Modern life takes its toll on all of us, and many people feel the need from time to time to distance themselves from phones, computers, offices, and apartment buildings. One of the best ways to find this peace is through an old-fashioned hiking trip. Luckily for the people of Seattle, Washington, the Pacific Northwest can offer some spectacular landscapes and unforgettable moments.

However, two types of unforgettable moments exist: good and bad. Making well-prepared and well-informed decisions before going on a hike can maximize your chances of falling in the first category, especially as a beginner. Discover the main items you need to consider in this beginner’s guide.

Pick the Right Spot

You’ll find many great hiking spots in the Seattle area, but as a beginner, use a hotel resource such as InterContinental Hotels Group to find a Seattle hotel relatively close to your chosen trail. When you do, you can choose from a variety of great hikes for beginners with trails that offer outdoor fun without the need for extensive preparation.

The Coal Creek Falls in Cougar Mountain or the Discovery Park Loop Trail are both less than 3 miles long and offer breathtaking scenery and great adventures. These places are ideal to start your passion for hiking, and soon you’ll be moving to longer, more challenging trails.

Make Smart Preparations

Now that we’ve established that a shorter hike is what you need as a beginner, you need to take a few other steps for this pursuit to work out smoothly. First consider the type of clothing you want to wear while hiking. While you don’t need to go out and buy new gear especially for this occasion, comfortable clothes that properly cover your arms and legs will do, as you need mobility and some protection from the sun and wind.

The other important part of preparing is studying and understanding your trail map in advance and carrying a copy with you. Having a GPS device with you for emergencies wouldn’t hurt either.

Avoid Overpacking and Underscheduling

While short trails don’t pose too many issues, you want to be mindful of some considerations to enjoy your hike as much as possible. One useful tip is to pack only what you need. Avoid bringing too much stuff with you, as you won’t be gone a month. On the other hand, make a list of crucial items and make sure you have them with you. Another useful piece of advice is to always start early in the day, as you don’t want to be only a few hours away from spending the night in the wilderness.

Get out of your work clothes, pack your bag, and leave your home and office for the great outdoors. The difference between finding a hobby that will last a lifetime and an “I’m never doing this again” moment can be found with only a few careful steps and preparations before and during the time you devote to your great adventure.