It's time to enjoy the hiking news I've rounded up for you. This month, that includes several inspiring female hikers, new hiking resources to keep you safe on the trail, a reminder of why being bear aware is important, and lots more.

What it doesn't include are the things I've been promising, like hiking reviews of a heated fleece vest (it's still in the 70s here) and a super lightweight wood burning backpacking stove (burn ban is still in place).

It also doesn't have my trip report from July's remote rafting and hiking trip to the NW Territories (my bad, I've been spending all my time outdoors and haven't processed the photos yet).

So I hope to have all that, as well as reviews of brand new Backpackers Pantry freeze dried meals and some new REI clothing, ready to go for you next month.

Without further ado or excuses, let's get started with the September edition of Happy Trails. Thanks for being here!

LOVING A PLACE TO DEATH

The evidence? Toilet paper strewn around, trampled vegetation, switchbacks that are cut and allow trail erosion, garbage and human feces along the trail, bad behaviors like blasting music or ripping off tree limbs at campsites, and so much more.

Add to that the severe staffing cuts we've experienced this year, and things get worse.

Much worse.

Here's an example of 2025 conditions in a pristine hiking location in Washington State. The article gives you an intimate, detailed and very sad glimpse into this unfortunate turn of events:

Enchantments face dire conditions

BEARS AND HIKERS

As a realist, I also know that things can happen even when I do everything right in bear territory.

Here's an article about a woman's accidental, non-fatal encounter with a mama grizzly on a hiking trail.

No action was taken against the bear, due to the confined space and defensive nature of the reaction (not "attack") of the surprised sow with two cubs.

I'm offering two different versions of the events, an official NPS report and a local newspaper report.

Nobody interviewed mama bear as far as I can tell. I'll bet she was spitting mad!

National Park Service injured hiker report

Glacier National Park bear encounter 2025

If you are hiking in bear country, please read up on what to do to keep yourself safe. My tips can help with your preparation:

When and how to use bear spray

INSPIRING FEMALE HIKERS

First up, a woman who didn't let the loss of a shoe stop her from making her miles. A friendly hand out from another hiker didn't hurt, either!

Clara Hughes on the West Coast Trail

This, meaning taking a long hike in their own backyard in order to understand how environment, climate and access converge to impact their constituents.

Oregon Congresswoman treks around Mt. Hood

In her own words, she is hiking "with an implanted neuromodulation system for a nonfatal rare brain disease and a rare glucose condition, marked by debilitating hypoglycemic unawareness episodes."

Check out the name of her dog, and how his abilities are vital to her safety on the trail:

Can do canine!

HIKING RESOURCES

The first resource I'd like to share with you is for those of us who are planning to spend time on the Pacific Crest Trail, or know someone who is.

It provides details on 72 day hikes that highlight the splendors of the PCT, handpicked by people who are on this trail all the time.

You can select the hikes that give you what you crave as a hiker, from short day hikes to steep elevation gains, with vistas and waterfalls and wildflowers to choose from.

A great "sampler" of what the Pacific Crest Trail has to offer near you!

PCTA launches EXPLORE website for hikers


Here's an important topic we should all be thinking about in order to make good choices: how to provide ourselves with clean drinking water on the trail.

Human feces in water is becoming more prevalent, and with feces come viruses like Norovirus and hepatitis. That means you need more sophisticated methods to treat your water.

But which one is right for you?

This great resource from a Canadian health department is a chart takes you through your choices for water treatment methods:

Water treatment methods for hikers

And Hiking For Her takes a detailed look at the options for water purification and treatment a hiker can carry on every hike, regardless of length.

It includes recommendations based on my trail time and backcountry experience, too.

Backpacking water treatment and purification methods

That's all, folks! (for now)

Thanks for reading this little newsletter. I consider it a privilege to occupy space in your inbox.

Every month I do my best to sniff out a little something for everyone, but I am always eager to receive your feedback and suggestions.

A note saying hi, pics of your hiking pup or new backpack, also nice.

Wishing you every possible opportunity to hit the trail in September and on into October, when you'll see another issue of Happy Trails in your inbox.

Diane a.k.a. Happy Hiker

diane@hiking-for-her.com

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