Up in the Mount Shasta area the various fires have put a crimp on my summer hiking plans. I’ve still done a few, but fewer than I had hoped.
I’m fortunate to live in a rural area, so I have lots of hiking and nature right out my front door. So that’s what I’ve been doing—staying local and planning the big trips for late summer and early autumn.
Here are some tips for getting into the wilderness during times of heavy fires:
1. Know where the fires are. Visit the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for the latest updates. Also see this interactive map for physical locations and updates.
2. Stay away from the fires. This may seem obvious, but there are more fire trucks and activity the closer you get. Pick a location far from the flames and action.
3. Check the weather report for the area. Especially note wind direction. If the winds are in your favor, they’ll blow the smoke away from your hiking destination.
4. Be prepared to hike less if it’s smoky. Some people have respiratory problems with smoke, especially when doing a lot of climbing.
5. Consider a hike that requires little exertion. Or go to a beautiful nature spot and just sit and observe. I like to spend more time on the river swimming and watching the water flow.
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Twitter: @TheJohnSoares
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