By Joan Melcher

SAFETY comes first so hikes may be canceled or destinations changed due to weather conditions, forest fires and/or smoke, logging, construction or other unforeseen circumstances. A hike will be canceled if there are high wind warnings, flooding conditions, snowy or icy road conditions, or forecasts of continued heavy rain or thunder and lightening.  All the hikes are on a Wednesday.  For questions or additional information contact Joan Melcher at jdmelcher@comcast.net or 360.424.0407. Dogs are discouraged on Audubon-sponsored hikes and if dogs are on a hike, they must be on a leash at all times.

General safety note: upon arrival at the destination, if cancellation of the hike is determined at the discretion of the Audubon trip leader, any individual who elects to proceed is no longer considered to be a member of that Audubon sponsored activity. Additionally, carpools are arranged at the discretion of the driver(s).

PANDEMIC POLICIES:   Drivers of vehicles have the say as to pandemic policies within their vehicle.   It is strongly recommended that  all hikers be vaccinated.

LIABILITY RELEASE:  All persons who participate in the Skagit Audubon Hikes must sign a liability release.   This is signed once and is kept on file until a person, by writing, asks to be removed.  The release form is available on the Skagit Audubon web site and on hiking days at the sign-in location.

WILDERNESS HIKES:    The information is too lengthy to be printed here.  Contact Joan Melcher, 360-424-0407, jdmelcher@comcast.net, for more information on wilderness hikes.   Hikers on the e-mail lists will receive detailed information about the wilderness hikes available.

* see individual hike description for additional information (ex. US Forest Service permit required; Wash. State Discover Pass required, etc.)