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Wilderness and wilderness etiquette

 

National forest wilderness areas are managed by the Department of Agriculture.  Rules here are different than they are in the National Parks, which are managed by the Department of Interior.

 

Wilderness permits are required for overnight trips in most areas. As of this writing, Weaver Lake is an exception.  These permits have two purposes:  They keep too many people from using the same trailhead at the same time, and they give the rangers a chance to review wilderness etiquette before the trip.

 

While it is possible to get reservations, I personally never do. If a particular trailhead has already met its quota of hikers, I’d rather go somewhere less crowded.  If you have your heart set on a particular destination, though, a reservation is a good idea.  Cost for reservations, as of this writing, was $15, permits are free. You don’t need a permit for a day hike.

 

Dogs are allowed in the wilderness areas, with the caveat that they should be kept under their owner’s control at all times.  Out of control dogs can be a nuisance as well as a danger to wildlife.  If you camp with your dog, keep it near at night.  Coyotes are known to eat dogs that have wandered away from their human companions.

 

Hunting is allowed in the wilderness areas.  You may encounter hunters during the fall season.  They have as much right to be there as anyone else. Hunters should, however, respect the peace and quiet people come to the wilderness to enjoy and not go target shooting.

 

Camping is allowed with a permit at least 200 feet from the lakes.

 

Fires are usually allowed, but sometimes outlawed due to dry conditions.  There are already way too many fire rings around, many of them in places where people should not be camping.  Instead of building a new one, use an existing one.  Better yet, tear down a couple, particularly the ones that are too close to the lakes.

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Garbage is ugly and dirty.  Pack it out, even if you didn’t pack it in.

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Bury human waste. Bury it nice and deep. Burn the toilet paper if you can do so without starting a fire. If not, bury it, too. No one wants to see dirty toilet paper and human waste. Some highly impacted areas require you to pack it out.

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