LEave No Trace

On the back of every wilderness use permit, you will find the 7 'Leave No Trace' principles.
These are very important to follow, especially if we want these beautiful forests, rivers, lakes and trails to be here in the future for our children and grandchildren to see.
In Oregon alone there are many trails where daily entry has to be limited, due to it being overrun with people and our many things that we bring with us that can often destroy nature.
Please read these 7 principles and make sure to always follow them.

1) Plan ahead and prepare

Plan ahead for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
Repackage food to minimize waste.

2) Travel and camp on durable surfaces

Protect riparian areas by camping away from lakes and streams.
In popular areas, concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
Keep campfires small.
Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

3) dispose of waste porperly

Pack it in, pack it out- including food waste (always inspect your area before leaving).
Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 ft. from water, camp, and trails, (pack out toilet paper and hygiene products).
To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 ft. away from lake or stream.

4) leave what you find

Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch historic structures and artifacts.
Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

5) Minimize campfire impact

Use lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires (fires must always be 200 ft. from any body of water).
Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
Burn all wood/coals to ashes, put out fire completely, and then scatter cold ashes.

6) respect wildlife

Observe wildlife from a distance. Never feed animals.
Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.

7) be considerate of other visitors

Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

*Disclaimer: the trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense.
Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes.