ABOUT *who we are*

Mission: To enrich the community by helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond."

Overview

The Mountaineers is a nonprofit outdoor community of 16,000 active members in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1906, we've been getting people of all ages outside safely and responsibly for over 100 years. We host hundreds of monthly courses and activities - all led by volunteers - to offer ways to get outside and connect with others and the natural world.  We think it's important to introduce people to the outdoors early and often, and we work to protect the outdoor experience for future generations. We believe everyone should feel belonging in the outdoors, and we're striving to connect people, especially those who have been historically excluded, with the transformative power of outdoor experiences. 

Our Story

Meet our Mountaineers members and community.

Volunteer-Driven

Volunteers lead hundreds of monthly activities and courses and are the backbone of The Mountaineers, supported by a small full-time staff. These passionate volunteers lead all of our classes and activities, including hiking, climbing, scrambling, navigation, first aid, sailing, photography, and skiing. Volunteers also organize community activities like film festivals and potlucks.

Volunteer instructors are inspired by the outdoors to share their knowledge, and are passionately committed to teaching skills and providing outdoor memories to the next generation of adventurers and conservationists. Our volunteer instructors are here because they want to be. Because of this, we have an amazing student-instructor ratio and an unmatched culture of cooperation and teamwork.

Inspiring Conservation & Advocacy

The Mountaineers works to protect the outdoor experience. Through our conservation, responsible recreation, and stewardship department, we work to lobby legislators (local and national) in a continued effort to protect and conserve our natural landscape. We advocate as part of the Outdoor Alliance on your behalf to make sure recreationists have a seat at the table. Volunteers track issues, mobilize members, and perform trail and lookout maintenance to preserve the outdoor experience for the next generation. 

Get Involved

It's easy to get involved with The Mountaineers. We offer trips, courses, and events for all ages and experience levels. Whether you're an absolute beginner with an itch to get outside, or an experienced outdoor enthusiast, we have something for you. Our trips range from easy to very strenuous, with everything in between. You pick your own pace. Join as a guest or member and get started.

Membership & Donations

Mountaineers members enjoy benefits including access to all of our classes, workshops, and mountain lodges, along with discounts on books, travel, and gear. More importantly, our members join a community of outdoor lovers and adventurers. Membership dues are paid annually.

The Mountaineers is a 501(c)(3) organization. As a nonprofit, 100% of your dues and donations are tax-deductible as a donation. Our Employer Identification Number (EIN) — Federal Tax Identification Number — is 27-3009280.

Core Values

adventure

We are bold explorers  - driven by imagination, outdoor challenge, and the spirit of discovery.

advocacy

We protect the outdoor experience - wild places depend on our powerful voice for responsible access and recreation.

community

We provide opportunities for all - a diverse and inclusive outdoors inspires unity, respect, and passion for the places we love.

education

We share knowledge - empowering others to safely and responsibly pursue outdoor activities.

volunteerism

We foster connections - developing leaders who continue our legacy of outdoor education, integrity, and action.

You can access and download our core values here.