Pack It In Pack It Out!

Teaching responsible behavior in our public and wild spaces

As parents, we instinctively understand our job of caretaking and teaching, setting examples with our behavior. Teaching responsible behavior in our public wild spaces — trails, campgrounds and local, state and national parks — means proactive protection.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, people are partaking in nature in unprecedented numbers. Mt. Shasta Trail Association (MSTA) President Dr. John Harch explains that this is prime time to learn the rules of ethical camping and hiking. “Attendance is way up. People are flocking to the outdoors,” he says. “We have seen a huge increase in the utilization of our trails; perhaps a two-five-fold increase at some trailheads.”

John says low impact camping and minimal impact hiking requires awareness, education, responsibility and a desire to make a difference. And, he says, “It’s very simple.”

Here are his easy guidelines to make your visit to the great outdoors a conscientious one.

Pack it in, pack it out

This is the most important rule for minimal impact camping and hiking.

A record number of visitors means garbage cans are overflowing in parks, campgrounds and trailheads. Pack a dedicated bag for trash so you can pack it out when you leave. If you feel extra conscientious, bring a pick-up-stick or gloves to remove litter.

Never dispose of leftover food in the wild. It’s not healthy for wild animals and can create human food dependency that could pose a serious threat to the next human visitor.

Dispose of human waste correctly. Because of COVID mandates, visitors might be unpleasantly surprised to arrive and discover the public bathrooms locked. Do your research before heading out to camp or hike. If you can’t find the information online about your destination, call the Forest Service and ask. Human waste is not just offensive on the trail; it’s a health hazard to animals, the environment and potentially other human beings. Learn about WAG bags and how to use them.

Leave what you find – no natural souvenirs

Talk with your children about the negative impact of collecting natural souvenirs. The timeworn adage holds true — if everyone took a rock home, there would be no more rocks. Pinecones thrown out when you’re back home can’t sprout new trees in the wild.

Likewise, John says, “Don’t remove plants or animals, and don’t move them either. Stay on trails so sensitive plant life doesn’t get trampled. Control your dog so that plant and animal life is protected rather than shredded.”

Understand risks

Jumping off rocks into bodies of water, kayaking, climbing challenging terrain and bicycle and motorsports can be risky behavior; not just for you, but for those who become involved if you are hurt or need rescue.

John explains, “If you get injured, our first responders then need to risk their lives to rescue you, and this puts them in the same dangerous terrain or situation you were in. It also brings them all together. That’s not good for anyone in the age of COVID. Think about that. If you get hurt, 10 to 20 people need to come to haul you out.”

Common dangers include:

Inexperienced children and those out of sight of adults.

Alcohol consumption. This is the leading cause of severe injury and even fatality when combined with water activities.

Fire danger, which is always high in the North State. In rural areas, a fire that you lose control of could result in disastrous consequences. John says, “All too often campers make fires wherever they want. We hear our fire trucks going out on a regular basis.” Educate yourself about when and where campfires are permissible. Never build a fire in any place where it is prohibited. Barbecues and hibachis, fireworks and small combustion engines that power dirt bikes and chainsaws all pose a potential fire risk.

The North State offers near endless varieties of outdoor activities for your family. Out in nature we can build character and make memories, enjoy time with one another and teach those lessons that are only possible on the trail or around a campfire. We have so many family-friendly parks and trails in our beautiful terrain—keeping them beautiful is the responsibility of every one of us.

• Always check before you go! Wildfires have closed many areas, and conditions can change quickly.
• Mt. Shasta Trail Association is your go-to resource for hiking in Siskiyou County.
• Human Waste Disposal in the National Forest: How to Pee and Poop in the Backcountry From the Forest Service — why you need a WAG bag and how to make your own.
• Leave No Trace, the Center for Outdoor Ethics outline The 7 Principles to create minimal impact.

We asked our readers — What are your favorite places to hike with your family in the North State? Everyone has those special spots, from places with amazing views, to others with easy ascents and some with the extra bonus of plunging waterfalls; here are just a few. While the weather is still good, make some plans to discover your own favorite hiking spots, or revisit those “old reliables.”

Andrea Martin of Tehama County — Iron Canyon or Upper Bidwell Park
The most outstanding thing about Iron Canyon is the halfway vantage point. It is the most spectacular view of the Sacramento river at a bird’s eye view… so beautiful! Upper Bidwell Park’s most outstanding thing is the grand rock formations that make you wonder just how long they have even been there! I take my 13 year old daughter, and we have been hiking this trail for years! Upper Bidwell is an easy hike for all sorts of ages.

Joya Cowan of Tehama County — Bidwell Park, Burney Falls and Mt. Shasta

Erika Diehl of Butte County — Waterfalls are our favorite!