Think safety when outdoors

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Officials have issued guidelines for safely backpacking, snowshoeing, skiing or taking a day hike in Olympic National Park.

Visitors are asked to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and also practice Leave No Trace principles.

• Know before you go. Visit nps.gov/olym for current park conditions. Make a plan, follow the 10 Essentials and if you are sick, stay home.

• Keep it close. Follow the state and county orders governing the open status of the area you’re considering visiting. The National Park Service is working closely with governors and state and local health departments as we increase access and services across the National Park System.

• Keep your distance. Recreate with the people in one’s household. Give others plenty of room whether on a trail, at a boat launch or in a parking lot. Follow CDC social distancing guidelines for staying 6 feet away from others. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth if you’re near others.

• Know your limits. Postpone challenging hikes or trying new activities while first responders, parks and communities continue to concentrate on responding to the pandemic.

• Keep it with you. If you brought it, take it with you. Trash pickup and restroom facilities will continue to be limited in many park areas. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

• Keep it inclusive. Be an active part of making our nation’s parks and public lands safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.

— Olympic National Park sources