This page will be updated as lands reopen to recreation. See past updates at the bottom of this page.

Recreating responsibly as lands reopen

With COVID-19 an ongoing concern for hikers, WTA joined a coalition of stakeholders to develop some best practices for recreating responsibly right now.

As public lands reopen, we all need to work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Photo by Garauv Bora.

Here are the seven tips to help you make the best decision for how to get outside right now. Making temporary changes to how you hike right now will help keep everyone healthier. Of course, if you're sick, please stay home and take care of yourself. We hope you recover quickly.

Recreate Responsibly

Know Before You Go: Use WTA's Hiking Guide to plan your outing. Pick a couple backup trails in case your first pick is crowded



The Hiking Guide and sidebar here include closures. If the area is closed, don't go.

Use WTA's Hiking Guide to plan your outing. Pick a couple backup trails in case your first pick is crowded



Plan Ahead: Head for lesser-traveled trails, and have a couple of alternates in mind if your first-choice is crowded. If your alternates are also packed, use WTA's Trailblazer app to find another trailhead near you. Be sure to notify whoever you left your hiking itinerary with of the change.



Bring include hand sanitizer and a face covering. Wear it while passing other hikers; covering your face protects other folks from any particles you may be breathing out.



Pack a lunch and any extra treats you will want on the way there and back.



Restrooms are likely to be closed. Go before you leave home, and bring supplies to manage things if nature calls while you're out there. If necessary, brush up on how to poop in the woods. If you wipe after a pee, save your toilet paper and go a more sustainable route: get a Kula cloth.

Head for lesser-traveled trails, and have a couple of alternates in mind if your first-choice is crowded. If your alternates are also packed, use WTA's Trailblazer app to find another trailhead near you. Be sure to notify whoever you left your hiking itinerary with of the change. Bring include hand sanitizer and a face covering. Wear it while passing other hikers; covering your face protects other folks from any particles you may be breathing out. Pack a lunch and any extra treats you will want on the way there and back. Restrooms are likely to be closed. Go before you leave home, and bring supplies to manage things if nature calls while you're out there. If necessary, brush up on how to poop in the woods. If you wipe after a pee, save your toilet paper and go a more sustainable route: get a Kula cloth.



Stay Close To Home: For now, stick to trails that you can get to and back home from on one tank of gas. We usually encourage hikers to shop local and contribute to the recreation economy in rural communities, but doing so right now could put populations of smaller communities at risk.

For now, stick to trails that you can get to and back home from on one tank of gas. We usually encourage hikers to shop local and contribute to the recreation economy in rural communities, but doing so right now could put populations of smaller communities at risk.



Practice Physical Distancing: When you see approaching hikers, look for a spot where you can get off trail and maintain 6+ feet of distance. If you can't, be sure to use that face covering. As long as you're briefly passing one another, risk of transmission is low, and even lower with your mouth and nose covered. Here's how to pass others quickly and courteously:

1. Let them know. If you are coming up from behind them, let them know with a polite, "On your right (or left)!" If you're coming towards each other, make eye contact. Trail etiquette states the person going uphill has right of way, but not everyone knows this. If there's confusion, communicate with each other.

2. Give each other space and cover your mouth. Try to step aside in a place where you can get well out of the way of each other without trampling the trailside plants. Cover your mouth with a buff, a bandanna, or a homemade facemask while you're passing.

3. Acknowledge them. Say a quick "thank you!" or give a little wave.

Play it Safe : Choose lower-risk activities to reduce your risk of injury. Search and rescue operations and health care resources are still responding to the pandemic, and we don't want to put any extra pressure on them.

: Choose lower-risk activities to reduce your risk of injury. Search and rescue operations and health care resources are still responding to the pandemic, and we don't want to put any extra pressure on them. Leave No Trace: Respect public lands and communities and take anything you brought with you on the hike back out, including food waste from lunch, and dog poop bags. You'll need to bring them all the way home with you, since there's no trailhead trash service.

Respect public lands and communities and take anything you brought with you on the hike back out, including food waste from lunch, and dog poop bags. You'll need to bring them all the way home with you, since there's no trailhead trash service. Build an inclusive outdoors: B e an active part of making the outdoors safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities. Trails are for everyone.



A hiker explores the Klickitat Rail Trail in Southwest Washington. Photo by VanMallynch.

How to get outside during a Stay Home order

Nature, staying active and spending time outdoors are all critical to our mental and physical health in the best of times, and even more so when a Stay Home, Stay Healthy order is in place. But when agencies temporarily close facilities and lands (see sidebar) to help keep our community safe you may have to find a new way to get your nature fix. Here are a few tips to help you get the outdoor time you need while staying close to home.

find nature in your neighborhood

Favorite trail closed? Not sure where to go? Think of your front door your personal trailhead, and let your feet do the rest.

On Your walk, run or ride

Go alone or with people you already live with.





Stay at least 6 feet apart. M aintain at least six feet from others you may see on your walk. If that is not possible please wear a face covering.



M



Wash your hands when you get home for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.





Research and respect closures. Most trail and park restrictions will be prominently posted, but some may not. Check our Hiking Guide to verify. If your walks take you to someplace that is closed, please respect the guidelines.





Be pleasant when you see someone out and about. Several professions are exempt from this order (including medical personnel and security), and people are allowed to go out for things like groceries. It's a stressful time, but a smile or wave can go a long way to improving someone's day.

Several professions are exempt from this order (including medical personnel and security), and people are allowed to go out for things like groceries. It's a stressful time, but a smile or wave can go a long way to improving someone's day.



Don't take unnecessary risks. The current restrictions are in place in order to lessen the pressure on medical services. If your neighborhood includes open spaces that might pose hazards (especially in spring) be extra vigilant and avoid injury or the need for Search and Rescue right now — their services are needed elsewhere.

We know how important getting outdoors is to all of us right now, and that the temporary closures can be frustrating. Thank you for understanding and staying closer to home for a short time. Hang tight. We got this.

Thru-hiking

If you were planning a thru-hike this year, of the Pacific Crest Trail for instance, put that plan on hold. We know it's disappointing, but the trail will be there waiting when we get through this crisis. Here's why it's important to wait it out.

Thru-hiking life can put hikers into close contact, either at group campsites or at hiker hostels along the way.

You are likely to face challenges finding supplies in small communities, and you could inadvertently spread the virus to a community with fewer medical resources.

If you do get sick, you will be far from help.

Proper sanitation, including hand washing, is hard to maintain on a thru-hike.

You risk inadvertently exposing the people you meet along the way to the coronavirus.

May 22, 2020: Developed trailheads on many National Forest lands have reopened to recreation. Camping in campgrounds is still prohibited, with the exception of the Colville National Forest. Campgrounds there are open for use, but will have no facilities or amenities. Dispersed camping is allowed on National Forest lands, but remains prohibited on Department of Natural Resources land.



May 5, 2020: Some state-managed lands are reopening to hikers for day use. This is a trial run, with the goal to give hikers more places to disperse and enjoy nature while continuing to practice physical distancing. Read our tips on how to do that below.

April 27, 2020: Jay Inslee announced state lands will start to open on May 5 as a step towards reopening Washington state. Hikers will once again be able to recreate on some of our favorite trails, but many closures remain in place. It's also important to note that while lands are reopening, the stay at home order is still in effect, and WTA encourages hikers to stay close to home and limit unneeded travel during this time.

May 29, 2020: Some counties that have moved to Phase 2 will reopen camping on state lands starting June 1. Reservations are recommended for those hoping to camp on state lands. Find which state parks, wildlife areas and DNR campsites are open to camping. Clallam, Island and Jefferson county have elected to keep camping closed, and San Juan county has kept camping on ferry-served islands closed.

Additionally, much of the land in the Columbia River Gorge has reopened, but the Beacon Rock Trail and all of Wallace Falls State Park remain closed.



June 12, 2020: Many trails have reopened at Mount Rainier. Campgrounds will reopen later this summer, backcountry camping is currently available but requires a reservation. Obtain your permit at least 48 hours in advance. Washington Department Fish and Wildlife lands in Phase 2 counties have reopened to camping.

June 16, 2020: National Forests have reopened some campgrounds in accordance with Safe Start Washington, our phased approach to reopening safely. Check the sidebar for links to check which campgrounds are open.