Today, Matt and I enjoyed a day hiking with several CHS2 hikers on Michale Kelly’s hike to Little Si/Boulder Garden. It wasn’t as sunny as Saturday—in fact, we got rained on for some of the hike—but we had a great time anyway. Some of the issues that came up on the trail and at Twede’s in North Bend afterward for the post-hike meal, reminded me about the need to review trail etiquette. Since some of you may be new to the Mountaineers, and to hiking in groups, I think it’s a good idea to talk about some the rules that exist to help ease the way for larger groups on the trail.
First of all, be sure that when the trail is only narrow enough for one person, that you yield the right of way to the uphill hiker. Hiking uphill comfortably requires that the hiker be able to set a comfortable pace. When you have to stop in order to accommodate a downhill hiker, it can be a struggle to pick up the pace again right away. Whereas the downhill hiker doesn’t have pacing issues to worry about. So we let the uphill hiker have the trail when we are going downhill—and please don’t wait until the last minute to do get out of the way. If someone hiking uphill yields to you coming downhill, then thank them graciously and scoot by them as quickly as possible.
Secondly, it is permissible to pass other hikers if they are hiking more slowly than you are—even if they are part of the CHS group you are in. Unless the hiking leader has specifically said that they want to lead for awhile, you can pass them and any other hikers if you prefer to hike at a faster pace. However, if the hike leader has not mentioned a specific stop time/place, be sure to the check with them on when/where they would like you to stop and wait for the rest of the group. Then please abide by that request. Also, please be aware of your distance from the hiker in front of you. No one likes to have another person right on their heels, so if you find yourself doing this, just ask the hiker in front if you can “please pass.” We also like to try and avoid the “conga line” of 12 hikers all in a row marching up (or down) a trail. Spread out a little bit so as to enjoy the scenery in front of you.
Finally, Mountaineer hikes are not forced marches. If you need to stop and adjust your clothing or gear, drink some water, or eat some food, or heed the call of nature, then feel free to stop and take care of yourself—even it it’s not an established rest stop. Be sure that you’ve stopped at a place on the trail wide enough so that others can safely go around you on the trail.
If you need to take a party separation (Mountaineer’s term for potty break) then leave your pack on the trail and if there are other hikers around you when you stop, let them know what you are doing. Terms like party separation, potty break, and so on, all convey the meaning adequately—no need to go into great detail about what you’re doing. Please do not leave toilet paper in the wilderness. Either forgo toilet paper and use a bandana instead, or pack out your toilet paper in a ziplock baggy.
Have a great week and I look forward to hiking with each of you soon. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Kelly Cleman
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