[Cyclopath]

[Cyclopath]

[Malachai Constant]

I have told people who were getting ready to rap off a cliff that their anchor was sketchy, they checked and thanked me.

[RumiDude]

[Jim Dockery]

I think you handled this situation perfectly. I'll do the same, esp. when those I'm worried about are younger. A few years ago I was hiking out onto the bluff at Cape Kiwanda in OR. A couple of young boys (6-9 yr) followed my wife and I up a low angle sandy crag, then started running up along the edge of the sand cliff, which would put them 50-70 ft. above the beach. Their parents were down on the beach oblivious. I got the boys attention and told them that the edge could break off and that a number of people had fallen to their deaths in the area. They paused, looked at each other, and casually moved away from the edge. I'd already decided that if they ignored me I'd call down to their parents, repeat my warning, then leave it to them. On an exposed mountain I'd do the same as you since the consequences could be fatal, but on a trail I normally don't presume to give adults advice figuring they'll survive most mistakes and learn a lesson, or that they are capable of dealing with it and my snap judgement of them is wrong.

[silence]

Spring, 2017 we were hiking along the Hoh River trail and came upon a pair of backpackers from Florida (the ranger station was closed so it was only self-registration). We asked where they were headed and they said to the top. We asked a few pertinent questions about their plans to see if they really knew what they were getting themselves into, esp since they were both wearing jeans (with rain and snow in the forecast) and their backpack set-ups were more than questionable (including no visible permits). Did that mean they were headed to Mt Olympus? Yes. Did they know about the avy slopes near Glacier Meadows and probably no ladder in place yet ... did they know they would need crampons, ice axes, etc? No, but they would go as far as they could. Our biggest concern was that one of them was actually carrying a rifle. Anyhow, soon thereafter we came upon a trail crew and talked to the head guy. We told him first off, that we were concerned about the gun because there were reports of a bear frequenting the Olympus Ranger Station camp, and that we were worried that they might shoot it in a moment of panic. Also, told him that they were obviously ill-prepared for their trip and was concerned about that as well. We asked him to call all this in to the Olympic NP WIC. At that time he was reluctant to get involved. We continued on and upon our return he said that he had reconsidered and actually called it in. The park's response was this: first, it's legal to carry a firearm in the NP, just not legal to fire it (What the heck does that mean? After they kill a bear it's a little late to say they weren't allowed to shoot it). Then that their job was not to determine whether a visitor was prepared or not ... it's up the the individual (Seriously? They are willing to put their rangers at risk to rescue someone who is obviously ill-prepared?).

[Chief Joseph]

I agree with the Rangers, some people will only learn the hard way.

[RumiDude]

[Chief Joseph]

The Rangers are trained professionals, most of you are not.

[RumiDude]

[Chief Joseph]

[RumiDude]

[DadFly]

Be polite and ready to back off but speak up when you see a potential problem. The hardest time I have had getting past a recovery was with a girl about my daughter's age and wearing gear similar to hers. And it was so easily avoidable. "If only someone had been there to warn her about the dangers."

[silence]

My concern wasn't about the response of a specific ranger at WIC ... it's more about the Park's policy. If they don't care, then why should I? Except when it comes to putting their rangers and other SAR peps in harms way, as well as wildlife whose home we are visiting. These guys didn't have a clue about anything, and the Hoh Ranger station was closed so they didn't even get the lecture about LNT, what conditions were like up there, the firearms rule, or even bother to get a backcountry permit. Still, I'm not afraid to talk to people on the trail if I think they need some guidance .... a yeah most don't want to hear it. On the contrary, we're always happy to get, and even ask, about conditions and advice from others on the trail.

[Chief Joseph]

I think the answer varies from person to person. Some don't feel comfortable telling others how to act (me) while others must get on their soapbox and preach. And then others probably fall somewhere in the middle, so really imho there is no definitive answer to this question.