, Gatorade, weak tea with a little sugar, just plain water, jello and popsicles (if you can get it). As your stomach allows, eat bland foods like crackers, white bread, Ramen noodle soup, jello if you can get it. Advance your diet very slowly. Avoid greasy and fried foods. When you can tolerate it, replace electrolytes and bacteria lost with bananas and yogurt.
• Wash hands often.
• Baby wipes can help clean irritation left from the "runs"

How to prevent getting and spreading noroviruses

• Wash hands often. Wash hands after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food. Wash hands more often when someone in your hostel/shelter is sick.
• Avoid shaking hands during outbreaks
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer along with handwashing or if facilities for handwashing are unavailable.
• (I would also add) Do not eat out of another hiker's food bag (like passing the bag of GORP or bag of chips around the campsite or shelter) Be careful where you are accepting food at hiker feeds and by generous trail angels. Packaged food is best.

 I was ill on my 2007 hike with a similar virus in the White Mountains. It strikes quickly and can be debilitating. If you find yourself getting sick, try to get off and recuperate. I only had it about 24 hours, but it can leave you quite weak. With proper rest and time, you will be out hiking again in no time.  

Product Review - Swedish FireStarter Knife

Product Review - Swedish FireStarter Knife by Light My Fire


Light My Fire is known in hiking circles for its spork - a fork/ spoon combo for eating in the field. When I was asked to review and test its new FireStarter Knife, I was eager to oblige.

As stated on the website the knife "offers" these features:

• flexible and sturdy profile-grounded blade. 
• Sheath with clip.
• High-friction rubber handle 
• Includes an original Swedish FireSteel® firestarter; 
• Lights campfires, gas-stoves, gas-barbecues. 
• Works equally well when wet. 
• Predictable performance at all altitudes. 
• Produces a 2,980°C (5,400°F) spark.

I decided for the test, what better way than to allow my BSA Scoutmaster and husband to take it along on his recent backpacking adventure with 15 scouts and their dads to the Big Schloss Wilderness of West Virginia.

The user liked the lightweight plastic sheath protected the blade from accidentally cutting packs and users as this knife does not collapse like a jackknife. The knife proved sharp when whittling roasting sticks for marshmellows or for opening dinner packages. 

In removing the flint located at the tip of the handle, the user found it difficult to twist off unless the knife is completely out of its protective sheath. This gave a good enough grip on the knife to twist and remove the flint but leaves the user open to possible injury with the sharp blade exposed. The flint delivered a good set of sparks when stroked with the knife. However the user was unable to light his canister "pocket rocket" stove with the sparks generated, despite numerous tries in the field. A good amount of gas was emitted also. The user then attempted to light his backyard grill and was able to ignite the burner after four tries. Unfortunately it required upping the propane and could pose a fire hazard. The user suggested perhaps better instructions with how to actually safely use the flint would be appropriate rather than just a few lines on the back of the packaging.

This is a comparatively lightweight, all purpose, non-folding knife encased its own colored plastic sheath. The blade of the knife performed adequately but the fire starting capability with the flint fell short on our test.


   
     

Crimes on the Trail - Part 2 Safeguarding Your Gear

While you are resupplying (or enjoying a treat) it's important to safeguard your gear

Having hiked over 4,000 miles along the Appalachian Trail and continuing to section hike to this day, I have found it necessary to make sure my gear and valuables are safeguarded. Each year there are reports of hikers' backpacks getting lifted. Would-be thieves have no issue making off with a pack that could house some nice treasures, like a good tent or that expensive sleeping bag. One hiker even had her belongings taken out of a tent last year as she was cooking dinner a half mile away at a shelter.

So what are my tips for safeguarding your gear and personal belongings?  

• Never leave your gear unattended at camp. Always have it within your sight.

If you plan to tent in a shelter area, don't leave your tent alone with your gear and then go make your food at the shelter, especially if it is out of eyesight and near another trail. Be sure you can see your campsite from the shelter. If you can't then choose to cook in the vicinity of your campsite. Or cook first at the shelter then set up your campsite last.

I have been known to carry my backpack down to the water source to get water for the night (I always get water first before anything else when I arrive at camp for the night). Leave your gear to get water only if you know a buddy will watch it for you at the shelter site. I have also seen hikers leave backpacks at trail junctions to take in a view. I don't do that. I carry my backpack to the viewpoint. You are carrying it many miles anyway. You can carry it a half mile round trip to a view. 

•  Always keep your hiker wallet and cell phone on your person when you take off your backpack. 

For example, like at the shelter area when you are getting water, going to the privy, etc. Or if you are at a hostel. If for some reason someone does take your pack, you still have money, ID and a cell phone. A few hikers choose to subdivide their money into various places. That is up to you. Be sure you are not carrying a lot of cash. If a debit card, credit card and / or ID are lost or taken, report it immediately. I have also taken my camera as well. Pictures are important to me, and if my camera is stolen, a lot of memories are gone too      

• Be careful with your gear at town stops and while in town.  

Say you are going to the store to resupply. Ask if you can store your backpack in a corner of the store or restaurant. If the store has a shopping cart, put it in the cart. Or if a convenience store or a restaurant, put it in a place outside where you can keep an eye on it. I have also asked a fellow hiker taking a break to keep an eye on it. Once or twice I did hide my gear behind a dumpster as there was no other safe place, imo. I was taking a chance. With that I kept dirty socks on my pack, etc. The more unappealing it looks, the better. 

Be careful also with your gear in open hostels. Most are safe, but still you are taking a chance if there is no way to "lock" up your gear at a hostel. Again, keep your valuables (money, cell phone) on your person at all times, even in a hostel.  

Crimes on the Trail - Part 1 Cars Vandalized

Wow...it's hard to write about topics like this when we seek fellowship with the wilderness but instead still find evil lurking about. I blogged last year on Hiker Safety after a hiker on the Appalachian Trail was found murdered near Cow Camp Gap Shelter.

Yesterday, right on the Appalachian Trail, there was a report of multiple cars vandalized at Rt 522, Chester Gap near Front Royal, Virginia. Windows were smashed in and a trunk was forced open. I have used this trailhead myself several times and was shocked not only at the crime but at the sheer audacity of the ones who committed the acts in broad daylight along a major US route.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy posts on its website trouble spots with parking. Be sure to find out where there have been incidents and avoid parking there. But in all honestly, one does park at their own risk, no matter where you are at. 

Some things to keep in mind to avoid possible theft and car damage -

• Take your oldest, beat-up vehicle to leave at the parking lot. Or get a ride to and from the trailhead (better to pay someone for the ride then to pay lots of money for a broken window or lose money to stolen items). Another option is to look for alternative parking near to the trail and get a ride up or walk to the trailhead. A place of business, for example. 
• Consider leaving the car unlocked to avoid windows being broken (though most safety sites advocate locking it). But with that said, if you do choose to leave it unlocked, leave NOTHING valuable in the car! Take ALL ID, loose change (conceal change under a rock at the trailhead if you forget to take it out at home), and take wallet, cell phone, IPOD, etc with you. Better yet, leave everything at home you can't carry with you in your backpack or day pack. Locking items in the trunk doesn't mean the thieves can't force the trunk open or break a window to get at it. 
• Leave some unsavory items on the seat and / or back window to discourage thieves. Underwear. Dirty socks. Grungy clothes, etc.
• If you see vandalism or are a victim of vandalism, report it immediately to the local authorities and to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Next blog - I'll talk about your backpack and personal items while on the trail and in towns