Blog

It was the evergreen conifer trees synonymous with the Pacific Northwest that gave Washington State its nickname, “the Evergreen State.” Washington offers the opportunity to experience and appreciate these majestic trees in all seasons, from big cities to the wilderness. These tall sentinels shade our campsites and trails, cleanse the air, and play an integral role in the iconic mountain vistas we love. They’re more than a symbol - they’re deeply rooted and connected to our communities, public health, and culture in the Pacific Northwest. Read more…

At 21 years old, Nathan Longhurst has accomplished what most would consider an impossible feat – climbing Washington’s 100 highest mountains in just 94 days, a group of peaks also known as the Bulger List. Now the youngest finisher (and only the 82^nd finisher since the list’s inception in 1980), Nathan undertook many of these climbs with Jason Hardrath, the recent holder of the Bulger List’s Fastest Known Time (FKT). Read more…

Are you a Seattle or Foothills parent interested in getting outside more with your kids? Join us for a family backpacking course! Backpacking with your kids in the backcountry can be a rewarding adventure for children and parents alike. Unplug, expose your kids to the joys of being outdoors, be together as a family, and watch your children mature into outdoor enthusiasts. Read more…

It was a cold February night in 2018. Snowflakes pummeled the windshield as we drove down the empty highway, the darkness pierced only by our headlights. We were both silent on our way to Alpental at Snoqualmie Pass. Feelings of dread, horror, and hope flashed through my mind at lightning speed. I ran through every possible scenario as I tried to make sense of what might lie ahead. Read more…

Go to any online hiker forum and after unleashed dogs, playing music, and toting a gun on the trail, the topic of hiking solo is sure to conjure up some strong opinions. What’s particularly interesting is that so many of the folks who are adamantly against solo hiking insist that others shouldn’t hike alone, either. And while an unleashed dog, music on the trail, or an irresponsible gun owner may certainly have a negative impact on others, a solo hiker is not having an effect on anyone’s experience except their own. So why the passionate pleas for solo hikers to partner up? Read more…

The Mountaineers is an incredible community of adventurers, students, instructors, advocates, and leaders. We’re proud of our community for persevering through another demanding year, prioritizing safety, and fostering connections to the outdoors. As we close the door on 2021 and look ahead to 2022, we reflect on our core values and how they’ve guided us through this past year.  Read more…

Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to... Read more…

I am blown away by the generosity of our community. Read more…

Volunteers are the heart and soul of The Mountaineers. To acknowledge their immense service to our organization,  we are hosting an hour-long virtual Volunteer Appreciation Night this year on Friday, January 21. Registration is open to volunteers from all branches. Read more…

Photos have the power to transport us to a feeling. Often, we are brought back to a specific time, place, and emotion. Like the sunrise shot that reminds you of the pride, gratitude, and exhaustion of an early morning alpine scramble. Or the snapshot of frosted evergreens that takes you back to skiing on a crisp bluebird day. Sharing photos with others also gives them access to these small moments of magic we find in the outdoors. It can offer inspiration to the experienced outdoorsperson to take on a new feat, or reassurance to the novice that they can tackle it, too. Read more…

The Mountaineers is a community united by a passion for adventure and driven by a deep sense of purpose. For more than 114 years we have redefined limits, set new standards in outdoor education through volunteer-led courses and award-winning books, and fiercely defended the outdoor experience. Read more…

Winter is officially here. We've got snow in the mountains and trip reports are full of stoke for fresh powder, headlamp hiking, and those rare sunny days that give us the summit views of our dreams.  Read more…

For our Leader Spotlight this month we talked to Joel Guay, a volunteer leader with the Seattle Branch. He is a Sea Kayak leader whose volunteer leadership evolved from solely showing up for activities to helping out. Read more…

Written in the Snows: Across Time on Skis in the Pacific Northwest, new from Mountaineers Books, offers a definitive and visually rich history of the past century of Northwest ski culture. Read more…

Over the last six weeks, we’ve shared how charitable donations make a difference for our Mountaineers community and the public lands we love. We are elated to announce that more than 350 members have already answered our call and helped us meet our ambitious $150,000 year-end goal. Thank you to everyone who helped us end the year on a high note! Read more…

A galaxy of bubbles and foam swirls on top of my latte as I watch raindrops race down my kitchen window. Two drops catch my attention as they zig and zag along their paths, only to collide and drop to the sill, melting into the puddle awaiting them. I return my gaze back to my coffee and hiking books spread out on the table. There are better things to do on a wet winter day than plan trips for warmer months. Read more…

It’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since we placed the finishing touches on our current strategic plan, Vision 2022. While the nature of the challenges we’ve faced due to COVID-19 were completely unanticipated, the strategic focus of Vision 2022 has provided us with important handrails to guide our way. That focus, combined with the generosity and tenacity of our community, has bolstered The Mountaineers in incredible ways.  Read more…

Grab your Zoom pants and slippers, a favorite beverage, and some popcorn! Our 2022 Backpackers' Pajama Party series is back by popular demand, and we're excited about the lineup of stunning backpacking trips that will be presented this winter to feed your backpacking dreams! Read more…

Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to... Read more…

Years ago, when I was traveling in southern Chile, a local man proudly told me that in Patagonia people can't rely on the sun to dry their laundry, so they use the wind (and plenty of clothespins). Here in the Pacific Northwest, the same principles apply. Read more…

Since the inception of day camp at The Mountaineers in 2010, we’ve had the pleasure of seeing our programs and community grow in breadth and depth over the last twelve years. Every season is full of camp magic, laughter, bracelet-making, and an inevitably stressful registration day. In response to feedback provided by camp families, and in an attempt to make the registration process smooth for campers and staff alike, we’ve made the decision to reconfigure registration for our Seattle Day Camp offerings. Read more…

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Mountaineers relies on both philanthropic support and the dedication of our volunteers to help us deliver on our mission and get people outside. When you take advantage of your employer’s Workplace Giving Program, you maximize the impact of your volunteer hours, charitable donations and membership dues and can double, sometimes triple your impact!  Read more…

We’ve been on a long journey to protect Southeast Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. Like many conservation issues, the fight to preserve swaths of ancient, old-growth trees in the Tongass from logging and development is an ongoing story with some twists, turns, and some chapters still to be written. Over the years, we’ve asked you to take action on this issue because protecting roadless areas in Alaska sets a strong precedent for protecting our wild backcountry places here in Washington and beyond. Read more…

Fragrant pine trees reaching for the sky. Rhythmic waves crashing against a foggy coastline. Bald Eagles soaring along winding rivers.  Read more…

We’re looking forward to getting back to a more “normal” season at Meany Lodge with overnight guests! Registration is open now. Read more…

Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to... Read more…

Attention Mountaineers! We have some BIG, eco-friendly news to share. Tacoma Power has awarded The Mountaineers a 2021 Evergreen Options grant of $50,000! This sought-after grant means our Tacoma Program Center (TPC) will soon be powered by rooftop solar – an enormous win for The Mountaineers and our whole community. Read more…

Are you dreaming of outdoor adventures or looking to improve your skills? Join the Olympia Branch on January 6 for our annual Winter Open House. You can meet representatives from our courses and activities who will answer your questions about what it takes to get started, the gear you will need, course schedules, and more. Read more…

Our youth program for the youngest adventurers, ages 2-5, kicked off for the year last month, and there’s still time to join! Read on to learn about what we do in Mini Mountaineers and how to get your little one involved. Read more…

Travel by air to a backpacking destination requires some additional planning and organization, as well as awareness of the baggage restrictions of the countries you are visiting. In this article, you'll find information to help you prepare for your trip. Read more…