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The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the country’s most scenic hiking destinations, but those breathtaking views can come with serious risks.
A recent analysis of hiking injury statistics by KURU Footwear ranked two Pacific Northwest destinations among the most dangerous in the U.S.: Mount Rainier National Park and the Pacific Crest Trail.
Mount Rainier in Washington averages two to three climbing fatalities each year. The 369-square-mile park is known for rapidly changing alpine weather, hidden glacier crevasses and high elevations that can lead to altitude sickness.
The Pacific Crest Trail stretches roughly 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, including hundreds of miles through Oregon and Washington. The analysis estimates about 10% of thru-hikers suffer significant injuries, with the trail averaging one to two fatalities annually. Many of the risks come from the terrain itself, including dehydration, hypothermia, steep snow crossings and hazardous river crossings.
The list also includes some of the nation’s best-known hiking destinations. The Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, Zion National Park, the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail all ranked among the country’s most hazardous hikes because of a combination of difficult terrain, extreme weather, heavy visitor traffic and challenging conditions.
The rankings also factored in seasonal conditions and hiker preparedness, noting that steep drop-offs, narrow trails and unpredictable weather can quickly turn a scenic hike into a dangerous one.
If you’re heading into the mountains this summer, experts recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots with good traction, packing the "ten essentials," letting someone know your plans, avoiding solo hikes when possible and carrying a reliable emergency communication device, since cell service is limited or unavailable in many backcountry areas.
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