Terry Richard/The Oregonian

Last month, in the second week of spring, I set off for what promised to be a challenging hike. My plan was to head up to the top of Table Mountain, a 3,400-foot peak on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. From the trailhead, it's about 16 miles round trip, including a grueling climb up a steep and rocky slope.



As I went, I passed a few fellow hikers who offered ominous warnings about the conditions ahead: "We sank up to our hips in snow," "Take your time at the top," "It's scary up there." Cautious, but undeterred, I trekked on, along the winding forested trails, up the leg-burning mountain slopes and, finally, into deep patches of lingering spring snow, a condition I hadn't entirely anticipated.



I threw on another layer and broke out a trekking pole, the trail soon lost but for the boot prints of those who hiked before me. As I carefully picked my way up the mountain, dangers lurked in all directions: sharp drop-offs beside icy embankments, deep holes in the thawing snow, loose rock that tumbled under foot, and a lingering storm that seemed to swirl around the edges of the gorge.



Having learned from some rough experiences, I was well enough prepared for the worst. In my backpack was a first aid kit, an emergency blanket, food, water purification and several extra layers. I could stay on the mountain if I really needed to, though I'm grateful it didn't come to that. I made it up and down Table Mountain fine (my knees protesting the whole way back), but came away with what has become a regular reality check on the dangers of hiking.



Some amount of danger is inherent in exploring the outdoors, of course, but when hiking through the rugged wilderness of Oregon, it's important to keep those elements of danger in mind. There's no such thing as perfect preparation, but a healthy dose of precaution is necessary for any serious hiking. Because while it's easy to romanticize our beautiful trails, it's important to remember that serious injury or death is a simple reality out in nature.



Before we get to the dangers, a basic precaution to keep in mind: If you're hiking alone, always, always, let somebody know where you're going, and plan to be in touch when you get off the trail. Also, it's wise to carry most, if not all of the 10 essentials with you when you hike.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

1. Cliffs

One of the most common ways people die on the trail is a simple stumble off a sharp cliff. Whether you're taking a picture at a viewpoint or creeping out to get a better look, always be wary around the edges of cliffs, and try to leave some space between your feet and a sudden drop.

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Jamie Francis/The Oregonian

2. Weather

When it comes to weather on the day of a hike, trust neither the forecast nor the conditions at the trailhead. Pack extra layers and prepare for rain or snow, especially when hiking at higher elevations, and during the rainy season in Oregon. Storms can show up unannounced and stop you dead in your tracks, so be prepared to hunker down or find shelter if a storm comes.

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Jamie Francis/The Oregonian

3. Hydration

It's easy for dehydration to sneak up on you. When deciding how much water to bring on the hike, ask yourself a few questions: How much do I normally need to stay hydrated? How much extra exertion will be involved? Are there sources of clean drinking water along the trail? Water purification (like a LifeStraw filter) is easy enough to throw in your pack, but also try to hydrate the day before and morning of your hike.

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Dillon Pilorget/The Oregonian

4. Navigation

Trails are typically designed to be easy to follow, but it's almost just as easy to lose them. A wrong turn can lead you miles astray. Snow can cover the path. And in the off-trail wilderness, it's amazingly easy to get turned around. I try to carry a print-out of directions as well as a compass and topographical map of the area when going off-trail (federal agencies, like the U.S. Forest Service, usually provide them online for free). While smartphones are increasingly reliable, it's unwise to rely solely on technology. But most important, stay aware of your surroundings, and stop immediately if you feel like you're losing your way.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

5. Snow

Living in a land of mountains means a near-constant risk of running into snow. Mountain trails are only reliably clear between mid-summer and early fall, while the highest reaches of the Cascades can be covered in glaciers year-round. If you're going to do any substantial hiking through ice and snow, bring the right equipment (like crampons and an ice axe), and if you don't have the proper gear, turn around and don't chance it.

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Terry Richard/The Oregonian

6. Loose Rocks

A subtle danger, loose rocks often pose the biggest danger on trails by simply taking away your balance and sense of control. One slip on scree can leave you with a badly injured ankle, or send you tumbling headlong down the side of a mountain. The best way to avoid falling is to walk slowly and carefully, using a trekking pole or walking stick, and looking for solid footing wherever you can. If things get really dicey, lower your center of gravity and keep your hands free to catch yourself in case you fall.

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Terry Richard/The Oregonian

7. Poisonous Plants

The Pacific Northwest is no Amazon jungle, but there are several poisonous plants to watch out for on the side of the trail. Poison oak is the most common, but you'll also see stinging nettle and poison hemlock. Familiarize yourself with characteristics of poisonous plants, check trail reports before you go, and keep your eyes peeled as you walk.

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Terry Richard/The Oregonian

8. Animals

Odds are good that you'll encounter at least one dangerous animal if you hike enough trails around Oregon. Black bears, mountain lions and rattlesnakes are rightly feared, but most animals will actively avoid confrontation most of the time. Still, it's important to know what to do if you're attacked: With black bears, try to escape or else fight back; for mountain lions, make yourself big, make noise and fight back if necessary; if a rattlesnake bites you, try to stay calm and get medical attention as soon as possible.

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Bill Monroe/The Oregonian

9. Insects

Bugs are annoying, but they can also be a real danger. Mosquitos are the most prevalent, swarming around standing water, and occasionally hatching out of fresh snowmelt. Bees and wasps pose a big problem for those with an allergy (or those who don't know they have an allergy). And while most ticks in the Pacific Northwest are not Lyme disease carriers, they can cause swelling and itching if they latch on.

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Thomas Boyd/The Oregonian

10. Water

Whether it's a stream crossing in the mountains, big waves at the coast or a simple tranquil lake, water continues to be one of the biggest killers in nature. It can be hard to prepare for sudden events like a sneaker wave or flash flood, but the best thing you can do is to stay aware and move quickly if a wall of water arrives. When it comes to boating and swimming, know your skill level, wear or carry floatation devices, and go with other people when you can.

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Ian Malkasian/The Oregonian

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