Spring Hiking in Washington: What to Know Before You Hit the Trails
For people who love to hike, any sign of sun or warmth in the forecast at this time of year is practically an order to head to the mountains. Even the casual outdoor enthusiast is probably at least thinking about getting outside at this point.
“Hiking is a great way to get fit while soaking up the benefits of being out in nature, but you need to be prepared before you head into the woods,” says David Townes, M.D., M.P.H., an emergency medicine physician at the University of Washington Medical Center who specializes in wilderness medicine.
Some hiking safety tips—pack first aid supplies, understand how to read a trail map, tell someone where you’ll be—apply all year. But others are more specific to spring. Follow these tips to stay safe and have fun the next time the mountain is out.