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Washington
5-Day
Waterfalls Excursion
What to wear
and carry:
1. Wear
loose, comfortable clothing completely covering arms and legs.
2. If you
expect to walk any trails, even the 'short, easy trails', hiking shoes are a
must; dress shoes, high heels, etc., are too risky. There are many rocks in
these mountains and they are either very slippery or move when stepped on, or
both. A sprained ankle or knee just a few hundred yards away from your car can
be more than a minor inconvenience.
3. Some
people hate hats; it's your call. I strongly urge you to wear a hat. Ticks
love scalps and have a magical ability to reach you no matter how careful you
try to be. And a small twig caught in a lady's hair can be more than a
distraction.
4. It can
get cold in these mountains - even in August. Bring along warm clothing plus a
jacket - just in case.
5. Carry a
police whistle (some call them athletic whistles ... whatever). If you get
lost, or need help, it could even save your life.
Waterfalls are
dangerous:
1. Stay well
away from the edges of drop-offs. Drop-offs have a way of dropping off when
there is weight on them. Just because there is no fence or guard rail does not
mean it is safe.
2. Hot
summer days make wading in the streams above the falls very inviting. If you
must do so, stay well away from the waterfall.
3. Walking
in the creeks on the slippery rocks can be very dangerous. A slight slip could
cause a broken leg.
4. When near
waterfalls or drop-offs, ALWAYS hold a hand of each small child. They can move
faster than you can!
For nature's
sake:
1. Please do
not walk on the flowers. Washington's Alpine meadows are extremely fragile. Stay
on the trails for your benefit and theirs.
2. Please
don't pick the flowers. Yes, they are very beautiful - where they are.
3. Removing
flora from state or federal lands is punishable by fines or incarceration. Theft
of some trees has become a severe problem in Washington and there are now
special rangers out looking for these thieves. Don't let yourself be mistaken
for one of them.
Driving our
Mountain Roads:
1. Our
Department of Transportation works very hard in maintain our roads so you can
enjoy visiting. Please keep your speed down and be very careful driving around
curves. If you need someone coming the other way that is taking the middle half
- or your half - of the road you need to be able to avoid contact with the other
vehicle. There are many careless, even thoughtless drivers so be on the alert.
2. Pull off
to the right side of the road and STOP your car when viewing a waterfall from
your car. Try to find a nearby pullout. Then walk back, staying well to the
shoulder of the road, to the viewing area.
3. There can
be ice on our mountain roads in the morning even in late Spring and early
Fall. Winter comes early and stays late around here.
With all these
rules how can I have a good time...?
Following
these advisories will help you have a good time. We want you to enjoy your
self. You can't it you get hurt, - or worse.
Washington
5-Day
Waterfalls Excursion
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