The table of contents in the book identifies any or all of these restrictive elements whenever they are noted in a loop hike that includes them. Even if fording and water are present, they are a more difficult challenge depending on the time of year. If you intend to hike in late spring or early summer, you can end up with either a small accumulation of snowpack and thereby you’ll face a lower river flow rate. However, a normal or exceedingly normal snowpack producing a high flow rate will make fording nearly impossible. As for available water, it is accessible in most areas that have water—be it ponds, rivers streams, lakes or tarns—and the availability will extend well into summer. Hiking in the late summer or early fall, hikers may find a lot of water sources dry.

As for wayfinding, the challenge is always present. Most wayfinding exists in subalpine and alpine areas. A lot of wayfinding is successful when close attention is paid to the map, the terrain, the direction(s) and sometimes cairns to guide your way. Pay close attention to the ground you have covered because if you believe that you can’t successfully complete the wayfinding, you’ll need to backtrack the ground traveled to get out of the wayfinding attempt. “Loop Hikes in the Olympic Mountains” provides detailed information regarding altitude, compass direction and often—distances. Even with all that information, wayfinding is difficult at best; take your time.