Hikes, some common questions
Our summer hike series in the Columbia Highlands is very popular. Here are answers to some common questions from those who want to hike with us.
Conservation Northwest sponsors hikes in northeastern Washington each summer. You may be wondering what's involved. Learn answers to common questions here!
How fit do I need to be?
Hikes rated "Moderate" should be fine for active people at a healthy weight who get at least a couple hours of aerobic exercise per week. Hikes rated "Difficult" are appropriate for people who hike or run several miles per week. Hikes rated "Very Difficult" are reserved for experienced hikers who are accustomed to long hikes with challenging, steep terrain. If you've been ill recently, make sure you're fully recovered and hydrated before taking on strenuous activity. We want you to challenge yourself, but also enjoy the experience!
Does Conservation Northwest encourage carpooling?
Yes. We offer a carpool option for every hike. The time and meeting place (usually located near the north end of Spokane) will be sent to all people who register for the hike. The hike leader will meet everyone there and ask who is willing to be a driver or passenger. If you are willing to be a driver, please arrive with a full tank as there will not be time to stop for gas on the way up. If you are a rider, please be courteous and offer to chip in on the cost of gas!
What can I expect the day of the hike?
If you’re joining the carpool, your hike leader will meet you at the appointed location. Please arrive 15 minutes early. He/she will arrange passengers and drivers, pass out maps, and lead the carpool. Most trailheads are around 2 1/2 hour drive from Spokane, including a short, scheduled rest stop. At the trailhead your hike leaders will gather everyone together for introductions and a brief talk about safety and what makes this area special and worthy of Wilderness protection. The group will take regular short breaks, with a longer lunch break at a scenic point. You can expect to meet friendly people from beginning to advanced hiking abilities, and to see some of the most beautiful and important wild country in northeast Washington. And maybe a cold beer after the hike, thanks to a generous donor.
How much does do hikes cost?
There is a $10 suggested donation per household per hike, but please donate an amount that seems fair and affordable to you. Conservation Northwest is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, and your gift will help offset the cost of organizing these guided hikes and support our work to ensure a healthy future for wildlife and communities in the Columbia Highlands and all over the Northwest. If you are not already a member, a donation of $10 or more includes a one-year membership to Conservation Northwest.
Do you still hike in bad weather?
Yes - Rain or shine! Unless you are notified otherwise, your hike leader will be waiting for you at the carpool meeting location at the appointed time. Hike leaders keep an eye on the weather forecast and on weather conditions, and may cancel or change the hike at any point if he/she anticipates unsafe conditions, e.g., thunder and lightning.
Can I bring my dog?
If your dog is well-behaved and doesn’t chase wildlife, you may request a space for him/her during registration. For everyone’s enjoyment and safety, we set a limit of two dogs per group. Dog owners should come prepared to clean up any waste and bring a leash to use if necessary.
May I leave early? Arrive late?
Sorry, please join an outing only if you can commit to completing the hike with us from beginning to end. The carpool will not wait for latecomers, and participants should consider themselves part of a group that stays together until the hike leader responsible for everyone’s safety returns the group to the trailhead.
What is the latest date that I can sign up for a hike?
24 hours. Most of our hikes fill up a few days in advance, so it’s a good idea to register as soon as you’re sure you can attend the hike. For reasons of safety and to maximize the wilderness experience, we limit each hiking group size to 18 (25 including children for the June 6 hike to Elk Creek Falls). If a hike is full, consider going on our waiting list. We will let you know when someone cancels so you can join us!
What if I have to cancel?
If you have a change in plans, please let us know as early as possible so someone on the waiting list for that hike can take your place. For cancellations, contact hikes coordinator Crystal Gartner at 509.570.2166.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes, provided their abilities match the difficulty of the hike. The 4-mile Elk Creek Falls hike on June 6 is our most popular choice for those with very young children. It’s our easiest hike and is fine for tots and most strollers. Hikes rated "Moderate" are suitable for active kids 7+ who are fit (Hoodoo Canyon on July 18 is a great example). Hikes rated "Challenging" and "Very Challenging" are appropriate only for experienced hikers aged 14+ who are in excellent physical condition. Anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
What if I don’t have the necessary gear?
There are several good, local recreation equipment stores. You’ll find anything you need and get great advice at REI, 1125 N. Monroe, Spokane.
What about bears and/or cougars?
Group encounters with large carnivores are rare, and confrontations even rarer. These animals generally go out of their way to avoid people. The hike leader is equipped with bear spray in the unlikely event of a confrontation.
Can I bring my firearm?
No. Conservation Northwest’s insurance policy does not permit us to allow individuals to carry firearms on group hikes.
Will I have a map?
Yes. The hike leader gives each participant a trail map and driving directions the morning of the hike.
I don’t live in Spokane. Can I meet the group at the trailhead or some other location?
Yes. During the registration process please choose where you will meet the group.
Who are the hike leaders?
Our hike leaders and assistants are Conservation Northwest volunteers who are enthusiastic about keeping these special places wild by designating them as Wilderness. These wonderful volunteers are avid hikers experienced with the route they are leading. They have group leadership skills and have First Aid certification at minimum. Most have additional training, such as Wilderness First Aid, and are members of Spokane Mountaineers.
How many people will I be hiking with?
It varies, and depends on how many people register. For safety and quality of experience, 18 is the maximum number of participants we allow, plus 2 hike leaders per group. The exception is our June 6 hike to Elk Creek Falls – up to 25 adults and kids may come on that family-friendly outing.
What should I do to prepare for the hike?
Drink plenty of water for several days prior to your hike. It’s important to fully hydrate your body before strenuous activity in potentially hot, dry weather. Choose hiking footwear that you have already broken in. Make sure you have all the required items in the list.
PLEASE COME PREPARED
It is extremely important to hydrate your body well in the days leading up to the hike to avoid potential serious injury or worse. Drink plenty of water (mixed with electrolytes) for several days prior to hiking, the morning of the hike, and sip water every few minutes as you hike. Consider freezing water the night before so that as it melts you have cold water to drink while your muscles and organs are working extra hard in the heat. If you’ve been ill recently, or are fighting off an illness, you probably should not hike.
WHAT TO BRING
(Required)
• Minimum 2-3 liters water during hike, plus 2 liters water for the car ride
• Hiking shoes or boots that you have broken in, and wicking (NON-cotton) hiking socks
• Day pack
• Small lunch and salty trail snack
• Loose-fitting, light-colored, NON-cotton hiking clothes (including wide-brimmed hat and extra layers that will keep you warm and dry – even if it’s warm and sunny!)
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses with 98-100% UV protection
• Toilet paper or moist wipes in a Ziploc bag
• Extra, high-energy food, such as Clif or BumbleBar
• Any safety equipment and/or medical supplies you’ll need to have a fun, safe hike
• Gas money to contribute to your driver if you join the carpool
(Highly recommended)
• Electrolytes for your water to combat dehydration, such as Nuun, Vitalyte, or Emergen-C
• Moleskin or duct tape
• Insect repellent
• Bandanna
(Optional)
• Trekking poles (ski poles or a walking stick works fine)
• Camera
PARTICIPANT'S RESPONSIBILITIES
Each participant has the responsibility to:
• Acquaint themselves with the outing and verify with the hike coordinator that the outing is within the participant's capability and experience.
• Arrive on time at the designated meeting spot.
• Show up for the outing properly clothed and equipped.
• Remain in the trip area until all party members have returned unless otherwise agreed upon with the leader.
