The University of Idaho’s Outdoor Program is still hosting a variety of affordable, safe, socially distanced outside activities for people to enjoy. One of these is the upcoming Women’s River Canyon Backpacking trip.
The overnight trip to Race Creek along the Selway River takes place Saturday and, although, the registration period has already closed, this annual hike is a good opportunity for people to learn new skills or have a fun, relaxing weekend getaway, Outdoor Program Director Trevor Fulton said.
“It’s really immersive in the wilderness,” trip leader Kate Hegbloom said. “You’re just off the grid, and you’re out there with the people you’re with, and it’s a really good time. You’re working hard and carrying everything on your back, and it just makes you appreciate things a little bit more.”
Before every hike there is a meeting where participants discuss the specifics of the trail, how to pack a backpack, leave-no-trace policies, what food to bring, weather and more. Fulton said the program usually tailors the instructions it gives to the experience of the hikers.
“One of the things I really like to do is, if I’m leading a program like this, I’ll actually bring my backpack packed to the pre-trip meeting,” Fulton said. “I’ll just pull stuff out really fast so participants can visually see it. I’m a visual learner so that works well for me, and I think it works pretty well for a lot of folks.”
Hegbloom said when she packs she usually puts her sleeping bag and other lightweight items in the bottom of her pack, where it rests on the lower back. Heavier items would sit closer to the body so it is more comfortable, while food and first aid would be closer to the top where it is easier to access, Hegbloom said.
Hikers will need to bring their own equipment and food, but transportation and group gear like a first aid kit, emergency communication and a large rain shelter will be provided.
The rental center has any supplies that a novice hiker may not have, like backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, stoves and more. Fulton said someone renting all of the equipment they need along with the registration cost for the hike is budget friendly, coming in under $100.
As far as food goes, lightweight and nutritious is the goal. Fulton said while Mountain House Meals or other freeze dried food is always an option, those can be rather costly. For a relatively cheap but nutritious meal he recommended bringing sandwiches, wraps or granola and powdered milk.
Hegbloom said participants are usually asked to perform daily health self-checks at least a week before attending the hike and vitals checks would be performed every morning and evening of the hike, including before hopping in the provided transportation.
Fulton said participants are allowed to caravan in their personal vehicle this year to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, but otherwise masks are required for the trip.
“It’s easier to socially distance when you’re outside versus if you’re all together in a raft or something like that,” Hegbloom said. “So, you can take off your mask while you’re hiking and walking, as long as you’re six feet apart. We don’t do that, we actually do longer than that because we’re exerting ourselves.”
hat may not feel comfortable going in a larger group or not ready for an overnight trip include areas like Moscow Mountain, Elk River, McCroskey Memorial State Park and Hells Gate State Park.
“Down at Hells Gate there’s some great hiking, especially in the winter time,” Fulton said. “You know, it can be 10-15 degrees warmer down there, and it can be raining up here, sunny down there.”
Anteia McCollumcan be reached [email protected] on Twitter @antxiam5