How-To Resources
Have you ever wondered how to ford a river, predict mountain weather or prevent blisters? If so, check out these how-to's! We've collected instructional articles from back issues of Washington Trails magazine and from our website. Click on an interesting topic, and learn something new today.
Hiking
- How to ford a river
- How to cross a glacier
- How to hike with dogs
- How to hike in bear country
- How to hike in cougar country
- How to hike in rattlesnake country
- How to hike in tick country
- How to hike in wolf country
- How to hike with mountain goats
- How to hike with poles
- How to find your balance
- How to identify different kinds of trails
- How to craft your own hiking loop
Safety and Trail Smarts
- How to leave no trace
- How to build a first aid kit
- How to use hiking maps
- How to avoid common hiking injuries
- How to drive forest service roads
- How to park like a pro at trailheads
- How to stay hydrated
- How to recognize and treat hypothermia
- How to hike safely during rainy season
- How to stay sure footed on trail
- How to predict mountain weather
- How to prevent blisters
- How to stay safe in a storm
- How to build a safe campfire and prevent wildfires
- How to build a quinzee
- How to read the clouds
Backpacking
- How to pick a pack
- How to pick a quilt
- How to fix tent woes
- How to poop in the woods
- How to choose a backcountry campsite
- How to hang a bear bag and secure your food
- How to explore the winter sky on an overnight trip
- How to brew delicious backcountry coffee
Navigation and Transportation
- How to navigate on trail using orienteering skills
- How to bus to a trailhead
- How to use a compass, map and altimeter
Gear
- How to tie your boots
- How to clean and store your hiking gear
- How to re-waterproof your rain gear
- How to deodorize boots and insoles
- How to fix a zipper, patch holes and do other gear repairs
- How to keep your gear dry on wet days
Photography
- How to photograph wildlife
- How to photograph faces on trail
- How to take photos in motion
- How to protect your photos
- How to take panoramic photos
- How to photograph waterfalls
- How to take better photos with your phone
- How to photograph kids on trail
- How to photograph hidden landscapes
- How to tell a story with photos
- How to keep a clean camera on trail
- How to take time for photography
- How to photograph winter wildlife
- How to capture reflections in photos
- How to lighten up your photos
- How to photograph flowers