The beauty of the Washington and Oregon outdoors makes our area a wonderful place to hike. However, on average, two or three deaths occur each year because people were not wise as they hiked. Please remember these six basic rules - happy trailing!

• If you have any doubt at all as to whether you should climb a trail or mountain, DON'T. The climb up can be difficult but the climb down is always more difficult.
  
  
• Be sure to wear proper footwear. This would include hiking boots or high top sneakers; something with plenty of ankle support. Twisted ankles are the most common injury on mountain trails.
  
  
• During the summer, the sun is a major factor. Be sure to wear something that provides protection from the sun - cool, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves. Wear a hat or sun visor and be sure to have plenty of water with you.
  
  
• Stay on the trail. This is where most people get in trouble. First, the trail is the safest place to be. Second, parks are protected areas. When a hiker leaves the trail, he or she is defacing the area and there are laws against this.
  
  
• Remember that the parks are closed from dusk to dawn. It is against the law to be in them during this time. When someone finds themselves in trouble on a mountain trail in the dark, rescuers put themselves at risk to help them. It is a high risk operation to find someone in the mountains at night, fly a helicopter near a mountain or rappel at night. Please be smart about what you're doing.
  
  
• Make sure somebody knows where you are going and when you are scheduled to return.