This will help to mitigate risks and minimize your impact. This includes checking regulations/permits, which exists to keep people and the environment safe. Think through group sizes, waste management, trail conditions, and emergency preparations. 

Use established trails and campsites. Taking short cuts or going off of trail can put you at harms way, and can damage or kill the micro-ecosystems. In WA, most popular backpacking sites are well established and marked, so follow the guidelines. If you are backpacking in areas without established campsites, keep your footprint small, away from vegetation (rocks, gravel, dry grass, or snow are ideal), away from lakes and streams (at least 200 ft), and avoid creating new sites or trails. 

Food | Whatever you bring with you, you must bring back with you. NO EXCEPTIONS. Yes, even fruit peels!

Human Waste | Dig a hole 6-10 inches deep, at least 200 ft from any water source. Cover the hole when you are done, obviously.  

Dishes and Hygiene | Fill your water bottle and go 200 ft away from any water source. Only use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Try to scatter the used water. 

Only use fire in permitted, designated areas. Keep fire small, burn all wood down to ash, and always put it out completely. Never bring firewood from home as we don't want to introduce new pests or diseases. Buy locally. 

Don't feed animals. Store food/trash properly, otherwise you may attract animals to trails/campsites or alter their natural behaviors, which could be dangerous to both humans and animals. Always watch from distance, never follow or draw attention. Avoid all wildlife in sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.  

Preserve the past. There are countless cultural structures and artifacts in the outdoors that need to be preserved. Take pictures, appreciate, and marvel at the history of this land and its people, but touch nothing. Leave all natural objects as they are, even rocks. Don't build your own structures or dig trenches. Make sure to clean your hiking shoes if you've traveled to a different region to avoid introducing non-native species. 

Respect other visitors and their experiences. Yield to other visitors on the trail, camp away from trails and other campsites, keep the noise level down, and have a courteous attitude. If you have a pet, make sure it is well managed.