I know most folks just use internet sources, AI, blogs, YT or whatever to plan hikes. But I will once again strongly advocate for consulting old hiking guides, often found in your local libraries (unless they’ve tossed them because no one is using them). While some information in those old tomes might be out of date for exact planning purposes, the enrichment they provide far surpasses most trip reports posted online. Of course I use both, but I really really enjoy reading the older, more literary works.
I have in my hand right now, from our library, “Exploring Mount Rainer” by Ruth Kirk, in anticipation of our upcoming summer jaunt. Published 1968 when most of you were not alive, and I was just learning to swim and read, not even reading chapter books yet. This author assumed the reader wanted more than simply to get to the top of a peak, or finish a route. While there are very brief route descriptions and hand drawn maps, the focus is on geology, weather, nature, and indigenous history. There’s the history of discovery and exploration, and the founding of the park. It’s the “why” behind choosing this area to explore.
Most YouTubers care not one whit about this stuff; their shows are all about what they ate or what blisters they got. Some are better at telling a tale or making an engaging film. But many have no idea what the trees and plants are, what mammals might be leaving those turds on the trail, or how much advocacy and effort went into preserving this land for all to enjoy. I’m sure they’re producing what their viewers want, and I’m just a weirdo nerd, not the target audience, although I have enjoyed watching some of them nonetheless. Gear reviews get old though; 2 minutes max per item, please. Yawn.
This book like others have lyrical prose to deepen one’s relationship with a place; they’re about appreciating and noticing what you might find there, and assumes a reading level of “grade 13” or higher, which most adults ought to have. It’d be nice if you all used these books, so they don’t disappear forever! I can only collect so many.
What are your favorite hiking guides of yesteryear?
