Planning ahead keeps trips fun, safe, and stress-free. Here’s what every hiker, camper, and explorer in the Pacific Northwest should know before heading out.
The Northwest is one of the best regions in the country to explore. It is also one of the most complex. Weather changes quickly. Terrain is rugged. Distances are long. Cell service is often limited or nonexistent.
This page is your starting point. Use it to plan smarter before hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, or exploring public lands across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
Quick Safety Checklist
If you only have a minute, start here.
- Check the forecast for your exact location and elevation
- Look up closures, fire restrictions, and local alerts
- Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return
- Pack layers, rain protection, and a headlamp
- Download offline maps and do not rely on cell service
- Carry enough water and a way to treat more
- Know basic wildlife rules for the area you are visiting
If you only do three things, check conditions, pack layers, and tell someone your plan.
Why the Northwest Is Different
The Northwest covers a huge range of environments. Coastal rain forests, desert plateaus, deep river canyons, alpine ranges, and high plains can all exist within a few hours of each other.
Weather shifts quickly in mountain regions across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Elevation, exposure, and wind can change conditions fast, even in summer.
Cold and wet conditions are common across the Northwest. Hypothermia can happen at moderate temperatures when wind, rain, or snow are involved.
Many trailheads and backcountry routes have limited or no cell service. Once you leave paved roads, you should plan as if help is not immediately available.
Weather and Conditions
Always check conditions before leaving home.
Look at:
- Hourly forecasts, not just daily highs
- Wind speed and gusts
- Precipitation type and timing
- Snow levels from fall through spring
- Thunderstorm potential in summer
Across the Northwest, a clear morning does not guarantee a clear afternoon. Mountain and high-desert weather can change rapidly. Bring insulation and rain protection even on short trips.
Read next: Northwest Weather Prep Guide
Wildfire, Smoke, and Closures
Wildfire season affects much of the Northwest from summer into early fall.
Before every trip:
- Check area closures
- Check current fire restrictions
- Check smoke and air quality
Smoke conditions can vary widely by region and elevation. Coastal zones, higher winds, or post-storm windows may offer better air quality, while valleys and basins can trap smoke.
If there is any uncertainty about restrictions, skip the campfire. One mistake can close entire landscapes.
Read next: Wildfire and Smoke Safety in the Northwest
Wildlife Awareness
The Northwest is home to a wide range of wildlife, including black bears, grizzly bears in parts of Montana and Wyoming, cougars, wolves, moose, elk, bison, and mountain goats.
General rules apply everywhere:
- Never feed wildlife
- Give animals plenty of space
- Keep food secured at camp and trailheads
- Follow local food storage and bear safety rules
- Keep dogs under control where required
If you encounter a bear, stay calm, increase distance, and back away slowly. Do not run.
If you encounter a cougar, stay standing, make yourself look larger, maintain eye contact, and back away slowly.
Read next: Wildlife Safety in the Northwest
Plan Your Route and Tell Someone
Simple planning prevents most emergencies.
Before you go:
- Know your route, distance, and elevation gain
- Understand terrain difficulty and turnaround points
- Account for slower travel due to weather or conditions
Always tell someone:
- Where you are going
- Which route or trail you plan to use
- When you expect to return
Use offline maps and know how to read them. For remote trips, carry a paper map as backup.
What to Pack
This is a basic baseline for most Northwest outings. Adjust based on season and location.
- Water and a way to treat more
- Warm layer and weather protection
- Headlamp, even for daytime trips
- Offline maps or paper map
- Extra calories
- Basic first aid supplies
- Whistle
- Fire starter where legal
Pack for the conditions you might face, not just the distance you plan to cover.
Leave No Trace in the Northwest
Many Northwest landscapes are fragile and heavily visited.
- Stay on established trails, especially in alpine and desert areas
- Do not shortcut switchbacks
- Pack out all trash, including food scraps
- Respect seasonal closures and wildlife protections
- Camp only where allowed
Responsible use helps keep public lands open and healthy across all five states.
Read next: Leave No Trace in the Northwest
Before You Leave Home
Run through this final check before heading out.
- Forecast checked within a few hours of departure
- Closures and restrictions confirmed
- Permits or passes packed
- Offline maps downloaded
- Someone has your trip plan
- Extra layer and headlamp packed
This checklist alone prevents most backcountry issues.
Resources
Use official sources for the most current information.
- Closures, restrictions, and safety guidance from the U.S. Forest Service and other land managers
- Local and regional weather forecasts
- Air quality and smoke maps during fire season
Always verify conditions the day you go.
Explore More Gear and Skills Guides
- Weather Prep for the Northwest
- Wildfire and Smoke Safety
- Wildlife Safety Basics
- Trip Planning and Navigation
- Leave No Trace Principles
New guides are added regularly.