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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent resource, though not comprehensive., May 29, 2007
This review is from: Best Hikes with Dogs Western Washington (Paperback)
I agree with both the two positive reviews and (somewhat) the one negative review prior to mine. It is an excellent, inspiring book full of good information. It does not--and I don't see how it possibly could--give you essential up-to-date information on these trails. Dan Nelson even acknowledges as much on page 48: "No guidebook can provide all the details of a trail, nor stay current with constantly changing conditions of trails, stream crossings, access roads, and administrative rules." He goes on to list sources of current information. For that, one useful resource is the web site of the Washington Trails Association, http://www.wta.org . They have trip reports that give you details such as where trees have blown down, which roads are washed out, and where trail crews have recently made improvements. The book's lack of up-to-the-minute information is a legitimate point to raise, but not a reason for a negative review.
Besides the information on specific trails, Mr. Nelson provides valuable tips on caring for your dog while in the backcountry. You will be miles from help, so it is vital that you anticipate your dog's needs in addition to the Ten Essentials for humans. He gives tips on Doggie first aid, trail etiquette, and canine equipment.
If I had to find a flaw with this book, it is that some of the pictures that would have looked spectacular in color end up rather bland in black and white. This is no doubt a compromise on printing costs. Other than that, it is an extremely useful book that will repay you many times the purchase price in avoided headaches. Dogs make excellent hiking companions, with the proper training and preparation, and this book will help you form some of the fondest memories of your life. Further, if you don't know the information in this book, you have no business being on wilderness trails with your dog, for the sake of your dog and for the sake of others. Read this book, or else stay home.
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Put Paw to Trail and Get Going!, February 23, 2004
By A Customer
This review is from: Best Hikes with Dogs Western Washington (Paperback)
Dogs belong with us on the trails. I gnash my teeth every time I think that they are prohibited from so many National Park Trails! After all what does more damage, our heavy lug sole boots or their soft, quiet paws? As a woman hiking, I feel so much more comfortable with my friendly canine companion There is something special about being in the wilderness with another species, almost like having a translator along, Dan cathes this feeling. He gives excellent advice on excellent hikes. The directions are clear, the hikes well described and well chosen. I have used and enjoyed the book. For all of you contemplating a hike with your furry friend, plseas keep the canine on a leash, pleas pick up any dog droppings, please do not let your animal frighten people or other wildlife. I want to keep hiking with my dog! No one wants to step in dog droppings, no one wants to be lunged at or barked at, no one wants to see a dog chasing wildlife. So please be an exemplary dog companion. If we show dogs and their humans can be responsible on the trails, maybe more trails will open up to us! If we are rude and irresponsible we will loose the trails we can now walk. Dan wrote a great hiking guide. I hope he expnads it with some companion books. How about hiking with your dog in Oregon, Idaho, etc.
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
DO NOT rely on the trailhead directions, July 15, 2009
This review is from: Best Hikes with Dogs Western Washington (Paperback)
I purchased this book a few days ago and have already done two hikes in the Olympics. While the trail descriptions themselves are generally okay (mileage markers are suspect) and it provides area and trail starting points for a Washington newbee like me, the directions to the trail head for both hikes was completely wrong. If you purchase this book, buy a forest map as well, or stop at a ranger station for correct directions to the trail head. Wrong turn directions (right instead of left - that sent me 40 minutes out of the way) and, road name errors. I ran into someone on the trail who had the book who said the same thing happened to them.
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