MOUNT RAINIER Trail Guide 1941

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR HAROLD L. ICKES, Secretary 19 41 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Newton B. Drury, Director

RULES FOR HIKERS

1. Be extremely careful with fire. it is the most destructive enemy of the forest and all the attractive things in it. If you are going to be out on the trails long enough to necessitate building a fire you must get a campfire permit from the nearest Ranger Station before you start on your trip. Fires may only be built in designated places and every fire must be thoroughly extinguished. Do a good job of soaking your fire down with water or where water may not be available cover it with mineral soil and then do some "gardening" in the soil until not a spark is left. Throwing burning cigarettes, cigars, etc., along trails is strictly prohibited, as is smoking while traveling along a trail.

2. Bears are wild animals and, while interesting to watch, are not to be fed. All national parks are wildlife sanctuaries. While on the trails enjoy the thrilling sight of animals, both large and small, but do not molest them nor destroy in any way their natural environment.

3. Dogs and cats are not allowed on trails.

4. Since national parks are scenic areas of superb natural beauty, the disturbance in any way of trees, flowers, birds, and animals is prohibited. Dead and fallen wood may be used for firewood except in campgrounds where wood is provided.

5. Trails in the park are well marked with signs. Appreciate them and protect them.

6. Leave a clean and sanitary camp wherever you are.

7. No fishing license is required in the park. Consult rangers for complete fishing regulations.

HIKERS' TIPS

Clothes and Equipment

Be sure to wear comfortable and serviceable clothes while hiking. It is important that footwear be fairly heavy, in good condition, and well broken in.

Common questions of the hiker planning an extended trip for the first time are: "What shall we take along?" "What will we need?" For overnight trips the experienced hiker carries a sleeping bag in preference to blankets. A down bag is more satisfactory for warmth and is lighter in weight than a wool bag. A good pack sack, well adjusted, is indispensable for a long pack trip.

Since it is important when back-packing that weight be held to a minimum, aluminum cooking utensils, in as small a size as needs require, are usually carried.

Foods which are light in weight and high in food value include rice, macaroni, oatmeal, corn meal, cheese, dried beef, and dried fruits. Dehydrated vegetables, obtainable at leading outdoor stores, are sometimes carried.

Park rangers will be glad to give more detailed information regarding clothes, equipment, and supplies.

"How many miles a day can I walk?" is another question and one that is important when a long hike is contemplated. To be safe, the inexperienced hiker (until he finds out whether he can go faster or slower) should figure about 2 miles per hour for the day's trip. Fast hiking defeats the purpose of a trail trip in that one just dashes from this shelter to that and fails to pause long enough along the trail to appreciate the natural features he may encounter.

HIKERS' FACILITIES

Trailside shelters provide in most cases just a shelter and sleeping hut open on one side only. Nearby are fireplaces, sanitary facilities, and garbage pits. Trailside shelters are constructed at considerable cost for your use. Take care of them and report any damage or disorder to the nearest Ranger Station.