Summer Hiking Safety: Staying Safe as Temperatures Rise

Summer is one of the best times to explore Washington’s mountains, forests, and trails. Longer days and sunny weather draw more people outdoors, but warmer temperatures also bring increased risks. Every year, Seattle Mountain Rescue responds to incidents involving dehydration, heat-related illness, navigation errors, and hikers who underestimated the challenges of hiking in hot weather.

With NOAA forecasting above-average temperatures this summer, preparation is more important than ever. A little planning before you leave the trailhead can make the difference between a memorable adventure and an emergency.

How to Prepare for a Hike, Before You Reach the Trailhead

Good hydration and good decision-making start long before your boots hit the trail.

Before heading out:

• Hydrate throughout the day before your hike.
• Drink fluids during the morning before your trip and on the drive to the trailhead.
• Check the weather forecast.
• Research your route and understand the terrain.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Carry the Ten Essentials.

These simple steps dramatically improve your safety and help ensure you are prepared for changing conditions.

The Importance of Summer Hiking Clothing

As silly as it may sound, selecting the right summer hiking outfit is key – it means striking the right balance between staying cool while also staying protected from the elements, whether it’s sun in the day or if it cools at night: 

• Hat
• Light layers
• Long-sleeves
• Consider including a warm layer or, too just in case

Common Hot-Weather Hiking Mistakes

Many summer hiking emergencies can be traced back to a few common mistakes:

• Starting too late in the day
• Not carrying enough water
• Drinking only water without replenishing electrolytes
• Underestimating the effects of heat on exposed terrain
• Overestimating personal fitness or experience levels

A trail that feels comfortable in spring can become significantly more demanding during a summer heat wave. Exposed ridges, rocky slopes, and open meadows can feel much hotter than temperatures reported at the trailhead.

Another common mistake is overhydration. More water is not always better. Balance water intake with electrolytes and drink consistently throughout the day rather than forcing large amounts of water all at once.

Hydration: More Than Just Drinking Water

One of the most important aspects of summer hiking is staying hydrated. On a warm day, most hikers should plan to consume between a half-liter and a full liter of water per hour, depending on temperature, humidity, terrain, and individual needs.

Always carry more water than you expect to need. Unexpected delays, route-finding challenges, injuries, or simply spending more time on the trail than planned can increase your water requirements. Whenever possible, know where reliable water sources exist and carry the equipment necessary to filter or treat water.

Just as importantly, remember that hydration is not simply about drinking water.

When we sweat, we lose electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Replacing those electrolytes can help prevent muscle cramps, fatigue, and other heat-related problems. Consider carrying electrolyte powders, sports drinks, or salty snacks as part of your hiking nutrition plan.

There is also such a thing as drinking too much water. Consuming excessive amounts of water without replacing electrolytes can lead to a dangerous condition called hyponatremia, where sodium levels in the body become dangerously diluted. A good rule for most hikers in the Pacific Northwest is to drink water regularly to satisfy thirst rather than trying to eliminate all feelings of thirst entirely.

Staying Cool on the Trail

One of the simplest ways to avoid heat-related illness is to reduce your exposure to the hottest parts of the day.

Consider these strategies:

• Start your hike early in the morning
• Wear light-colored, sun-protective clothing
• Take breaks in shaded areas
• Cool off near rivers, lakes, or streams when appropriate
• Wet a bandana and place it around your neck to help lower body temperature

If you prefer colder water, consider carrying it in an insulated bottle or adding ice to your hydration bladder. If you have room in your pack, a frozen bottle of water can stay cold for hours and provide refreshing hydration later in the day.

Keeping fluids cool can make them more appealing to drink and encourage consistent hydration throughout your hike.

Don’t Forget Your Canine Companion

Many of us enjoy hiking with our dogs. Warm-weather safety also applies to our four-legged companions. Dogs can overheat quickly, especially on exposed trails, rocky terrain, and during long climbs where shade and water may be limited. 

Be sure to carry extra water for your dog, take frequent breaks, watch for signs of heat stress, and remember that hot rocks, dirt, and pavement can injure sensitive paw pads. Just like people, dogs can become exhausted, dehydrated, injured, or stranded far from the trailhead. 

At Seattle Mountain Rescue, we believe that pets are family and no paws are left behind — SMR rescues the whole family. That’s why we have invested in specialized canine rescue equipment and training so we can safely assist injured or stranded dogs when emergencies occur. Whether your hiking partner walks on two legs or four, proper preparation helps ensure that everyone comes home from the backcountry.

If You Need Help, Call Early

If you become lost, injured, or begin experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness, call 911 as soon as possible.

Early notification allows rescuers to gather information, coordinate resources, and respond more effectively. Waiting until a situation becomes critical often makes the rescue more difficult and can increase risk for both the subject and rescue personnel.

Seattle Mountain Rescue volunteers train year-round to respond when the King County Sheriff’s Office requests assistance. Whether the emergency involves an injured hiker, a lost subject, or a technical mountain rescue, our goal remains the same:

Everyone Comes Home From the Backcountry.

Support the Mission

Seattle Mountain Rescue is an all-volunteer organization that depends on community support to maintain the training, equipment, and readiness needed to respond when help is needed most.

As a recipient of Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency, Seattle Mountain Rescue is committed to the highest standards of accountability and openly shares the impact of every donor dollar entrusted to our mission.

If you would like to support our work, please consider making a donation or exploring the tax-smart giving options available through Seattle Mountain Rescue. Your generosity helps ensure our volunteers remain ready to respond whenever and wherever the call comes.

Together, we can help keep Washington’s outdoor community safe and ensure that everyone comes home from the backcountry.