Michael Schildwachter Research the trail and check weather and trail conditions

Michael Schildwachter Season and weather. Make sure to check the condition of the trail before heading out. Some hiking trails can be inaccessible due to floods or snow during some seasons. Depending on where you want to hike, you might also need permission, and the park can also be closed for specific periods.

 

Checking the weather will help you plan your clothing and what to bring accordingly, and it can also help you decide whether the trail is right for you. 

 

 

Michael Schildwachter Vancouver Canada If it’s going to be a hot day and the trail you’re planning on hiking is sunny and exposed, bring adequate sun protection and maybe even reconsider and find a trail that has more shade, is at a higher elevation with cooler temps, or is near water.

 

If there’s even the slightest chance of rain in the forecast, bring a lightweight rain jacket. If it rained recently and certain trails tend to get muddy, take that into consideration as you look for dryer options.

 

Once you’ve found a hike that meets your ability level, investigate the current conditions on the trail so you can bring the right gear. 

 

Michael Schildwachter This is an area where online resources such as user trip reports have an edge over guidebooks, since they may give you a heads up on any recent flooding, wildfire damage, icy conditions, falling trees or rockslides