Hiking Burn Areas

You may hike in a burn area after it has been reopened by the forest service but you should take the following in to consideration. A recent burn area is quite fragile

1. Although a burn area is nothing new, we must still concern ourselves with its recovery. Never enter a burn area until permitted, and never leave the trail or take shortcuts. These areas are very susceptible to washouts.  New footprints or trails cause washouts.  Trails left by horses or mountain bikes are especially damaging to this fragile environment.  The reason is that the plant root systems are gone and there is nothing to hold the soil.  The plant life that has survived is also something you must be careful to preserve. 

2. Another major concern is whether you can still follow the trail.  Trail markings are often disturbed or destroyed by a fire. Never hike a burn area without a map of the trail.

3. Burn areas can also be dangerous.   Trip hazards like roots, stumps, and snags are now exposed and recent rains will make trails even more hazardous.  There are also hidden traps.  When a fire burns through the Forrest it will burn stumps below the ground, leaving  a trap that you could step in and possibly even break a leg.

4. If care is taken you can still enjoy the area and you may learn how a fire can be good for an area. Fires are natures way of replenishing the forest and burns can be a a great learning experience for the entire family.

If you pack it it-pack it out

R L Gray

Camping\Hiking Editor