Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Be Alert - Attention Forest Visitors

Safety tips for hiking during hunting season:

• Wear bright clothing. Make yourself more visible. Choose colors that stand out, like bright blue or green, and avoid blacks, browns, earth-tones and animal-colored clothing.
• Make noise. Whistle, sing or carry on a conversation as you walk to alert hunters of your presence. Sound carries well across mountain basins, and hunters should be listening for any sounds of animal movement.
• Make yourself known. If you hear shooting, raise your voice and let hunters you're in the vicinity.
• Know when hunting seasons are. You can continue to hike, but keep aware of where hunting is taking place. Grouse and bear hunting season is typically September – December, sometimes earlier. October is the high point of hunting season, including deer and elk. Hunting is not allowed in National Parks.

For more information on hiking safety, please visit www.wta.org.

Bears

Please use extra caution this time of year when hiking. This year's terrible huckleberry crop is adversely affecting bears. Bears may be more readily seen in lowland forested areas as food sources in higher higher elevation areas continue to be low. Visit the Washington Trails Association web site for information about local areas. For more information about bears, visit Be Bear Aware.

Trailheads

Vehicle break-ins are on the rise on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Please make sure vehicles are secured and valuables are out of sight before setting out on your outing.

Trails

Quick, unexpected changes in weather conditions could result in hikers being stranded or separated from vehicles. Always carry the ten essentials: map of the area, compass, first aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries and bulb, water and extra food, extra clothing, including rain gear, pocket knife, sunglasses and sunscreen, matches in a waterproof container, and candle or other fire starter. Always be sure to let someone at home, or a close friend, know where you are going hiking and when you plan to return home.

Please exercise caution when crossing fallen logs or damaged sections of trails. Help keep your trailheads and trails clean by packing out all your trash.

Roads

Motorists traveling backcountry roads could face fallen trees, boulders or washouts caused by winter storms.

Mountain travelers should carry emergency tools (shovels, tire chains, etc.) or provisions (blankets, extra clothing and food supplies) to cope with unexpected situations.

Please report trail or road blockages/washouts to the nearest District Ranger Station