Some Washington Llama Outfitters

If you want to hike close to home, with a little help from some four-footed friends, several outfitters offer llama-trekking in Washington.

Using a llama (or horse or burro) to carry camping gear and food opens up overnight hikes to those who otherwise might not be able to get into the wilderness - hikers with young children, older hikers, or those with disabilities.

Although horses still are most commonly used for pack trips in the Northwest, llamas have hit the trail in recent years. They're especially suited to fragile wilderness areas since llamas' lighter weight means their hoofprints leave less of a mark than pack horses'.

Here is a sampling of companies that offer guided treks with llamas. Most offer regularly scheduled trips or can customize a hike for a group.

-- Olympak Llamas - Based in Port Angeles and offers llama treks on the Olympic Peninsula; (360) 452-4475.

-- Deli Llama - Based in Bow, Wash., and offers trips in the North Cascades and elsewhere in Washington. (360) 757-4212.

-- Pasayten Llama Packing - Pack trips out of the Methow Valley are offered by this Winthrop-based company, (509) 996-2326.

-- Llama Tree Ranch - Trips in the southern Cascades, plus day trips with llamas from this Olympia-based company. (360) 491-LAMA.

-- Kit's Llamas - Specializes in Olympic Mountains trips; based in Olalla. Phone (206) 857-5274.

For more information on pack trips, especially with horses,

contact the Washington Outfitters & Guides Association. The Redmond-based group can send out a brochure describing dozens of its member companies who offer guided pack trips. Phone 392-6107.