Getting Started
For over 100 years, we've been sharing adventure, teaching skills, and conserving land. We host hundreds of monthly courses and activities - all led by our coalition of volunteers - to offer ways to get outside and connect with others passionate about the outdoors. People join The Mountaineers to explore nature, learn new skills, and make outdoor connections and lifelong friends.
Want the 'easy button' before doing anything else? Be sure to set up your Alerts & Notifications to get an email about courses and activities that most interest you.
I'M A BEGINNER LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE...
You’ve hiked Mt. Si, paddled around Lake Washington, and skied at Stevens Pass. You are ready to ditch the crowds and explore some new places with our vibrant community of outdoor enthusiasts.
- Sign up for an activity that doesn't have prerequisites. This includes day hikes, backpacking trips, stewardship activities, photography outings, and occasional sailing opportunities!
- Consider taking a basic or introductory course with us such as Basic Snowshoeing, Introduction to Rock Climbing, one of our Hiking courses, and much, much more! Go to Find Courses to see what's currently available.
- Check out our events page for new members and attend an event with us soon!
- Still not sure how it all works? Visit our FAQ'S page, or send us an email to info@mountaineers.org with your questions.
I'm Experienced but want to learn more...
You've been adventuring long enough to know all of the basics, and now you would like to advance to some new challenges. The Mountaineers offers advanced or more in-depth instruction on nearly a dozen different outdoor activities, including kayaking, backcountry skiing, alpine climbing, and more!
- Read about what's available on our Course Overviews page, then go to Find Courses to see what is currently available. Some courses are only offered once a year, so use the Course Calendar to plan ahead.
I have skills and want to gain EQUIVALENCY badges...
Trips like hiking, backpacking, and naturalist activities - which do not require technical skills and gear - are open for anyone to sign-up. Trips that are more technical - like climbing, backcountry skiing, or sea kayaking - often require prerequisite skills before you can register. This ensures that everyone is familiar with the necessary skills to safely participate.
If you already have the prerequisite skills for a specific activity, you might qualify for equivalency. Email info@mountaineers.org and we can help you apply for equivalency in a number of different activities!
I want to learn more about how everythiNG works...
The Mountaineers is not a guide service, and our leaders expect that all activity participants will take responsibility for themselves, participate within their own limits, and contribute positively to the health and well-being of other participants and to the group as a whole. Some of our activities also have prerequisites to ensure that everyone is safe and has the skills needed to successfully participate in the activity.
In addition to these skill prerequisites, The Mountaineers has developed Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) to provide a guideline of the physical and cognitive skills necessary for participation in our programs. Please also review our Member Code of Ethics for information about our community expectations.
I want to LEAD trips...
Help us get more people outside by becoming an activity leader!
I want to GET TO KNOW My BRANCH...
We have seven branches throughout western Washington, which serve as geographic hubs for our various courses and activities. In addition, our branches occasionally host social events for their members. These are a great way to get to know your local member community and meet fellow adventurers. Get involved with your local branch today!
Bellingham | Everett | Foothills | Kitsap
Olympia | Seattle | Tacoma