MANY PEOPLE COME TO THE NORTH CASCADES TO ENJOY ITS RUGGED BEAUTY AND REMOTE WILDNESS. Recreating in natural areas, however, has inherent dangers and responsibilities. Conditions in mountainous areas can change very rapidly, even during a day trip. These travel tips can help you have a safe and responsible journey so that you, and future travelers, can enjoy the landscape to its fullest.

Safety Tips

• Use caution on access roads: watch for obstructions such as rocks, sudden bends, and parked vehicles/pedestrians.
• Safeguard your possessions by keeping them out of sight. Lock your vehicle.
• Carry the ten essentials listed below.
• Stay on trails. Wear adequate footwear and use a topographic map/compass.
• After hiking, check yourself for ticks which may carry lyme disease.
• Horses can startle easily. When stock approach, make your presence known and stand on the lower side of the trail.
• Report down trees or washouts to the nearest ranger station.
• Do not depend on cell phones as there are many 'dead spots.'
• Always tell a friend your travel plans including destination and expected return time.

The 10 Essentials

• FOOD AND WATER: Carry high-energy snacks and plenty of water. Treatment pills can be used, but only boiling kills giardia.
• CLOTHING: Weather can change dramatically in the mountains. Carry rain gear and warm clothing including wool socks, gloves and hat.
• NAVIGATION: Carry and know how to use a topographic map and compass.
• LIGHT: Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
• FIRE: Waterproof matches and fire starter such as a candle.
• SUN PROTECTION: Sunglasses and sunscreen.
• FIRST AID: Make sure to include any special medications.
• KNIFE: Folding pocket knife.
• SIGNAL: Carry both an audible and visual signal, such as a whistle and a metal mirror.
• EMERGENCY SHELTER: Plastic tube shelter or waterproof bivouac sack or emergency blanket.

Traveling with Children

Make the most out of your adventure by taking special safety precautions:

• Children should remain with adults. Establish rules for keeping together. If separated, the child should hug a tree near an open area and stay put.
• Pick trails and adjust goals to children's ages and abilities.
• Bring along the ten essentials. Have children help develop an emergency kit and make sure they are familiar with how to use each item.
• Help children develop responsible outdoor practices.

Leave No Trace

• PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE— Know the regulations and special concerns for the region you are visiting. Prepare for emergencies and hazards.
• TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES— Stay on the trail and camp in designated spots. Avoid fragile areas along waterways or in alpine meadows.
• MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS— Use established fire rings or pits; keep fires small. Put out fires completely and scatter ashes. Use a stove if possible.
• RESPECT WILDLIFE— Observe wildlife from a distance. Never feed animals.
• BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS— Be courteous; yield to other users. Strive not to disturb the natural ambiance.
• DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY— Pack it in; pack it out. Use toilets where available; otherwise, dig a cathole 6-8" deep away from trails and water.
• LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND— Observe, but do not take. Leave all natural and historical objects as you find them.

Coexisting with Wildlife

The North Cascades is home to many species of wildlife, some of which are frequently encountered and others that remain elusive. For the well-being of both humans and wild animals, from a common chipmunk to a grizzly bear, it is important to keep wildlife wild.

Animals can be attracted to food and other scents. Human food is both unhealthy for animals and can lead to potentially dangerous encounters with bears.

• Try to have your sleeping area about 100 yards (90 m) up wind from your cooking area. Keep sleeping gear free of food odors and cosmetic scents.
• Store food, garbage and toiletry items in either bear-resistant canisters (available on loan from National Park Service offices) or strung up 15 feet (5 m) off the ground and at least 5 feet (1.5 m) from tree trunks.
• Pack out all food waste.
• Never feed wildlife.

Wildlife Encounters

Appreciate wildlife from a distance; do not approach any animal as you can disrupt behavioral patterns.

Most animals are afraid or cautious of people. While dangerous encounters with bears or cougars are rare, it is important to know how to respond in such a situation. Some general guidelines are:

• Travel in small groups.
• Give wildlife plenty of space.
• If you encounter a bear or cougar, do NOT run. Slowly back away.

Different species behave differently; educate yourself on how to respond in case of an attack. Ask for cougar and bear site bulletins.

Help Protect Spawning Salmon

• Know the fishing rules printed in Fishing in Washington, available wherever licenses are sold.
• Be an observant river visitor and don't disturb salmon swimming up river-they use their last strength to spawn. Do not disturb gravel beds where eggs could be incubating.
• Report illegal fishing to the Enforcement Hotline at: (800) 477-6224 (M-F 8am- 5pm)