“Leave No Trace” Principle: Best Practices to Follow While Enjoying the Outdoors. You can download my complete list of HIKING ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST for FREE.
When it comes to traveling and outdoor adventures, you’ve probably heard about the “leave no trace” principle. But what does it exactly mean? Let’s dive deeper, get insights and remind ourselves what “leave no trace” really means.
Lately, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about sustainable travel and being a conscious traveler. I was inspired by a picture I shared on Twitter of my experience with a starfish on the coast of magical Kenya. I thought it would be helpful to review and share the 7 essential guidelines for hiking adventures, camping, marine life exploration and wildlife safaris.
My favorite time of the year is June through October when I opt to spend time outside. I recently started my hiking adventure for 2019. I plan to visit 40-60 hiking trails here in PNW and maybe in Canada and Arizona.
So far, having recently completed 7 hikes, and I was again reminded of the 7 principles of “leave no trace,” which is a framework for outdoor-loving people like me to make a minimal impact on nature. This principle can be applied anywhere from marine life to a game drive safari in Kenya, Africa.
I will be referencing an article by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics organization. You to find out more about this organization and the 7 principles by clicking on the link above.
Leave No Trace7 Principles
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Let’s start with the first principle which ensures minimum damage to the outdoors. To make your outdoor adventure enjoyable, rather than a bad experience, it’s smart to plan ahead by researching and gaining knowledge of the place you’ll be exploring. Visit online sites or ask friends. Check for things such as distance/mileage, your ability and fitness level, and necessary skills you might need. Careful planning and research always leads to a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Experts recommend: “It’s better to have one well-designed route than many poorly chosen paths.” Smart hikers stay on the trail and avoid shortcuts when hiking or camping. Avoid making your own trail. A goal for all of us should be to cause minimum impact to Mother Nature as much as possible when visiting the outdoors.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Be aware that whatever you choose to leave behind in nature, will no doubt have an effect, possibly a negative effect, on the land, water, wildlife and on other travelers. A good rule is to leave nothing behind that you brought with you.
And I am guilty of this! Speaking of being prepared, we decided to take our dog along on a hike. Less than a mile in, the dog pooped and even though we had a poop bag, we didn’t want to carry it with us all the way up and down the mountain as it stunk. So we decided to “hide” it off trail and planned to pick it up on our way down, which we did. But, this is not the right practice. So on our way home that day, we decided to stop at REI and get a dog pack and so far we have used it twice and absolutely love it. Our dog now carries her own poop bags, food and water in her dog pack. Talk about a win-win solution.
4. Leave What You Find
We are responsible for minimizing site alteration. This could be something as simple as not caving your initials on a tree or plucking off a flower. When it comes to camping remember “good campsites are found not made,” according to Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Make the least amount of impact on the land.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact
Even though I’ve hiked many times, I haven’t camped yet. I plan to start this year in 2019. Here are some suggestions from Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
- Never leave a campfire unattended
- Keep wood and other fuel sources away from fire
- Thoroughly extinguish all fires
- Pack out any campfire litter
- Leave standing trees, dead or alive, intact as they are home to birds and insects
- Gather wood over a wide area away from camp
6. Respect Wildlife
Earlier this year in 2019, five travelers and I went on a Safari in Kenya, Africa. We loved every minute of it. But one time we were looking out to see if we could spot Rhinos, which are naturally very shy animals. A group of people in a separate car joined us since we had a better viewing spot of the Rhino. But they could not stop talking. I mean they were loud! Seriously, they were not only annoying to us but I assume to the Rhino too, because the two rhinos walked off in the opposite direction. We had to remind them that it’s best to learn about wildlife through quite observation. And no we didn’t say it that politely but the Shut the F*** up phrase might have been used! Check out my guide to travelling to Kenya as an American citizen.
7. Be considerate of other visitors
Remember that most people are opting to explore nature in search of some quiet and relaxation. So it’s really inconsiderate to have a radio blaring for everyone to hear. This is exactly what happened to us this past weekend, June 2nd 2019. A solo-hiker decided to disregard everyone else’s need to explore and enjoy their outdoor time in silence by playing his radio full blast. Another time recently, a big group of people with four adults and six kids who were screaming, shouting and laughing so hard that we all were annoyed and tried to get away from the noise. So please, if you want to listen to the radio or music, use earphones rather than external speakers. And when possible, travel in small groups and advise those in your group to keep it down so that the rest of the people can enjoy their quite time.
Finally, I invite you to please share your experience with me. What are some best practices you would add? Or tell me what your experience has been like while exploring the outdoors, the good and the not so great moments!
Hope you found this blog post on leave no trace helpful and please share your thoughts on this topic. Hope you get time to explore the outdoors and remember to leave minimum impact. Happy hiking adventures as you—Travel with Irine.
I am including this link from REI for your pleasure on the leave no trace principle for your leisure.
Check out my hiking adventure up Mt. Baker Area, Ptarmigan Ridge.
Have you been to Tulum Mexico? Check out my ultimate guide for 6 days in Tulum, Mexico
Love this piece, Irine! “Leave no trace” is such an important part of (respectful) outdoor exploration!
I would add, in terms of collecting firewood, that many parks in Canada do not allow this as deadfall is an important part of the forest ecology – nor do they allow bringing your own wood to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as the emerald ash borer and others! In most cases, FIREWOOD MUST BE PURCHASED AT EACH PARK, Reserve and Conservation Area you visit!
Thank you Heidi for sharing more about collecting firewood in Canada, I didn’t know. Much appreciated. That’s a great way to protect and preserve the environment.