Safety and Outdoor Ethics

Know Before You Go

By knowing the conditions of your destination, you can make sure that you are prepared for your hike, trail ride, snowmobile excursion, ski day, or backpacking trip. Use the tips and resources below to stay up to date on conditions.

• Check road conditions for your area and destination. Information on state-maintained roads can be found at the Idaho Transportation Department. Information on forest service roads conditions can be found by calling the appropriate Ranger District.
• Be aware of area closures, restrictions, and other rules in place by browsing relevant Forest Alerts.
• Be prepared for changing weather/snow conditions. Visit the National Weather Service to view forecasts and weather alerts for your destination.
• Review tips and tricks to Recreate Responsibly.
• Recognize that outdoor recreation is a popular pastime. Parking lots and recreation sites may be crowded. Have a Plan B destination as a contingency plan in case Plan A's parking lot is full.

Be Aware of Hazards and Risk

Hazards may be natural or manmade. Mitigate risk by staying alert and planning ahead.

• Check trailhead or campground signage for any updated area information noting other risks in the area.
• Beetle killed trees are falling across the forest, and wildfires in recent years have created additional hazards. Beware of falling trees as you enjoy the forest.
• Arrive prepared. Make sure that you have proper clothing, footwear, and supplies, including water, food, and extra layers if needed. If taking longer trips, make sure to bring along any necessary medications.
• Plan a trip that meets your skillset. Make a plan with terrain selection and route planning that fits the skill levels of your entire party. If you are new to the sport or activity, hire a guide or find a mentor to teach you the skills.

Safety on the Trails and Roads

Sharing and stewarding our public lands means taking care of them and looking out for each other. Ensuring that our natural spaces are kept clean and scenic means that they can be enjoyed for years to come. Use the tips and resources below to learn about trail etiquette and how to respect your public lands.

• Obey all posted signs and area designations detailed.
• Practice good outdoor ethics. Leave No Trace principles help protect natural resources and keep public lands beautiful. Review the 7 principles to respect the land, its visitors, and its inhabitants.
• Make sure pets are kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet in designated recreation areas.
• Share the trail, the outdoors are for everyone. Be aware that other recreationists are likely to be present in the area. Be sure to yield, when necessary, be considerate of other users by parking to allow the maximum number of vehicles and be kind and say hello!
  • Bicyclists must yield to all other non-motorized trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. Stay safe and communicate with other recreationists on the trails at all times!
• If you enjoy motorized recreation, respect uphill policies, yield to non-motorized recreationists, always stay in control and maintain the ability to stop, use established pick-up and drop-off areas, do not stop where you may obstruct roads or not be visible, and stack your tracks to conserve the terrain. Pay attention to where motor vehicle travel is allowed on by referring to the Motor Vehicle Use Maps.