Trail Etiquette

So you are on the trail and the worse thing has happened. You went to the bathroom in the beginning of your hike, but now you need to go again and there is no outhouse/pit toilet or washroom...what should you do? Well the un~written rule is to go off the trail a few feet to do your business. If you need to have a bowel movement you should dig a small hole and cover it up after. I always bring a ziplock bag with me and take out any toliet paper/garbage that I bring in. The basic rule is to do your business 45 metres away from any lakes/streams or waterfalls. If you are bringing your pet and you don't have a pet disposable bag, follow the same rule as above, if you do have a pet disposable bag bring it out with you. This is my pet peeve...I see bags full of pet waste laying on the trails all the time. Maybe they leave it there intending to get it on the way out? I say take it with you right away so you don't forget. The mountains are sensitive to this matter and we must all work together to take out what we bring in. I often pick up garbage as I go. I hate to see the mountains covered in our litter. There is an old saying..."Take pictures...Leave only footprints." Author unknown.






Picture taken by: Lori R Pederson/Mt. Baker Chain Lakes

---