Judgment Calls

Should You Be Doing That on the Trail?

We weigh the arguments for and against controversial outdoor activity.

By Allison Williams May 22, 2018 Published in the June 2018 issue of Seattle Met

Judgement calls final color akteej

Image: Joseph Laney

Play Music on Trail

  • For Some of us need Bey and some bass to get up a mountain.
  • Against Uh, headphones exist. Music drowns out nature’s sweet silence.
  • Verdict Prohibited

Hike in Jeans

  • For It’s cheap, comfy, and what people did in the ’70s, before performance wear was a thing.
  • Against You know the saying: Cotton kills! Get those 501s wet, and you’ll be cold, miserable, and unsafe.
  • Verdict We’ll allow it. 

Make Campfires

  • For Humans have burned timber for warmth, comfort, and s’mores for eons.
  • Against Misuse leads to wildfires, and the fine particles in woodsmoke cause respiratory problems.
  • Verdict We’ll allow it.*

Instagram Beautiful Spots 

  • For A pretty view and a thoughtful pose equals all the likes.
  • Against It only takes a few viral pics for cherished vistas to become overrun.
  • Verdict We’ll allow it. 

Let Dogs Off Leash 

  • For Even labradoodles are descended from wolves, and they yearn to be free.
  • Against Dog fights, dogs colliding with toddlers, dogs tromping wildflowers…
  • Verdict  Prohibited

Feed Wildlife 

  • For The cute chipmunk is the only one that actually likes protein bars!
  • Against It encourages animals to beg, borrow, and steal people food—which may get them euthanized.
  • Verdict Prohibited

*Carefully. Where legal. (Duh!)

 

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