Visiting A Northwest Forest, Plan Ahead

If you have time to get away, this time of year is great to head to our national forests, parks, or grasslands.  But before you go, make sure you’re prepared.

“When we say no, before you go, what we're saying is please make sure that you take steps to prepare yourself for outdoor recreation,” said Toby Bloom is with the U.S. Forest Service.

Know What You Can And Can't Do

So, for example, if you’re planning a day trip to a nearby national forest.

“Bringing your own water, making sure that you have sunscreen and a hat, and that you are physically capable and you know what your limits are so that if you are going on a particularly strenuous hike or any other activity that you know that you're able to do that,” Bloom said. 

She added one of the most important things to have before you head out, is knowledge, and the best way to get that is via the U.S. Forest Service’s Know Before You Go Website.  Bloom says there you can learn about activities, weather, wildfire threats and much more.

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