Lori Heath
Meet Erin Vagley, a Foothills Hike Leader and Qualified Youth Leader. Erin is also the Leader Development and Leader Certification Coordinator for the Foothills Hiking, Backpacking, and Urban Walks Committee. She has led hikes for the Foothills Yoga for Hikers, Backpackers, and Trail Runners course and for the GoHike course. Erin was recognized for her leadership with the Key Instructor badge in 2023.
What brought you to the Pacific Northwest and when did you come?
I moved to Seattle from Washington DC in 2014 to take a job with the Seattle Sounders.
What attracted you to The Mountaineers?
I was looking for an opportunity to develop skills like climbing and scrambling in a safe and welcoming environment, and I wanted to find friends who shared my interests and passion for the outdoors.
What have been your favorite volunteer memories with The Mountaineers?
I enjoy leading hikes for the GoHike course. The GoHike community is wonderful, caring, supportive, and so much fun! I also like getting to know prospective leaders through my Leadership Coordinator role with the Foothills Hiking, Backpacking, and Urban Walks Committee. And I’ll never forget participating in stewardship activities with my scrambling course classmate, now husband, Travis Vermeer.
What are your favorite activities and/or places in the PNW?
Mount Rainier National Park is my happy place. I was fortunate to backpack the Wonderland Trail last year and hope to summit the mountain someday. In the summer, I volunteer at the park as a Meadow Rover.
Why do you volunteer with The Mountaineers?
I volunteer with The Mountaineers because I want to support others in learning new skills and in finding community and belonging in the outdoors.
