Tips for outdoor recreation during the pandemic

By Amanda Anderson

Luckily for us, outdoor recreation is a safe activity for anyone to do during these tough times.

Although restaurants are running differently and activities are getting canceled, there are so many positive experiences to have outside. Studies have actually shown that food tastes better when enjoyed outdoors, and being outdoors has been known to reduce stress and anxiety. Sounds like reason enough for us to get out of our houses and explore the Pacific Northwest!

A great resource for getting outdoors and exploring is with the free “Washington Trails Association” app on your smart phone. It features searchable trails near you that can also be filtered for dog- and kid-friendly trails. When a trail is selected, it will have recent trail testimonials along with directions, wildlife and plant hazards, closures and more.

Planning ahead is a must when doing any outdoor activity in Washington since our weather is very unpredictable and can be dangerous, especially in the winter and spring. Always check the forecast and have enough food and water handy, enough gas, extra layers of clothing, blankets in your vehicle, and always tell someone where you’re going.

For hiking equipment, scan our QR code at the bottom for equipment rental and pricing at our facilities!

The Discovery Pass also is available for purchase at Northwest Adventure Center for $35. This gives you access to all Washington State Parks. Service members can take advantage of a free America the Beautiful Passes (found at any National Park Service Office), which gives you free access to National Parks and Federal Recreational lands (including Mount Rainier National Park!).

ODR rentals