Trail Etiquette & Leave No Trace
Group Hiking Handout
1. Trail Etiquette Basics
2. Leave No Trace: The 7 Principles
i. Plan Ahead & Prepare
Check weather, trail conditions, and WTA updates.
Carry the 10 essentials and know your limits.
ii. Travel on Durable Surfaces
Stay on established trails, even when muddy.
Avoid stepping on vegetation or widening the trail.
iii. Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack out all trash, including tissues, fruit peels, and wrappers.
Use trailhead restrooms; if not available, follow cathole guidelines.
iv. Leave What You Find
Do not pick flowers, stack rocks, or carve into trees.
v. Minimize Campfire Impact
For day hikes, use stoves instead of fires when needed.
vi. Respect Wildlife
Observe from a distance; never feed animals.
vii. Be Considerate of Others
Share viewpoints, yield appropriately, and maintain a respectful trail presence.
3. Washington‑Specific Notes
5. Some references
4. Quick Group Reminder
Before we begin, please remember to follow trail etiquette: uphill hikers have right of way, we stay on the trail, and we keep noise low. We follow the Leave No Trace principles—plan ahead, stay on durable surfaces, pack out all waste, leave what you find, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others. Let’s enjoy the trail while protecting it for everyone who comes after us.
-end-
Hike : 2026#20
Where : Palouse to Cascades Trail - The Tunnel
When : Saturday September 5th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Difficulty level : Easy/Moderate
Trailhead parking lot : https://maps.app.goo.gl/23Fa5b7dC7ZRbFSa7
Route : 5.3 miles round trip, 0 feet elevation gain
Parking pass needed at trailhead : Discover Pass
Trail details : https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/iron-horse-tunnel
Trail map :
Weather : https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=47.393&lon=-121.396
Gear : Head lamp / flash light, 1 liter water, breakfast, snacks, jacket, hat.
Other :
Arrive parking at 8:45 am, so we can start hiking at 9:00 am.
Hike : 2026#17
Where : Meadowdale Beach Park - Lunds Gulch, Edmonds
When : Saturday August 1st, 8:00 am - 10:30 am
Difficulty level : Easy
Trailhead parking lot : https://maps.app.goo.gl/obMdbuFhgjFikycz5
Route : 2.5 miles round trip, 425 feet elevation gain
Parking pass needed at trailhead : None
Dogs : Allowed on leash
Trail details : https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/lunds-gulch-meadowdale-county-park
Trail map :
Weather : https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=47.859524&lon=-122.331908
Gear : water, snacks, sunglasses.
Other : This is an easy and short hike. Bring everyone in your family. Kids, dogs, everyone welcome.
Hike : 2026#16
Where : Mailbox Peak Old trail.
When : Saturday July 25th, 5:40 am - 1:30 pm
Difficulty level : Hard
Trailhead parking lot : https://maps.app.goo.gl/PnsZ72x5yQKPyEM89
Route : 5 miles round trip, 4000 feet elevation gain
Parking pass needed at trailhead : Discover Pass
Dogs : Not allowed on this hike
Trail details : https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mailbox-peak-old-trail
Trail map : https://www.gaiagps.com/public/GEeyXtLOinewVY3HHS552c0W
Weather : https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=47.462&lon=-121.628
Gear : 2 liter water, breakfast, snacks, sunglasses, trekking poles.
Other : Arrive upper parking at 5:40 am, so we can start hiking at 6:00 am. Many of us are doign this for the first time, so it could be a long day.
Hike : 2026#15
Mailbox Training Hike #5
Where : Mount Si Old Trail
When : Sunday July 19th, 6:00 am - 12:30 pm
Difficulty level : Hard.
Trailhead parking lot : https://maps.app.goo.gl/szrcaou8yPtpq94Z7
Route : 7.4 miles round trip, 3420 feet elevation gain
Parking pass needed at trailhead : Discover Pass
Dogs : Allowed on leash
Trail details : https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mount-si-old-trail
Trail map : https://www.gaiagps.com/public/wBt0XiZ6bymDCOarP4YW2JdX
Weather : Sunny, https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=47.503&lon=-121.740
Gear : Hiking Poles, water, snacks, lunch , sunglasses.
Other : The trailhead is same as the Little Si trailhead. There is overflow parking, just in case. There is toilet at the trailhead. We start early at 6:00 am because there is FIFA final in the afternoon.
Hike : 2026#14
Where : Cable Line
When : Saturday August 18th, 5:30 am - 9:30 am
Difficulty level : Hard
Trailhead parking lot : https://maps.app.goo.gl/6wikTe4ZgRk6gfmp7
Route : 3 miles round trip, 2022 feet elevation gain
Parking pass needed at trailhead : None
Dogs : Allowd on leash
Trail details : https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/cable-line-trail
Trail map :
Weather :
Gear : water, snacks, trekking poles.
Other :
Hike : 2026#13
Mailbox Training Hike #4
Where : Mount Pilchuk
When : Sunday, July 12th, 7:0 am - 12:30 pm
Difficulty level : Moderate/Hard.
Trailhead parking lot : https://maps.app.goo.gl/cvLEjxMw96r2HVc28
Route : 5.5 miles round trip, 2300 feet elevation gain
Parking pass needed at trailhead : Northwest Forest Pass/Americas beautiful
Route map : https://www.gaiagps.com/public/IIMEWtjJFKqt1iqgqVJbPVcY/
Dogs : Allowed on leash
Trail details : https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mount-pilchuck
Weather : Mostly sunny, https://tinyurl.com/pilchuk-weather
Gear : Light jacket, hat, gloves, sun glasses, hiking Poles, snacks, lunch, water
Other : This is shorter than Lake Serene trail, but it is a bit harder to climb. It is a perfect trail to train for Mailbox. We will do a bit harder training hike every week compared to our last hike.
We can meet at Canyon Park Park&Ride in Bothell at 5:45 am and carpool from there, or you can meet me at the trailhead at 7:00 am.
The road to trail head is rough. A four wheel drive is best, an SUV will also work.
Recent trip reports show mosquitos & flies on the route.
Hike : 2026#12
Mailbox Training Hike #3
Where : Lake Serene & Bridal veil falls
When : Saturday June 27th, 7:30 am - 1:30 pm
Difficulty level : Hard.
Trailhead parking lot : https://maps.app.goo.gl/7bPYGBRU3RfoNVEKA
Route : 8.2 miles round trip, 2000 feet elevation gain
Parking pass needed at trailhead : Northwest Forest Pass/Americas beautiful
Dogs : Allowed on leash
Trail details : https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/lake-serene
Weather : Some rain expected.
Gear : Rain Jacket, Hat, gloves, hiking Poles, snacks, lunch , water
Other :
We will hike to Lake Serene first, and we will visit Bridal Veil falls on the way back.
We will meet at Canyon Park Park&Ride in Bothell at 6:45 am and carpool from there.
This hike is open to Mailbox team only. If you plan to bring a guest, please let me know.
Hike : 2026#11
Where : Twin Falls
When : Sunday June Mach 21st, 8:00 am - 10:30 am
Trail head location : https://maps.app.goo.gl/3CjxsFeP6M5He7Sr9
Route : 2.5 miles, 500 feet elevation gain
Parking pass needed at trailhead : Discover pass
Trail map : https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/twin-falls-state-park
Weather : https://tinyurl.com/twin-falls-weather
Gear : water + snacks for breakfast + poles
Hike : 2026#10
Mailbox Training Hike #2
Where : West Tiger 3 + Hikers Hut
When : Saturday June 20, 7:00 am - 12:30pm
Difficulty level : Moderate.
Trail head parking lot : GPS location
Route : 7.6 miles round trip, 3100 feet elevation gain
West Tiger 3 is 5 miles round trip & 2100 feet elevation gain
West Tiger 3 to Hikers Hut is 2.6 miles round trip & 1000 feet elevation gain
You can do both or just do West Tiger 3 and return
Parking pass needed at trailhead : Discover Pass
Dogs : allowed on leash
Trail details : https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/west-tiger-3
Weather : NOAA weather forecast for West Tiger
Gear : Light jacket + water + snacks for breakfast + hiking poles + Sun glasses
Other : We will start at 7 am. Arrive a few minutes early, so we can start at 7.
Views : West Tiger 2 and Hikers Hut offers expansive, sweeping views of Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, the Olympics, and the Puget Sound. We should also see some wild flowers along the route from West tiger 3 to Hikers hut by 20th.
Hike : 2026#
Where : Marymoor Park
When : Sunday June 14th
What : Pallium India Walkathon
The event details are highlighted below
Date: June 14 , 2026
Location: Jerry Baker Memorial Velodrome, Marymoor Park, Redmond, WA
Time: 9AM - 1PM
Click here to register free : https://tinyurl.com/SeattleWalkathon2026
FAQ Link: https://tinyurl.com/Walkathon2026FAQ
Hike : 2026#
Where : Marymoor Park
When : Saturday June 13th
What : Team ASHA Walkathon
Register here 👉🏻 https://seattle.ashanet.org/team-asha/run-to-educate-2026-explore
Hike : 2026#9
Mailbox Training Hike #1
Where : West Tiger 3
When : Saturday June 6th, 7:00 am - 11:00am
Difficulty level : Moderate.
Trail head parking lot : GPS Location
Route : 5.0 miles round trip, 2100 feet elevation gain
Parking pass needed at trailhead : Discover Pass
Dogs : allowed on leash
Trail details : https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/west-tiger-3
Weather : NOAA Forecast
Gear : Light jacket + water + snacks for breakfast + hiking poles
Other : We will start at 7 am. Arrive a few minutes early, so we can start at 7.
Hike : 2026#8
Where : Little Si
When : Monday May 25th, 7:00 am - 11:00am
Difficulty level : Moderate.
Trail head parking lot : GPS Location
Route : 4.0 miles round trip , 1300 feet elevation gain
Parking pass needed at trailhead : Discover Pass
Dogs : allowed on leash
Trail details : https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/little-si
Weather : Cloudy, rain after 11 am. Little Si weather - NOAA
Gear : Light jacket + water + snacks for breakfast + hiking poles
Other : We will start at 7 am. Arrive a few minutes early, so we can start at 7. Forecast shows rain later in the day.
Hike : 2026#7
Where : Oyster Dome
When : Friday May 22nd, 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Difficulty level : Moderate
Trail head parking lot : GPS Location TBD
Route : 4.3 miles round trip, 1300 feet elevation gain
Parking pass needed at trailhead : Discover pass
Trail details : Oyster Dome from Samish Overlook
Weather : Mostly clear
Gear : Light jacket + water + snacks + hiking poles + Camera & Tripod
Other : This is a sunset photography hike. Parking is limited to 5 cars. Let us carpool from Canyon Park Park&Ride in Bothell @ 5 pm. This hike is limited to small number of participants (maximum 10) due to limited parking. Only adults, no children, and no dogs.
Hike : 2026#6
Where : Sixty Acres park, Redmond
When : Sunday May 10th, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Trail head location : Sammamish River Trail parking
Route : 6 miles round trip
Parking pass needed at trailhead : None
Trail : River Sammamish trail
Weather : Partly cloudy.
Gear : Water, snacks, light jacket, sun glass.
Hike : 2026#5
Where : Poo Poo Point Chirico trail
When : Saturday May 2nd, 8:00 am - 12:00pm
Difficulty level : Moderate, no hiking experience required, bring your kids, friends.
Trail head parking lot : GPS Location
Route : 4.0 miles round trip , 1800 feet elevation gain
Parking pass needed at trailhead : None
Dogs : allowed on leash
Trail details : Poo Poo Point - NOAA forecast
Weather : Mostly cloudy, https://tinyurl.com/ppp-wthr
Gear : Light jacket + water + snacks for breakfast + hiking poles + enthusiasm to join the team + smile
Other : Reach the trail head at 7:45 am. Private parking nearby for $10 if trail head parking becomes full.
Hike : 2026#4
Where : Wallace Falls
When : Sunday April 19th , 8:00 am - 11:30 am
Difficulty level : Moderate, no hiking experience required, bring your kids, friends.
Trail head parking lot : GPS Location
Route : 5.6 miles round trip , 1300 feet elevation gain
Parking pass needed at trailhead : Discover Pass
Dogs : allowed on leash
Trail details : https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/wallace-falls
Weather : Mostly Cloudy, Wallace falls weather - NOAA
Gear : Light jacket + water + snacks for breakfast + hiking poles (optional) + enthusiasm to join the team + smile
Other : Mostly cloudy, some sun, warm, wind less than 10 miles.
Hike : 2026#3
Where : Rattlesnake Ledge
When : Sunday April 12th , 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Difficulty level : Moderate, no hiking experience required, bring your kids.
Trail parking lot : https://maps.app.goo.gl/p4odSeVN7jeP5FY58
Route : 4 miles round trip , 1160 feet elevation gain
Parking pass needed at trailhead : None
Dogs : allowed on leash
Trail details : https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/rattlesnake-ledge
Weather : Cloudy , https://tinyurl.com/rattlesnake-wthr
Gear : Light jacket + water + snacks for breakfast + hiking poles (optional) + enthusiasm to join the team + smile
Other : Foggy in the morning and cloudy, so the views can be awesome from the ledge. Rain expected in the afternoon, so we will start at 8:00 am and finish early.
Hike : 2026#2
Where : Heybrook Lookout
When : Saturday April 4th, 8:00 am - 10:30 am
Difficulty level : Easy, no hiking experience required, bring your kids
Trail head location : https://maps.app.goo.gl/DSQDNXpg4crNZui89
Route : 2 miles round trip, 1000 feet elevation gain
Parking pass needed at trailhead : None
Dogs : allowed on leash
Trail details : https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/heybrook-lookout
Weather : Sunny, https://tinyurl.com/heybrook-weather
Gear : Water + light jacket + snacks for breakfast + hiking poles (optional) + enthusiasm to join the team + smile
Hike : 2026#1
Where : Twin Falls
When : Sunday Mach 29th, 8:00 am - 10:30 am
Trail head location : https://maps.app.goo.gl/3CjxsFeP6M5He7Sr9
Route : 2.5 miles, 500 feet elevation gain
Parking pass needed at trailhead : Discover pass
Trail map : https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/twin-falls-state-park
Weather : https://tinyurl.com/twin-falls-weather
Gear : water + snacks for breakfast + rain jacket
-end-
Hiking shoe recommendations:
(1) I have this , now on sale :
la-sportiva-jackal-ii
https://www.rei.com/product/246665/la-sportiva-jackal-ii-trail-running-shoes-womens
(2) HOKA is a famous model for soft cushion.
hoka-speedgoat-7
https://www.rei.com/product/C01198/hoka-speedgoat-7-trail-running-shoes-womens
(3) This shoe is famous for those who have flat foot. My wife has this.
altra-lone-peak-9
https://www.rei.com/product/242066/altra-lone-peak-9-trail-running-shoes-womens
(4) This shoe is good for people with wide foot. I have this.
altra-olympus-6
https://www.rei.com/product/234708/altra-olympus-6-trail-running-shoes-womens
All of these are great shoe models. You have to try it and see if it fits your feet. It is usually a personal preference. For example - if HOKA speed goat fits my feet, it does not necessarily work for you. so, go to REI and try it.
Socks :
Liner :
injinji-liner-crew-socks
For hiking :
wrightsock-coolmesh-ii-quarter-socks
For mountaineering :
darn-tough-mountaineering-socks-mens
Mountaineering Boot
la-sportiva-nepal-cube-gtx-mountaineering-boots-mens
La Sportiva Nepal Cube
This is mountaineering boot I own.
Scarpa Phantom Teck is another good boot , you can take a look at this too.
Scarpa phantom tech hd
REI don't sell it, backcountry have it
backcountry.com/retail-store-seattle
2650 NE University Village St., Seattle, WA. 98105
Backpack
Osprey AETHER AG™ 70L backpack
Helmet
Mammut Rock Rider Climbing Helmet
ICE AXE
Black Diamond RAVEN ICE AXE
Crampons
Petzl IRVIS 10 Point Crampons
Sleeping Bag
Magma 15 Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad
Glacier Glass :
julbo-montebianco-2-spectron-4-sunglasses
First Aid :
adventure-medical-kits-mountain-series-backpacker-medical-kit
Electrolyte Tablets :
saltstick-fastchews-chewable-electrolyte-tablets-60-tablets
Trekking Poles :
black-diamond-distance-z-trekking-poles-pair
black-diamond-distance-carbon-flz-trekking-poles-pair
costco.com - cascade-mountain-tech-100-carbon-fiber-trekking-pole-2-pack
Snow Shoes :
Someone asked how to fill the backpack with 20 lb.
First - pack your bag with usual stuff you take to any hike. Water, food, jackets, first aid, ten essentials and any other gear or equipment. Think about things that you will need to take to a climb, and weigh the bag. I assume it must be between 10 - 15 lb. You do not have all the gear for now. So, you may not have 20 or 25 lb today. See how much you need to add to reach 20 or 25 lb. A liter of water will be 2.5 lb approx (including weight of bottle). So, you can add one or two bottles of water. If you have a water bladder, fill it - if it is 2 liter or more, it will add enough weight.
If you add a milk gallon full of water, it will be difficult to make the weight symmetric, it may hurt your shoulder, except - if you add two of them, that may be needed if you need to have 40lb or more.
Always - start with filling the bag with actual gear, and add more gear to increase weight - things like micro spikes, additional gloves, and jackets etc. That is easy. Adding extra gear will help distribute the weight symmetrically. if you still cannot reach the required weight for the particular hike, then add water in bottles or cans.