Outdoor safety tips ahead of spring hiking season in the Pacific Northwest

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Looking ahead to warmer days and peak hiking season in the Pacific Northwest, experts warn that outdoor adventures come with potential dangers.

Wear and tear from the winter weather can turn an easy or moderate hike into a rigorous adventure, as you can find yourself in danger with one slip.

According to the Hood River Crag Rats Mountain Rescue, you should make sure you're staying on the trails.

"Staying on the trail is huge," said Dr. Christopher Van Tilburg, Medical Director with the Crag Rats. "Because we go after a lot of people who go off trail and they come across an unexpected cliff or, especially in the Columbia river gorge since the Eagle Creek fire there's all kinds of hazards off trail."

Established in 1926, the Crag Rats are the oldest mountain rescue team in the nation, according to Van Tilburg. The crew is composed of volunteers including mountain bikers, skiers and hikers who want to give back to the community. The Crag Rats and other volunteer organizations rescue hikers in the Columbia Gorge and Mt. Hood.

The organization heavily stresses the need to know where you are when on the trails.

"Stay found, known where you are, don't leave the trail, don't bushwhack. And if lost, call 911," he added. "The second thing we generally tell people to do is stay put."

If you do need assistance, Dr. Van Tilburg adds you should know how to find your coordinates on your phone with geolocation or a compass app. Additionally, you should always have enough supplies on you to survive overnight if necessary, he suggests.

However, this doesn't just go for hikers. There have also been unleashed pets who have fallen off cliffs and been injured. So Dr. Van Tilburg also advises hikers to keep them on a leash, close by your side.