The 10 essentials

Developed in the 1930s by The Mountaineers as a checklist for backcountry emergency preparedness, the Ten Essentials w ere 10 individual items that few experienced wilderness travelers would consider leaving out of their backpacks

The jury is still out on the Ten Essentials regarding day hikes, especially those on familiar or well-marked trails in good weather. While most hikers agree that sunscreen is worth the weight, those trotting around Maple Pass in 3 hours would probably consider it overkill to carry a space blanket and a w ater filter (however, given the number of people populating that loop, there’s a good chance you’ll stumble upon a fellow hiker in need at some point).

When packing, you’ll need to make the decision for yourself, but consider the basic premise behind the Ten Essentials: You probably won’t use most of this stuff, but as soon as you need it, you’ll be glad you brought it.

• Navigation: Learn how to read a topographic map before you hit the trail. Seriously. Ditto for your compass. Plus, a lot of compasses have mirrors in the lids, which you can use to admire your grubby face.

• Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat — wear them every day.

• Insulation: Bring more warm clothes than you think you’ll need; it’s colder in the mountains. Even on a sunny day hike it’s often nice to have a hat and puffy jacket for lunch on the summit.

• Illumination: Even in the summer with 16 hours of daylight, you never know when you might have to hike out in the dark. Pack a headlamp or flashlight and make sure your batteries are new.

• First aid kit: Outdoor stores sell wellstocked commercial kits, or visit REI’s website for an inventory list that will guide you through assembling your own.

• Firestarter and matches. If for some reason you are spiraling toward hypothermia, and there are no other options for getting warm, you’ll have to light a fire. This should only be a last resort if there are no established fire rings. Heed all fire bans!

• Repair kit and tools: Sometimes the ability to fix your stove or your pack makes the difference between comfort and misery.

• Water and purification system. All water pulled from streams, rivers, and lakes should be treated.

• Extra food. Bring something high calorie, non-perishable and unappealing, like stale energy bars in an unpopular flavor. You’ll have them if you need them, but you won’t be tempted to break them out for dessert one night.

• Emergency shelter. If all goes well and you’re lucky, you won’t need your rain gear or space blanket, but better safe than sorry.

BY MARCY STAMPER

Take in spectacular mountain scenery, cascading waterfalls and placid lakes from a selection of barrier-free trails accessible to people who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids. These routes are also a great choice for an outing with the whole family.

From downtown Winthrop, check out the Susie Stephens Trail, which offers a spectacular view of the Chewuch and Methow rivers from the Spring Creek Bridge before winding through pastures and meadows for about a mile to the shopping district outside of town on Highway 20. The architecturally striking bridge is a peaceful spot for watching wildlife and rafters. A wide, mostly level packed-gravel trail leads along the Methow River from the Suspension Bridge parking area on Goat Creek Road near Mazama for about a mile to the Tawlks-Foster Suspension Bridge, which offers expansive vistas up and down the valley. Head west on Highway 20 from Winthrop (toward Mazama). In about 8 miles, go right on Goat Creek Road. The parking area is on the left in about 2 3/4 miles. Further from town, check out Blackpine Lake, a serene mountain lake with a paved lakeshore trail that leads to an overlook of

Hoodoo Peak and Raven Ridge. There are opportunities for swimming and boating from a wheelchair-accessible dock, reached by t he trail, and trout fishing. The trail has interpretive signs and benches for wildlife viewing. From Twisp, drive west on Twisp River Road for about 11 miles. Turn left onto West Buttermilk Creek Road, cross the Buttermilk Bridge over the Twisp River, and turn right to continue on Forest Road 43 for about 8 miles to the Blackpine Lake campground, on the left. The trail begins at the day-use area. Take an excursion along the Chewuch River and visit Falls Creek Falls, reached via an accessible trail. The mostly level, 1/4-mile paved trail leads through the forest to the refreshing spray of the dramatic waterfall. Head west on Highway 20 from Winthrop (toward Mazama) and take the first right on West Chewuch Road. Follow that road 7 miles to a stop sign. Go straight another 5 miles to the falls, on the left. The scenic road continues another 15 miles to Thirtymile, where there is a moving memorial to firefighters who perished in the 2001 Thirtymile Fire. The road is paved, except for the last 4 to 5 miles. With relatively low traffic, the road is also popular with cyclists and folks who do handcycling or ride a tandem bicycle with a buddy.

There are several accessible options on the North Cascades Highway, starting with an interpretive trail along a beautiful creek at the Lone Fir campground. The paved trail goes about 4/10 mile to a bridge. People with more mobility can explore the rest of the 2-mile loop. 27 miles west of Winthrop on the North Cascades Highway; campground is on the left.

A short, paved trail takes you to a spectacular overlook at Washington Pass, with views of Liberty Bell Mountain, Early Winters Spires and Kangaroo Ridge, as well as interpretive information. 30 miles west of Winthrop on the North Cascades Highway, on the right.

A fully accessible, paved 1-mile trail through the cool, fragrant forest leads to Rainy Lake, which is ringed by craggy peaks and fed by several waterfalls. There’s a picnic spot on the lake and fishing for cutthroat trout. Interpretive signs describe vegetation and natural features along the trail. 35 miles west of Winthrop on the North Cascades Highway to the Rainy Pass parking area, on the left.

Some folks enjoy mountain boarding (kind of like snowboarding, but on grass, gravel or pavement). Mountain boarders use a long board with big wheels, with the seat or bucket used for paraskiing mounted on the board. Boarders typically propel themselves with ski poles. Mountain boarders enjoy the wide, fairly level sections of the Methow Community Trail. Popular routes go from Mazama toward the suspension bridge or Early Winters.