Columbia Cascades

Big Hole
City of Rocks
Crater Lake
Craters of the Moon
Ebey's Landing
Fort Clatsop
Fort Vancouver
Hagerman Fossil Beds
John Day Fossil Beds
Klondike Gold Rush
Lake Chelan
Lake Roosevelt
Minidoka Internment
Mount Rainier
Nez Perce
North Cascades
Olympic
Oregon Caves
Ross Lake
San Juan Island
Whitman Mission

VISITOR INFORMATION

Plan For Bad Weather

Check the forecast before leaving home, but remember that weather in the mountains can change very rapidly. Always be prepared for cold, wet weather by carrying extra clothing and effective rain gear. Dress in layers so you can regulate your temperature by building up or peeling down. In wet weather, wearing cotton next to the skin can be dangerous because it holds moisture and promotes heat loss. Synthetics or wool perform much better.

The Northwest Interpretive Association offers a variety of publications with interesting information to add to your understanding and enjoyment of the national parks. Their address is:

Planning a Safe Trip

The 10 Essentials

Whenever you hike in the backcountry, whether overnight or just for a morning, always be sure to bring the "ten essentials:"

• Extra clothing, including rain gear, made of wool or water-repellent synthetic.
• Extra food
• Sunglasses
• First aid kit
• Matches
• Fire starter, such as candle stubs, solid chemical fuel, or other starter that will work in wet conditions
• Flashlight
• Knife
• Map
• Compass

Other things useful to bring along include at least one full water bottle, toilet paper, sunscreen, insect repellent, a whistle, and water treatment chemicals.

Water

Do not consider any waterfalls, streams, or lakes to be safe for drinking. Giardia is a naturally occurring organism that can cause severe and long-lasting intestinal problems. Contamination by human or animal waste, or decomposing vegetation and animals upstream from you can result in dangerously elevated levels of a variety of bacteria and other organisms in the water.

Safety

Many parks in the Columbia-Cascades are inhabited by black bears. North Cascades and Mount Rainier national parks also may harbor a small number of grizzly bears. Be sure to read this important safety information to help you prevent conflicts between bears and people.

Cougars also occur in most parks of the Columbia-Cascades. It is important to read the safety tips so you can take precautions should you have an encounter with a cougar.

Hiking and Camping

Taking Care

The National Park Service participates in a nationwide program called Leave No Trace. Leave No Trace skills and ethics help backcountry visitors minimize their impact while enjoying the nation's wildlands.

Backcountry Camping

Check with the park concerning backcountry camping permits. In some parks, camping along trails is permitted only at designated campsites. You should always camp at least 100 feet away from lakes, rivers, and streams. Please visit the page on Leave No Trace camping.

Campfires

In most areas, campfires are discouraged due to the impact caused by wood gathering. Bring a portable stove: They're cleaner and more efficient for cooking. Try a candle lantern rather than a campfire for evening light. If you do prefer to build a fire, check with the park to see whether they are permitted in the specific area you plan to visit. Gather only dead and downed wood from the ground. Never break living or dead branches off trees.

Pets

Dogs are not permitted on most park trails or cross-country areas, although leashed dogs are allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail, except for within Crater Lake National Park (with the exception of service dogs being used by disabled persons).

Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are prohibited in the backcountry.

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