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Celebrating The Wilderness Act of 1964

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Last Friday we hosted a Wilderness Rendezvous along with the Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation, Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, and Wild Montana. A celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act of 1964. If you’re a wilderness advocate, you’ve surely heard of this wonderful act with the sole purpose to “establish a National Wilderness Preservation System for the permanent good of the whole people, and for other purposes.” To read the entire act, head over to Wilderness Connect. Read on to learn more about the five characteristics of wilderness.

Natural

Wilderness ecological systems are substantially free from the effects of modern civilization.

Examples of what degrades this quality:

loss of native species, pollution, water flow changes, climate change

Solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation

Wilderness provides outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation.

Examples of what degrades this quality:

facilities including outhouses and cabins

restrictions on visitors

visitor sounds

sights of people outside of the wilderness (ie. city lights in skyscape)

Undeveloped

Wilderness retains its primeval character and influence, and is essentially without permanent improvement or modern human occupation

Examples of what degrades this quality:

admin buildings, weather facilities, any other structures

use of motorized or mechanized transportation

inholdings (places that are private in the midst of public land)

Untrammeled

Wilderness is essentially unhindered and free from the actions of modern human control or manipulation

Examples of what degrades this quality:

authorized actions that manipulate or hinder the community of life (ie. fire suppression, weed spraying, collared wildlife, stocking fish)

Other features

Wilderness “may also contain ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value.”

Examples of what degrades this quality:

damage or loss of these features (ie. vandalized hieroglyphs, burned historical buildings)

Celebrating 60 Years

After learning about the different characters of wilderness quality, can you think of examples within the Great Burn proposed wilderness that have these characters and some areas that have been negatively impacted? Some of these negative impacts can be managed and improved. During our stewardship trips, we learn a lot about wilderness character, LNT practices, and backcountry ethics, all while getting some work done on the landscape.

Spring Recreation Opportunities

Are you itching to get outside? Enjoy this nice spring weather, Go out to find the earliest spring flowers, But you don’t know where to go? Read further for a few suggestions.

Lolo National Forest

Petty Mountain

Right outside of Alberton, Petty Mountain provides early access to get outside as the snow begins to melt. Get outside and experience the big-horned sheep. See many spring flowers on Petty Pasture, and even bring your snowshoes up to the peak if you’re so inclined!

Clearwater Crossing

Rumor has it the road to Clearwater Crossing is passable! Off the Fish Creek road and about an hour and fifteen minutes from Missoula, the Crossing provides opportunities for car camping, some solitude, and a couple options for hiking. Last reported, North Fork Fish Creek #103 is pretty icy past the burn, and the West Fork #101 is passable for a while.

Please remember that the trail crew hasn’t been in to clear out winter falls, so be patient with the downed trees on the trail.

Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest

Aquarius

Only an hour into the forest from Pierce, Aquarius provides ample camping opportunity and even some fishing if you’re so inclined. Be sure to grab a license before you head out! If you’re wanting to stretch your legs, walk along the Down River #297 trail for a rainforest-type feeling and plenty of view of the river. Be careful of the high water crossing at Syringa Creek.

Bungalow

Another place to camp and hang out along the North Fork, right now (3/29/24) you have to go up to Canyon Work Center from Pierce and then back down to Bungalow, but the road is passable. Stay here, at the confluence of the Orogrande and the North Fork. Enjoy the sounds of rushing water and even the opportunity to hike Cabin Point #17 across the road or Clarke Mtn #601. You won’t be able to get up far, but looking across the valley makes it all worth it.

 
 

Make Your Voice Heard: How to Advocate for the Great Burn

Advocating for public lands, especially wilderness is not only important, it’s also a very rewarding experience. However, knowing where to start and how to ensure your voice is heard can be difficult. One of the best, most impactful ways to get involved is submitting a public comment. Public comments are crucial for developing the management of public lands,  ensuring that all perspectives are taken into account and holding the Forest Service and other agencies accountable for their actions.  

With the new Forest Plan for the Lolo National Forest currently under development, submitting a public comment is especially important, as it could dictate management decisions for the next 20-30 years. 

Your Voice Matters

In September, 2022, the Flathead National Forest released a proposed plan to significantly expand the size of the Holland Lake Lodge North of Seeley Lake, Montana, a little more than a two hour drive from the Great Burn. During the ensuing public comment period, the Forest Service received thousands of comments, almost all of which opposed the project. Two months later, Flathead NF rejected the proposed expansion.

There’s more to the Holland Lake story, but, suffice it to say, the comments worked. When it comes to advocating for public lands, almost nothing is as powerful as a public comment. It’s a good reminder as the comment period for the Lolo National Forest’s Proposed Action nears its end date on April 1st.

We Need Your Help

The Proposed Action is a draft of what will become the Lolo National Forest’s new Forest Plan, the guiding document for the National Forest and what will dictate how the Forest is managed for at least the next 15 years, but probably more—the last time there was a new Lolo Forest Plan was 1986. Every project and decision the National Forest makes for the next generation, and every animal, tree, river, and lake within its boundaries will be impacted by the new Forest Plan. 

GBCA has been heavily involved in the planning process since it began in 2022, but as Holland Lake showed, there’s no substitute for public voices. We need your help to speak up for the land and the wildlife that call it home. Large, intact landscapes like the Great Burn are becoming increasingly rare, and face numerous threats, and opportunities for quiet recreation, like the kind that can currently be found in the Great Burn ecosystem are fast disappearing. From climate change to overuse, vulnerable species and their habitats need to be protected.

Write a strong comment

Putting together a strong comment that the Forest Service will listen to can feel overwhelming, but with these tips you can ensure your voice will be heard.

Tell them what they’re doing right

There is a lot to like in the Proposed Action, and it’s important to let our land managers know when they're doing a good job. We are excited that the Proposed Action maintains the existing boundaries for the Great Burn Recommended Wilderness. We also want to show appreciation for the FS designating 21 rivers and streams as eligible for Wild and Scenic River protections. 

Let them know what needs work

Although there’s a lot of good in the plan, let the Forest Service know there are ways the draft plan can be improved. We have highlighted a couple important changes: 

  • Recommend the Ward-Eagle inventoried roadless area and Upper North Fork-Meadowcreek inventoried roadless area as Wilderness. Currently these areas are classified as non-motorized backcountry, but deserve “recommended” status for their outstanding wilderness characteristics and wildlife habitat value.

  • Prioritize wildlife habitat connectivity and corridor areas. The entire stateline area is key for large landscape connectivity, as well as more local elevational connectivity.

  • No non-conforming uses in recommended wilderness. By maintaining the no mechanized or motorized use mandate in recommended wilderness areas we can ensure these areas remain eligible for permanent protection in the future.

  • Include Fish Creek and the South Fork of Fish Creek as eligible for Wild and Scenic River Designation

Make it your own

The Forest Service will often dismiss or downgrade identical comments. The best comments come from those who include how government action affects them. Point to how wild places are important to you, or how strong conservation efforts are tied to your values. Don’t be afraid to make it yours.

Invasive Species Awareness Week

As we finish these final days of February and transition into March, this week marks National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW). NISAW is an international event that raises awareness about aquatic and terrestrial invasive species on federal, state, and private lands. Every year, NISAW aims to protect natural ecosystems by educating local, state, federal, and regional agencies, organizations, community members, and stakeholders.

At the Great Burn, we have a long history of invasive species treatment and restoration work within our mission area. Within the Kelly Creek drainage, we are approaching nearly 20 years of persistent treatment and monitoring. With this, our restoration program is expanding to include a broader and more holistic portion of the Great Burn. Currently, the invasive species that affect the Great Burn include St. John's wort, Spotted Knapweed, Sulfur Cinquefoil, Houndstongue, Thistle, Oxeye Daisy, and Tall Buttercup. Invasive plants establish themselves in the Great Burn through various means, favoring locations experiencing high disturbance, such as areas alongside trails and in unofficial campsites.

Can you guess which plant is a native species below?

There are many things you can do to prevent and address the spread of invasive species, both within the Great Burn and any other natural area. Here are a few ideas-

  • Go on a volunteer trip to help remove and monitor invasive species.

  • Clean hiking boots, waders, off-road vehicles, and other gear between outings.

  • Use boot brushes at trailheads when available.

  • When recreating with watercraft, make sure to clean, drain, and dry all equipment after your outing. Also, comply with the watercraft inspection and decontamination requirements of your region.

New BSWC Member- Meet Marilynn

Hello everyone! My name is Marilynn, and I recently started serving with the GBCA as this year’s Big Sky Watershed Corps member, an AmeriCorps program in partnership with the Montana Conservation Corps, the Montana Association of Conservation Districts, and the Montana Watershed Coordination Council. During my term with the GBCA, I will be primarily assisting with the Kelly Creek backcountry restoration project, as well as helping with ongoing educational outreach and various other projects. I am incredibly excited about this opportunity and hope to be a valuable asset to the Great Burn both in the office and in the field.

I was raised on a family farm directly east of Great Falls, Montana. Growing up, I learned the value of hard work commonly associated with classic farming culture while simultaneously forming an understanding and deep love for the environment. This personal background fostered a strong ethic of stewardship and protection for Montana’s natural environments and lands. While living in central Montana, I often visited the Highwood Mountains, having ample opportunities to hike, explore, swim, and become acquainted with Montana’s diverse flora and fauna.

After graduating high school, I worked in Glacier National Park at Sperry Chalet, working within their restaurant. During that summer and fall, I spent every free moment exploring the park and interacting with visitors. I formed a deep love of alpine lakes and glacial formations, spending many afternoons swimming in Lake Ellen Wilson and hiking to the peak of Gunsight Mountain.

I previously served an AmeriCorps term with the Rocky Mountain Conservation Corps, working in northern Colorado on post-fire trail rehabilitation and infrastructure installation. Additionally, I served an AmeriCorps term with the Montana Conservation Corps on the Fuels and Fire Crew, primarily working in Salmon-Challis National Forest on fuel reduction projects. Last year, I worked for the Forest Service in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest as part of a district-wide engine fire crew.

Most recently, I graduated from the University of Montana in December 2023, earning a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Sustainability. My studies at UM primarily focused on the multifaceted nature of climate change and its impacts on the natural environment and communities. I specifically focused on the ethical challenges and questions related to climate change, relating to the concepts of resilience building and adaptation spanning into the future. Additionally, my degree focused on collaborative methods of natural resource management, allowing for multi-stakeholder involvement in the face of challenging situations with diverse values. 

In my free time, I enjoy running and am currently training for my first marathon, which I hope to complete this coming summer. I also love hiking and backpacking when possible, ideally to alpine lakes, streams, and waterfalls. Additionally, I absolutely love to read and often find myself reading during my spare time, as well as spending time with my cat, Rufus. 

I look forward to my term with GBCA as part of the Big Sky Watershed Corps and hope to use my knowledge and passion to help and protect the Great Burn area.

Ranger Joelle: Checking Back In

Unbeknownst to me, y’all seem to really enjoy Ranger Joelle blog posts, as it was one of the most requested topics in the poll on social media (alongside featured flora… don’t worry we’ll have that too!) So, knocking out a few birds with one stone, and welcoming everyone to the most wonderful 2024, I want to let you in on some of my hopes for 2024 and what I’ll be packing in my backpack — let’s get to it.

As the GBCA office is working hard to pull together plans for the 2024 season of all of our crews, I’ll let you in on some of my plans for this year.

  • I’ll be taking a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) class this spring. Currently I am Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certified, but this class will be the next step in the direction of taking care of folks on the trail. When hearing about these classes, it’s easy to think worst-case scenario, but some things I’m also most interested in are: staying hydrated on the trail, combatting fatigue, dealing with the heat, and food allergies. Of course, we learn how to tend to sucking-chest wounds, severed limbs, and broken bones as well, but we have to remember that staying safe on the trail starts with all of the small things!

  • I’ll be attending the Northern Rockies Wilderness Skills Institute again. This event, happening in May is a very important week-long skill-building course where we don’t only learn about land designations and trail maintenance, but also have the opportunity to connect with others in similar positions throughout the Northern Rockies region. I find this to be the most valuable part of the whole week — learning new recipes for dinners on volunteer trips, understanding different campsite survey protocols, and communicating about how to handle uncomfortable situations in the backcountry with other experienced souls.

  • Collaborating with new groups to gain more stewards of the land and connect people with this special place. I will be taking a trip with the Women Who Explore group again to help me clean and repair campsites at the end of the season. The Clearwater Trekkers will be coming with me for a couple days to learn what I do in the backcountry and to help with campsite surveys and trail inventories. Keep your eyes open on our website and social media for more details on these and others that you may be interested in!

  • Along with Chris, I hope to get involved with more outreach to school-aged kids to teach them more about what we do, what a special place this is, and how to learn to love the land (or even set up a tent)!

  • Many other things are in the works for 2024, so keep your eyes and ears peeled as the season draws ever-nearer.


Some of you are wanting to learn more about what to pack when hitting the trail. Getting ready for all of these exciting adventures, here’s a general list of what I’ll be packing with me on a trip out in the field:
this list is by no means right or wrong, so use it as a base and add or subtract to fit your comfort.

  • rain coat

  • dry bag for my clothes

  • a small towel (cuz I always seem to go swimming, and it’s good for lots of other things too)

  • puffy jacket

  • wool sweater (depending on season)

  • beanie, gloves, and a buff (no matter the season)

  • camp pants (or shorts, depending on season)

  • 2 shirts (one I wear, the other stays dry for camp/sleeping)

  • 2 pairs of socks (one on my feet, the other for sleeping)

  • underwear for each day

  • headlamp

  • book and a journal + 2 pencils

  • lots of paracord

  • pocket knife

  • trash bags (for packing trash, but also staying dry)

  • folding camp saw + lighter

  • compass + map

  • binoculars

  • playing cards!

  • 1-person tent (or a bivvy bag if it’s

  • nice weather.. but no one wants to be wet all the time)

  • 18F sleeping bag

  • thin sleeping bag liner (to keep my stinky self out of my bag!)

  • sleeping pad (R-value 3.8)

  • sometimes I live fancy and bring a hammock (not to lay in, but to wrap around me like a blanket to keep the mosquitoes away… the volunteers have seen this)

  • jet boil, fuel canister, a metal spoon (I don’t like my spoon to break and would rather carry “extra” weight)

  • 2-3L capacity for water

    • hand pump water filter

    • I also always carry iodine tablets in case of emergency

  • first-aid kit

  • toiletries: toothbrush/paste, sunscreen, chapstick, toilet paper and a trowel

  • a Cliff Bar (I don’t eat these, but I would hate to encounter someone on the trail with LBS and not be able to help out)

  • My food includes:

    • Oatmeal for breakfast

    • Crackers, summer sausage, and an apple for lunch

    • carrots for snacks

    • dinner is typically some kind of rice with dried veggies and salmon pack

      • “thanksgiving-in-a-pot” is also one of my faves that my volunteers typically get to experience as well

    • one pudding pack for a “bad” day on the trail

    • *I always bring at least 1/2 day extra food, depending on length of trip

So there ya have it! I feel a little exposed spilling the contents of my bag all over this blog post, but maybe it helps to see a little of the day-in-the-life of a field worker. I may pack too much in this bag for some, and not enough for others. Pack as you wish, and enjoy your journeys in the Great Burn this coming season. Maybe I’ll see you out there.

Cheers and Happy Trails,


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Nez perce-clearwater forest plan falls short

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On November 28th, the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest made public the Final Environmental Impact Statement, Record of Decision, and Draft Final Plan. Disappointingly, the Nez Perce-Clearwater Forest Plan is designating only 108,276 acres of the 151,874-acre Hoodoo roadless area as recommended wilderness, opening nearly 40,000 acres of crucial wildlife habitat to snowmobiling and mountain biking.

The plan proposes excluding two significant segments from the Great Burn recommended wilderness: a northern portion from Fish Lake extending north to Hoodoo Pass and a southern area encompassing Blacklead Mountain and Goat Lake. These areas offer some of the most valuable wildlife habitat within the entire forest. The decision to exclude these areas from recommended wilderness status was unfortunately influenced by the aim to legitimize ongoing illegal snowmobile use in an area that has been suggested for wilderness protection since 1987. Furthermore, the proposed plan includes opening trail 738 along the stateline to accommodate mountain biking.

The final draft plan also lacks specific guidelines for protecting vulnerable wildlife species such as wolverines, mountain goats, and grizzly bears.

Why is this important?

The Hoodoo Roadless Area, commonly known as the Great Burn, stands as one of the largest and wildest unprotected roadless areas in the contiguous United States. It spans the Idaho/Montana border and 2 National Forests totaling roughly 252,000 acres. Its significance on a national scale is underscored by the Forest Service, which has consistently recognized its wilderness value, advocating for a Wilderness designation since the 1980s. The area also received one of the highest possible ratings during the RARE II inventory completed in the 1970’s. 

This region provides a critical wildlife corridor connecting the Crown of the Continent and Selkirk-Cabinet Yaak ecosystems with central Idaho’s wildlands and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. It is home to native  mountain goat herds as well as many recovering and species of concern, including lynx, fisher, wolverine and  rare native trout. It is also a key corridor for the recolonization of grizzly bears in the US Fish and Wildlife  Service Bitterroot Ecosystem Recovery Area.  As it stands, the plan contains no binding wildlife standards necessary to ensure species survival.  

The Nez Perce Clearwater National Forest is in the final stages of Forest planning. The decisions made now will have lasting impact on the entire Hoodoo Roadless Area for decades to come.

Wolverine

Mountain Goats

Mountain goats along the stateline trail #738. Photo courtesy of Alex Kim

Many people feel snowmobiles do not have a lasting impact on the Forest landscape. We strongly disagree with this concept. Research has shown that subnivean snow layers can be crushed, impacting fragile plant and animal communities below.

Fish Lake is part of the area being opened to winter motorized use in the new Nez Perce-Clearwater Forest plan.

This forthcoming forest plan will dictate the management of the nearly 4 million acre Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest for the next 20-30 years. It's imperative that the entirety of the Hoodoo Roadless Area, totaling 151,874 acres in Idaho, be managed as Recommended Wilderness. 

What’s next? 

There's still an opportunity to influence the contents of this forest plan! A 60-day window is now open for submitting "objections" to the plan, allowing stakeholders to propose alterations before the Forest Supervisor's final approval. Objections are due by January 29, 2024. Although the Forest Service is technically obligated to consider objections only from individuals who participated in previous stages—such as the scoping phase in 2014 or the Draft Environmental Impact/Draft Plan phase in the winter of 2019 through the spring of 2020—there's a collective encouragement for all interested parties in this planning effort to voice objections. This collective action aims to demonstrate substantial opposition to the proposed plan to the Forest Service.

Following the objection period, the Forest Service is mandated to conduct objection resolution meetings within 90 days. Those who have submitted objections and previously provided comments will receive invitations to these meetings. This presents a crucial opportunity to directly convey concerns to the Forest Service and participate in the resolution process.

Have questions? Feel free to reach out to Hayley@greatburn.org for more information.


Gathering Mushrooms

The Great Burn area is a fantastic place to forage for mushrooms on your adventures. Before we dive in, it’s important to know the forest regulations on gathering:

Lolo National Forest — No permit required for quantities under 5 gallons. A free-use permit required for quantities between 5 and 20 gallons. For quantities larger than this, please contact your local forest office for more details. Please note: All mushrooms collected under incidental or personal use must be cut lengthwise in half.

Clearwater National Forest — A personal use permit is required for up to 20 gallons per person, per season. This is limited to 5 gallon per day. For quantities larger than this, please contact your local forest office for more details. Please note: Mushrooms must be cut in half lengthwise at the time of harvest.

A couple of our foraging favorites include golden chanterelles and morels:

Chanterelles (Cantharellus spp.)

Chanterelles are one of our favorite trail dinners as they arise with a golden color. These are one of the best tasting mushrooms to cook with, and they’re super special because they can’t be cultivated so you have to go out and forage for them! They are a late rise, typically in August and later around these parts. We even enjoyed picking some in the third week of October this year!
As the mushroom grows, it assumes a funnel shape. And, you don’t just have to identify these by sight, they also smell fruity - like apricots!

Please note: The jack o’lantern mushroom is a known look-alike to the golden chanterelle. Please know the difference before harvesting.

Morels (Morchella spp.)

 
 

Morels are probably the most common mushroom to collect. They are hard to mistake, and taste oh-so-good! Commonly found in disturbed and burned areas, they grow from the ground either individually or in clumps. Morels are early risers and can be found in the late spring. Similar to the chanterelles, these mushrooms are not grown commercially due to their complex relationship with the environment around them.

Our staff like to enjoy creamed morels, chopped morels in omelettes, and morels in risotto. Or, just through them in any trail dinner to add a whole new dimension!

 

Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive guide, and you should never harvest and eat a mushroom based on your learning online or from a book. Please practice with a local expert or someone who is familiar with the species you are foraging. And finally, if you have any doubts, just say no.

A Day in the Field: Roving Restoration Crew

Flexibility is key when it comes to working in the field! This year, we had a fantastic debut with our roving restoration crew, and these guys were the epitome of flexibility. Weeds don’t always just grow right along the trail, and the weather isn’t always sunny… but nevertheless, the backcountry never fails to amaze us. A few reports of flex come in these quotes:

 

The trail listed had not been in use or maintained so we followed game trails and the creek bed through thick patches of Alder and spruce until we finally made it.

We were dismayed to find the trail no longer present and resorted to bushwhacking and sliding our way down the steep terrain and slippery heather to the lake. 

 We finally made it back to the trailhead at 17:45, 3 hours later than we had planned. 

 

The boys were good at thinking on the fly and deciding on the best plan of action:

 

Unfortunately when we reached the road we found it unused and completely overgrown with alder.. After assessing our options we decided to attempt to work down the drainage but we were forced back up to the road after an hour of negligible progress over dangerous terrain. We slowly pushed our way along the road and through the alder until about two miles later it began to clear up.

 

Not only was our crew never discouraged by the turn in plans, they were able to find the light in little things and always brought humor to the table:

 

I also startled a bull moose grazing almost on the trail in front of me as I came around a corner. He took one look at me and ran the other way; I don’t think I smelled great after 5 days in the backcountry.

 

But all of these hard days made them so grateful for the days that went as planned: 

 

As we accessed our route for the day, we were grateful for the lack of off-trail travel required.

 

Needless to say, a huge shoutout to our awesome crew for being so adaptive, enjoying the little part of what makes this area so special, and never failing to shine in your positions.

How to Stay Dry and Warm in this Drippy Weather

Hey all! Back with another rendition of teachings of the wet backcountry. The rain keeps a lot of people indoors (and yes I totally understand), but sometimes these dreary days can bring the best of memories on a foggy ridgeline or among the crying trees. But, as the season wears on and the days grow cooler, it’s important to know how to keep yourself warm and dry at the end of the day. We’ve combined a few tips to keep in mind on your next venture into the rain (or snow!) Comment below any other tricks you’ve picked up during your years of journeys.

  1. Line your pack with a heavy duty trash bag. For me, this always seems to be more effective than the over-the-pack covers.

  2. Always keep one dry pair of socks to wear when you’re sleeping. Don’t sacrifice your dry socks for a couple seconds of relief in your already wet boots!

  3. If things get really chilly, heat up water and put it in a Nalgene to throw in your sleeping bag with you. Be sure not to burn yourself… put the Nalgene in a sock if you’re concerned.

  4. Pack two pairs of gloves - ones to wear and get wet on the trail, and another pair to wear while you’re warm in the tent.

  5. Wear a Buff on the trail! It can keep your neck warm or your ears warm… it dries fast, and can even work as a handkerchief.

  6. Don’t forget you still need to hydrate in the cold! Pack yourself a warm beverage on a day hike, or treat yourself mid-day by pulling out your stove and making some fresh hot cocoa.

  7. Build a fire! Remember to practice LNT principles, but building a fire can be one of the best, tried-and-true ways of warding off the cold. And not only do they serve the physical warm purpose, but they also help to make the long, dark nights a little shorter.

  8. Use iodine tablets or a gravity water filter instead of trying to pump or squeeze with cold, stiff fingers.

  9. Ziploc bags are your friend! Quart-sized freezer bags work great for keeping the cell phone dry. Gallon-sized bags are awesome for storing your book or journal.

  10. Carry an extra trash bag (or two). They can dub as a poncho, extra pack liner, or a place to store wet things and keep them separate from your still-dry things.

Hiking in the rain can seem like a rather miserable and daunting task (don’t get me wrong, I’ve shared many complaints this season), however, if you have the right gear and are confident in being able to stay warm, you can focus on the little things that make the dreary day wonderful. That break in the clouds. The way those raindrops gather on that leaf. The tears falling from the tree needles. The way that footfalls seem so silent in the pouring rain. The brief moment of the rainbow among the fog and clouds.

Cheers and Happy Trails y’all. Stay warm out there! Drop your suggestions in the comments below.