Guidelines for Secure Hiking Adventures with Children in Nature
In the beautiful and sometimes challenging landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, families can enjoy incredible hiking experiences. However, it's essential to prioritize safety, especially when hiking with kids. Mike Loney, a volunteer with Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue (SCVSAR), offers some valuable safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure for all.
- Plan and Prepare Thoroughly
Know the trail, weather conditions, and trail length before you set off. Choose trails suitable for your kids’ age and ability.
- Bring Essential Gear
Pack plenty of water, snacks, layered clothing, rain gear, and a basic first aid kit. Don't forget mapping tools such as a map, compass, or GPS device, and know how to use them.
- Stay on Designated Trails
Keep children on marked paths to avoid getting lost or encountering dangerous terrain.
- Set a Comfortable Pace
Adjust hiking speed and take breaks often to accommodate children’s energy and attention spans.
- Teach Trail Safety
Explain the importance of staying close to adults, not wandering off, and recognizing natural hazards like poison ivy or wildlife.
- Use Buddy Systems and Accountability
Keep kids within sight and consider assigning a buddy to increase safety.
- Carry Communication Devices
Bring a fully charged phone or radio, but don't rely solely on technology since coverage may be spotty.
- Be Ready for Emergencies
Know basic first aid and emergency procedures, and have a plan if someone gets lost.
Before the hike, research the trail to understand potential hazards. Take extra precautions around water, especially with steep bank edges and slippery cobbles. Children should not be afraid to ask for help or answer if they hear strangers calling their name.
If children get separated from parents, they should find a tree and stay near it, and use the whistle. If encountering a wild animal, follow the guidelines provided by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife for dealing with bears, cougars, and coyotes.
Remember, children as young as preschool-age can carry a pack containing essential items. Teenagers need special guidance due to their increased risk of taking risks and climbing in off-limits areas. Each child should have a whistle, rain gear, warm hat, gloves, food, water, a space blanket, and a seat pad.
Look back the way you’ve come on the trail to avoid getting lost, and remind kids to wait at trail forks. Washington Trails Association's trip reports are a useful resource for trail research.
Following these tips will help ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience with children in the rugged and sometimes unpredictable environments of the Pacific Northwest. Stay vigilant, and enjoy the journey!
In the Pacific Northwest, families can utilize hiking as an outdoor-living activity, fostering family-dynamics and building relationships among members. However, keeping children safe is crucial when exploring the region's challenging landscapes. Before venturing out, research trails, potential hazards, and safety guidelines provided by authorities like the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. Proper equipment like rain gear, warm hats, gloves, and a basic first aid kit should be packed.
Plan trails suitable for kids' ages and abilities, and adjust hiking speed and taking frequent breaks to cater to their energy levels and attention spans. Teach kids to stay close to adults, avoid straying, and identify hazards such as poison ivy or wild animals. Using buddy systems and keeping kids within sight can enhance safety, while communication devices like a charged phone or radio can serve as backup, even though coverage may be limited.
If young children get lost, they should find a tree and stay near it, and use the whistle to attract attention. Teenagers need special supervision due to their increased risk of taking risks and exploring off-limits areas. Encourage children to look back periodically while hiking to avoid losing the trail, and wait at trail forks until the whole family catches up.
Incorporating hiking as part of a family's lifestyle can provide numerous benefits, not only physically but also in terms of bonding experiences and developing valuable life skills such as trail safety and teamwork. Embrace the chance to explore the Pacific Northwest's incredible trails together—stay safe, vigilant, and enjoy the journey!
