[Jamin Smitchger]

Just out of curiosity, is the number of hikers increasing or decreasing in this state. It seems like all that kids do these days is play video games, which could mean that there are few young people coming into the sport.

[jenjen]

Judging from what I've seen on the trails around here, the number of hikers is pretty static. I think more people like the idea of hiking. When it comes right down to dealing with dirt, bugs, and sore feet, tho, most people really aren't interested.

[Backpacker Joe]

I think that the number of back country freaks (like me and others here) remains the same, but I'd say that there are less overall hikers out there now a days as compared to 20 years ago.

[Hiker Boy]

I find that the number of people on the trails is increasing up here. There appears to be more people doing it because it's trendy and fashionable than for any other reason. I know this has already been a busier year for the SAR people than previous ones.

[Aztec]

Honestly....alot of gungho hikers alienate newbies like myself from actually going out and learning and trying new things, its very cliquish. for example, I was in a local gear shop and when I walked in I got one look and was ignored the whole time, he gave me the feeling of why are you here and this isn't the place for you kind of attitude, when all I wanted to do was buy a new platypus. people like that could be a major reason why hiker numbers are down in some areas. If it wasn't for a great friend of mine and veteran hiker, I would have given up a longtime ago.

[Aztec]

And now its happing in here!

[Trevor]

The wild was created for every soul to enjoy, not just the veterans. As long as you have good intentions Aztec, I fully support your hiking enthusiasm.

[touron]

[Overlander]

[Overlander]

[Trevor]

Technology has produced more modern conveniences, making home life ultimately more pleasurable to some, I speculate that some people find it difficult to deviate from these addictive luxuries for a long period, which could possibly describe the decrease in backpacking. But technology has also created the means to access trails easier.

[wildernessed]

I rarely see anyone (on the trail), and at the most I think maybe a party of 4-5 since being out here.

[Overlander]

[Blue Dome]

I think the number of people hiking and enjoying the outdoors in other ways has increased in Washington. From the growth of our population, to the growth of REI, to stats like the following, there are more folks playing outside. http://www.dnr.wa.gov/htdocs/adm/comm/rectrust.htm

[touron]