Hiking in the Winter
With our relatively mild Northern California climate, it is fairly easy to keep hiking in the winter. Because our temperatures do dip during the winter months, however, it is wise to take a few precautions.
Here are some tips for getting out into nature when the temperature drops.
- Dress in layers. Temperatures change in a hurry. When the sun is shining, it is significantly warmer than when clouds roll in. Toward the evening, temperatures drop, and if we are lucky, we may actually get some rain this winter. Dressing in layers can keep you comfortable in all the varying conditions. Consider bringing the following items:
- Wool socks
- Gloves
- A waterproof outer layer
- A warm cap and a hooded jacket
- Tech fabric or fleece inner layers
- Bring a hiking partner. It is always a good idea to bring a partner hiking, so that you do not get stranded if you encounter a dangerous situation. This is particularly true during the colder times of the year. Along these lines, be sure to let others know where you are hiking in the event that you get lost, or something goes wrong.
- Invest in proper gear. Quality fabrics do a better job at regulating body temperature. They also last longer. Waterproof boots, a well-made jacket, and a lightweight backpack are some of the basic essentials for a chilly day hike.
- Look at the weather forecast. This may seem obvious, but check your weather app before you head out. Some people may not enjoy a rainy hike, while others would love it. Have some idea of how the day will unfold, yet also be prepared for unpredictable weather changes.
- Hydrate. Sometimes in colder weather, we forget to drink enough water. As such, dehydration during winter is a common problem. Your body is working to maintain its core temperature, so during a long hike, you will need to drink and eat while on the trail. Enjoying a thermos of hot chocolate counts towards your hydration goal!
Oroville’s Table Mountain
The official name for Table Mountain is the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve. It sits above the city of Oroville. There are vernal pools and breathtaking waterfalls, including Phantom Falls. Hiking the nature area and taking in the scenery can fill a whole day. It is open year-round. The trails are uneven and rocky, so wear your hiking boots or closed-toed shoes. The nature area allows dogs on leash.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below documents the Phantom Falls hike.
How to Get to Table Mountain
The directions from Highway 70 in Oroville are:
- Take Exit 48 (Grand Avenue)
- Turn right on Grand and travel one mile
- Take a left on Table Mountain Boulevard for one-tenth of a mile
- Turn right on Cherokee Road and continue to the small parking lot located on the west side – this is the official entrance.
Visitors are reminded of the principle of Leave No Trace. Pack out all trash and do not remove any natural objects from the area.
Oroville Personal Injury Attorneys
Thank you for visiting our legal blog and our tips for hiking in the winter. I am Ed Smith, an Oroville personal injury lawyer. My team of skillful injury attorneys have been fierce advocates for injured Northern Californians for decades. When you have been injured in an accident, the last thing you want to do is deal with calls from an insurance adjuster. The goal of an adjuster is to get you to accept a lowball offer on your claim. If you have questions following an accident, call our firm for compassionate, free, and friendly legal advice at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400.
A sampling of case results obtained by our trusted injury lawyers can be viewed on our verdicts and case settlements page. Below are links to our client reviews:
Photo by Angelo Pantazis via Unsplash
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