Safety and Outdoor Ethics
Safety tip: All forest visitors are encouraged to notify family or friends of their trip itinerary including their expected return schedule. It is common for weather conditions to change suddenly in mountainous terrains; sunny mornings can turn into stormy afternoons. Always be prepared for bad weather. Remember you can't count on cell phone coverage in remote areas!
Know Before You Go!
It's critical for your safety to "know before you go" when planning a visit to your national forest. Here are a few tips:
- Learn as much as you can about the area you plan to visit.
- Always carry a map, know your travel routes, and visit TripCheck for highway conditions.
- Contact the nearest district office for the most current conditions.
- Check the weather before you leave and be observant of changing weather conditions.
- Learn and bring the 10 essentials.
Staying Safe
- Navigation: Map, altimeter, compass, [GPS device], [PLB or satellite communicators], [extra batteries or battery pack] (*Don't rely solely on a mobile device for navigation.)
- Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries.
- Fire: Matches, candle or fire starter - make sure matches are protected.
- Knife: plus, any repair kit
- First aid: carry items that take care of blisters, headaches, foot care, insect repellent etc.
- Sun protection: glasses, sunscreen, sun protective clothing
- Emergency items: light shelter, mirror and whistle.
- Extra clothing: Raingear and non-cotton layers.
- Extra water: at least one quart, means to purify
- Extra food: high energy snack such as chocolate, jerky or protein bars.
Winter and spring weather can bring high winds and large amounts of rain to the Oregon Coast and the Siuslaw National Forest. Use caution on Forest Service Roads and trails as branches, trees, or other debris may have fallen. Snow and ice may be present at higher elevations. Most forest roads are not maintained for winter travel and do not receive snow removal. This includes the road to Marys Peak and Mt. Hebo.
Check our alerts page for the most current forest road closures or delays. For statewide road conditions, construction information, and related travel information, visit tripcheck.com.
The best tool needed for survival in the event you get lost outdoors is your skill of advanced planning. You must expect the unexpected and plan accordingly. Even if you are going out for just a few hours, pack enough essentials that you can stay hydrated, fueled and prepared for any type of weather.
- Bring the 10 essentials - even on shorter day hikes. You could fall, injure yourself, or get lost and that extra food, water, and layers will be your savior.
- Study the terrain and your planned route. Know where you are going and how you will return. Don't just wing it.
- Check with the local ranger district or forest office for special warnings, such as fires in the area, bear sightings, flooding, trail or road closures, etc.
- Tell someone where you're going before your trip - give them exact details, like the trailhead you're parking at, the trail plan, and when you plan to return.
S.T.O.P.
If you do become lost your most important tool is keeping a positive mental attitude. Follow the "STOP" acronym: Stop, Think, Observe, and Plan.
STOP
- As soon as you realize you may be lost: stop, stay calm, stay put. Panic is your greatest enemy.
THINK
- Go over in your mind how you got to where you are. What landmarks should you be able to see? Do not move at all until you have a specific reason to take a step.
OBSERVE
- Get out your compass and determine the directions based on where you are standing. Do not walk aimlessly.
- If you are on a trail, stay on it. All trails are marked with signs (where intersections meet) and with diamond blazers or markers. However, signs are sometimes vandalized or stolen.
- As a very last resort, follow a drainage or stream downhill. This is often a difficult path but could lead to a trail or road. Again, this could be very dangerous.
PLAN
Based on your thinking and observations, come up with some possible plans, think them through then act on one of them.
- If you are not extremely confident in the route, then it’s always better to stay put.
- If it’s nightfall, you are injured or you are near exhaustion, stay in place.
Self-Rescue Tips
If after careful planning and consideration you decide that you should try to rescue yourself, here are some tips to remember:
- Stop and rest when you start to feel tired. Don’t wait until you are exhausted.
- Your body can’t hike hard and digest food at the same time. Rest in the shade for at least 30 minutes when you stop to eat. If you are still tired after 30 minutes, continue to rest.
- Make sure to drink enough water to avoid dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration could include thirst; dry/sticky mouth; not urinating very much or dark yellow urine; dry, cool skin; headache; muscle cramps.
- Stop and fix small problems while they are still small. If you ignore your body and keep pushing, the pain or illness will only get worse and make recovery more difficult.
- Avoid hiking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on hot days. If you are on a trail between those hours, find a shady spot and stay there until the temperature cools down. Adjust your hiking pace to one you can comfortably maintain and rest when you feel the need.
Beware of Rip Currents
Rip currents are strong currents of water that rush out to sea. Rip currents can form on any beach that has breaking waves. Rip currents have dark muddy water and are very choppy. If you see a rip current, stay away! They are very dangerous.
If you are ever caught in a rip current, do not panic. Relax and swim parallel to the beach. Do not try to fight it. If you have trouble swimming, tread water and call for help.
Don't Climb on Drift Logs
Logs on wet sand or in the water can be dangerous.
Beware of Incoming Tides
Make sure to know when the tide is coming in so you do not end up stranded.
Be Careful on Cliffs and Rocks
Ocean spray and heavy rains can make rocks and trails slippery and unsafe. Stay behind fences. they are there for your safety. when hiking, make sure you are wearing the right shoes and stay on marked tails. Stay away from cliff edges. They may not support your weight.
Don't Turn Your Back on the Ocean
Watch out for "sneaker waves." Sneaker waves are unpredictable and can appear suddenly. They can rush high up on the shore.
Recreational target shooting is an appropriate use of the forest, when done safely and with respect to the land and national forest property.
When target shooting is done in the right way, it poses little threat to people’s safety or to natural resources. However, careless, unsafe shooting can cause wildfires and natural resources damage as well as pose serious threats to human life – both to forest staff and visitors.
To ensure your safety and the safety of others, and to protect our natural resources, please adhere to the following universal guidelines:
- Firearms should always be considered loaded
- Firearms should be unloaded when not actually in use
- Never point the muzzle of your gun at anything you are not intending to shoot
- Keep your safety on and your finger off the trigger until you are on target
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond your target to prevent endangering any person or property
- Before discharging your firearm scout out the area for other people that may be recreating near you
- Only shoot in an area with a safe backstop, preferably an earthen mound
- Don't shoot glass, appliances, furniture, vehicles or targets on trees
- Pick up & pack out shell casings, targets, and other shooting debris
- Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting
- Don't shoot while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
When in Doubt, Stay Out!
Warmer weather can cause toxic blue-green algae blooms to lakes. Cyanobacteria, more commonly called blue-green algae, are not algae at all but a primitive single celled bacterium found naturally in fresh and saltwater.
Under ideal conditions, cyanobacteria can multiply into a large visible mass called a "bloom." These blooms can be associated with toxins produced by the cyanobacteria and can cause harm to humans and animals. Beginning in May and throughout the summer, blue-green algae blooms can occur.
The following are risks from recreating where there is a blue-green algae bloom:
- Water contact can cause skin irritation or rash
- Swallowing water can result in diarrhea, cramps, vomiting and dizziness
- More severe reactions occur when large amounts of water are swallowed
- Children and pets are at the greatest risk
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) recommends the following guidance: “Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out!”
Information about Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms from the OHA
Outdoor Ethics
The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace provide simple steps for anyone visiting the outdoors to impact the environment as little as possible. The Principles can be applied anywhere — from remote wilderness areas, to local parks and even in your backyard. Also be aware that additional regulations apply in all designated Wilderness areas.
A few basics:
- Pack out everything you brought with you! Dispose of your garbage properly off the Forest if no dumpster is available.
- The 7 Principles apply to virtually every outdoor activity and help increase your safety and enjoyment of the Forest.
Expect Others | Respect Others | Connect with Others
Sharing and stewarding our public lands means taking care of them and looking out for each other. Hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, snowshoers, skiers, and OHVs all use parts of the Siuslaw National Forest. Sometimes, these trails need to be shared with several different groups. It's important to know how to interact with others safely and respectfully.
Who Yields? Trail courtesy says:
- Hikers yield to horses.
- Bikes yield to both hikers and horses.
- Downhill bikes yield to uphill bikes.
Oregon Equestrian Trails has some great resources on trail etiquette.
Here are some tips and resources to know about trail etiquette:
- Obey all posted signs and restrictions. These exist for a reason - public safety, wildlife safety, and resource protection are often why restrictions may exist.
- Make sure pets are kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet in designated recreation areas. Pets can spook horses or other pack animals, impact others' camping experiences, and more. We love dogs - help us keep them and others safe and happy!
- Share the trail! The outdoors is 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, communicate, and be kind and say hello!
- Hikers should yield to horses. Call out a friendly greeting as soon as you see an equestrian - horses spook easily and will be relieved to hear you're a human and not a predator. Although bikers should generally yield to hikers, know that they might not see you in time and you should be prepared to step off trail.
- Bicyclists should yield to all other non-motorized trail users - hikers and horses - 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!
- ATV/OHV users should respect uphill policies, yield to non-motorized recreationists, and always stay in control and maintain the ability to stop. Please use established pick-up and drop-off areas and don't stop where you could obstruct roads or not be visible. Motorized vehicles are prohibited in wilderness areas; pay attention to where motor vehicle travel is allowed on roads and trails.
- Equestrians should do their best to control their horse, avoid cross-country riding, and avoid tying stock to trees for prolonged periods. Weed-free feed is required in all Oregon & Washington National Forests and Grasslands.