Safety and Outdoor Ethics
Outdoor Safety & Ethics
Leave No Trace is a system of outdoor ethics that serves as a list of guidelines to help us take care of nature. There are seven principles that when followed, enhances everyone’s enjoyment of places like our forest. Learn more about these principles at LNT.org.
Leave No Trace Principles
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Know where you’re going! Maps are available online for free, and for purchase at our office locations. Have enough food, water, and supplies like warm clothing for your travels. Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Camp away from springs and riparian areas like streams, which are especially valuable and sensitive. Many plants are easily trampled, and wildlife rely on these areas. Other fragile areas are subalpine meadows and wildflower fields. Durable surfaces are places like rock outcroppings, bare dirt patches, and beds of pine needles.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack out all trash and bury human waste at least 6 inches deep. Malheur National Forest campgrounds do not have trash services.
Leave What You Find
Archeological sites are precious and protected. The Malheur National Forest has thousands of years of history. These old places are sometimes the only way we can know what people’s lives were like in the past. Natural features are precious too; so please do not deface natural features or harvest materials without the proper permits.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Know current fire regulations.
Respect Wildlife
Do not feed wildlife or leave trash or food out for animals to get. Human food isn’t good for them and can either make them dependent or harmful to people. Give animals space if you spot them. Safe distances are about 75 feet from deer and elk, and 300 feet from bears, wolves, and cougars.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
The forest belongs to everyone! Keep loud noises to a minimum, especially in high use areas like campgrounds or picnics spots. Many of our camping areas have posted quiet hours, so be respectful of things like generators, music, and big gatherings.