Last Thursday to escape the heat, I went on a solo hike in The Gorge. My number one tip for women who want to hike on their own is to hit a trail you already know - fewer opportunities for ending up on the evening news that way, as you know what to expect and can plan accordingly. My favorite spot to hit on my own is Latourell Falls, which is the closest falls to Portland along the Old Columbia River Highway (trail head is only 35 minutes from my house!). I've been there more than a dozen times, plus my cell phone works on most of the trail, just in case!
It was absolutely gorgeous up there and I took many great photos. One of the best parts about this 2.3 mile loop trail is that most people/tourists get enamored with the first, large waterfall near the road and never go beyond the first .5 miles of the trail in either direction. However, for those with more adventure in their blood, another 1 mile hike will lead you to a second, s-shaped waterfall that you can walk behind, plus several wooden bridges to cross the creek. There is even a fallen log that works as a bridge in one spot.
While sitting on some logs in the middle of the creek, I enjoyed an apple and wrote down this list of "must have" items on a day hike, especially if you're alone. If you have anything
to add, please let me know! I'm a huge fan of using lists for trips and adventures - that way you're never caught unprepared and can truly enjoy yourself. In a later post I'll share some of my prep lists for traveling domestically and abroad.Happy Hiking!
-amy
Day Hike Checklist
Depending on the length of the hike, you should carry a small backpack with you, or you can leave some of this in the car.
- Small backpack / fanny pack
- Sunglasses
- Hat - keeps sun and sweat out of your eyes
- 1-2 pair socks (wool and/or wicking socks are the best)
- Hiking shoes/boots (I usually wear flip-flops or sandals in the car, which I then throw in the pack in case I want to get in the river!)
- 16 oz water bottle (I brought 2 with me this time, to add weight)
- Almonds or other nuts and/or protein bar
- Fruit (I took an apple and some strawberries)
- Chapstick/lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Band-aids
- Camera
- Cell phone
- iPod (if you want; I turn mine off at times to enjoy the sounds of nature instead)
- Clean t-shirt for afterwards
- Small diary for notes and thoughts
- Camp towel or hand towel
- Hiking book and/or map of area
- I.D. - always have this on you!
- Tell someone where you are going - I send a text to my husband as I leave town and as soon as I return.
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