We recently found out about the new requirements of bear canisters in Olympic National Park. If you are planning a trek in the park this summer, here are new rules, from the National Park Service website:
Bear canisters are now required in the Sol Duc/Seven Lakes Basin area to include all camps adjacent to and enclosed by the Deer Lake Trail, High Divide Trail, and Sol Duc River Trail (High Divide Loop), and adjacent camps along the Mink Lake Trail, East High Divide Trail, and Cat Basin area.
While it is always recommended to use bear canisters where bears have been known to live, it has not always been required. The NPS recommends hard-sided containers to store your food, rather than hanging food bags, even where bear canisters are not required, to also avoid raccoon problems. Remember to keep your food stored at all times, as bears can be active all day and night.
With the proper precautions, you will remain safe on your trek and it is unlikely that you will encounter a bear. Read our past article about bear safety on the trail to prepare yourself for any treks this summer in bear country.
