How to create a backup plan for your big hikes

Last August, my backpacking plans — which had been carefully crafted for months — fell apart 2 days before I was set to leave. I had the food, the gear, the permit and a willing volunteer to help me with a car shuttle. The was only one problem — the trail I wanted to hike had just caught on fire.

Several of my friends and coworkers encountered the same problem that month. Many carefully planned trips had to be scrapped at the last minute.

When I started backpacking in Western Washington, summer weather was relatively reliable. That has steadily changed over the years as we’ve faced more wildfires and more smoke. Now, when I plan a trip, I do it with my fingers crossed. And I also make a backup plan (or two).

It can be hard to reschedule time off (to say nothing of re-scheduling with other adults). So how do we ensure that — when fire, weather or other challenges arise — we can still enjoy the outdoor experiences we’re craving?

Here’s how to plan for big trips so that when something unexpected happens, you can pivot to a new destination on short notice.

Plan multiple trips: This is particularly important for longer backpacking trips. I love to daydream about trips this time of year. If you also like spending a lot of time with maps and WTA’s Hiking Guide, I recommend using that time to sketch out the logistics for a few trips. Think about where you will camp, how you will get there, whether you need permits, and whether the trail will be clear of snow and obstacles at the time you’re planning to go. Even if you don’t end up needing it as an alternative destination, the research time won’t be a waste; you can always use the trip plans another time.

When smoky conditions forced me and my friend to cancel a backpacking trip, we pivoted to a day hike on Mount Townsend in the Olympics. Photo by Anna Roth

Think statewide: Picking out trips in different areas of the state gives you more options if you have to change your plans for weather or fire conditions. Even if your preferred trail isn’t on fire, trails near fires may close as firefighting efforts unfold, and air quality can be terrible even far from a wildfire.

Think about permits: If you want to backpack in an area that requires permits, do that planning early. (By April, it’s likely too late to nab advanced Enchantments or Wonderland permits for this year.) It’s easiest to plan backup trips in areas that don’t require permits. However, you can also try getting last-minute permits in areas where that’s possible — you’ll just also want to have a nearby backup location that doesn’t require permits if the last-minute one doesn’t pan out.

Consider trip types: If you have to change your plans last-minute, trips that start and leave from the same point will make for easier logistics and less coordination with other drivers. You can, of course, plan an out-and-back trip, but also look for loops and lollipops.

Alert your contacts: If you have multiple possible itineraries, make sure your emergency contacts know about them. And make a plan for how you will alert those contacts if your plans change. Think about whether you’ll have cell service to update them. Consider bringing a satellite messenger if you won’t have any cell service, or make the call to change itineraries before you leave town.

Think about bail-out options: Before your trip, review maps of the area. If a fire suddenly starts or an unexpected storm washes out a trail, you’ll need to know how to get out of the area, and where you’ll be when you exit. Again, this is another case in which a satellite messenger could be helpful.

• For day hikes
• If your plan for a day trip has to change at the last minute, here are some WTA tips and tools to help you pivot.
  
  
• Look nearby: In our Trailblazer app, use “Hikes Near Me” to find nearby trails. This can be helpful if you get to a hike only to discover that the trail is closed or the parking lot is full.
  
  
• Review your My Backpack: This is a quick, easy way to find hikes you’ve already decided you’re interested in doing. You can even leave yourself notes about why you want to do them and make your list public to share it with your friends.

Create a WTA My Backpack account: This allows you to save trails that you would like to hike in the future. Then, if plans change, you already have a short list of trails that you know you are interested in. And after you save your first few hikes, our Hike Recommender will suggest other trails that you might enjoy.

Browse the Hike Finder Map: In the summer months, our map at wta.org or on our app, WTA Trailblazer, has overlays that show where wildfires are, as well as the air quality index. And if you zoom in on the Hike Finder Map, you can look for trails near the one you are planning to hike.

Read trip reports: These hiker-submitted reports have all the info you need to know what to expect on trail. You can also search for features you want to look for or avoid (ripe berries, wildflowers, bugs, snow, etc.) When you’re back, take a few minutes to write a report of your own. You’ll have the most current information about the trail you visited.

Check the weather: There’s a link to the trailhead forecast in every Hiking Guide entry. For more detailed information like road conditions, pass forecasts and avalanche risk — especially while snow is still a factor — check out wta.org/winterforecasts.