Adventuring with Your Pet in “Shoulder Season”

Summers in the Pacific Northwest can be some of the most beautiful and lush around, but they often don’t last long, especially in the mountains. In order to extend the amount of time you can spend adventuring. it is often necessary to venture out in what we call “Shoulder Season.” which is typically in the early spring and late fall. Shoulder season is when the snow levels and weather in the mountains can be a bit more challenging, and thus presents different considerations than our more fair-weather ventures, especially when bringing along our furry adventure pals!

Here are some things to consider when planning your adventures during this time:

• Choose Your Adventure Wisely – Striking the right balance between you and your pets’ skill level, the terrain you wish to experience, and how weather and other conditions will impact you is an art form. You might be long-distance peak baggers in the summer, but choose shorter river rambles in the off months to account for shorter days, mud, rain, and snow. Determining your own comfort levels and researching ahead of time helps to ensure you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery without worry.

Packing the 10 Essentials for you and your pet is especially important during shoulder season. Over time, you’ll also want to customize this list with a few extra essentials that are unique to each place you visit.

• Weather – Nothing is worse for you or your pet than to get caught in an unexpected rainstorm and the weather during these times of years can change rapidly. Be sure to check for rain, snow, wind speeds, and any warnings for wherever your adventure is planned. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Weather Service and maps make it easy to get a better idea of what weather will truly look like out in less populated areas.
  • • Pack extra layers for you and your dog, including insulating layers and rain gear.
    • Muddy or snowy terrain can present issues for bare paw pads, so boots or paw wax can be a critical addition to you or your pup’s pack.
    • Pack a towel and warm and dry layers for the drive home.
• Daylight – Ensure you plan your day accordingly and check when sunrise and sunset will occur, so you know how many daylight hours you have. Keep in mind that sunrise and sunset times might differ where you’re hiking. Establishing a turnaround time based on daylight remaining during this time of year can really help ensure that you’re able to get back to the car prior to dusk.

Shoulder Season Tip: Don’t forget your flashlight, headlamp, dog lights, and extra batteries just in case you end up being out longer than expected.

• Trail Conditions – This time of year is also usually when you’ll experience more obstacles on trails and roads leading out to your favorite spots. Check your favorite resource to read recent trip reports to learn about downed trees, washouts, snow obstacles. and other hazardous conditions prior to leaving. It’s critical to ensure you and your pet have a great adventure and limit the risks of injuries. AllTrails and Washington Trails Association are great places to find such trip reports and updates.
  • Carrying a map while also having and knowing how to use a compass can be lifesaving, especially when trails might become harder to follow.
  • It may also be advised to utilize a harness and lead, limiting your dog’s time off-leash when trail conditions become potentially hazardous.

• Avalanche Conditions – The very early spring is when avalanche conditions can truly be the worst–with warming weather and layers of snow destabilizing quickly. If you plan to head anywhere that snow might persist, it’s important to know how the risk of an avalanche. Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) has a team that evaluates and forecasts avalanche conditions and can help you plan your trips accordingly.
  • Avalanche awareness classes can be a great way to learn more about these conditions and how to plan snowy adventures safely!

Shoulder season can be a wonderful time to begin or continue your adventures. We hope that these considerations help you to plan your next trip and safely enjoy the outdoors with your pet any time of year!