Olympia Branch Blog Posts

Olympia Branch Members: we want your BEST - Photos that is! We're hosting a photo contest and we can't wait to show off your great photography skills to our community. Follow the instructions below to submit photos in one of 11 categories to win recognition and eternal bragging rights. Read more…

Join the Olympia branch on the first Wednesday of every month, from September through May, at the  Friends Meeting House at Priest Point for a potluck and talk as part of our Adventure Speaker Series. Read more…

At The Mountaineers, we've believe venturing into the outdoors is an essential piece of the human experience. We go outside to wander and explore the adventurous spirit within ourselves. It's important to implement low-impact recreation skills to keep our wild places as sanctuaries for the human spirit; so our grandchildren can experience the sensation of discovering an untouched place. Read more…

Did you miss the chance to attend our Progressive Climbing Education listening sessions? Please use this survey  to give us your input! Read more…

I am confident that you and I have at least two things in common: 1) we both set aside time to explore the outdoors, and 2) at some point during these adventures we will both experience the discomfort of knowing we have to go number two. Even if you don't, you will inevitably be reminded of this basic human function by the sight of toilet paper discarded uncomfortably close to trails and water sources. By the amount of TP I have seen recently on Washington’s trails, it seems even the most avid outdoor enthusiasts may not know how to handle nature’s calling. Read more…

This year, there were two positions open on the Branch Council: 

We thank all the volunteers willing to serve in these roles and appreciate the membership's careful consideration of their qualifications. We are pleased to announce the winners.  Read more…

If you live in the South Sound and want to explore the outdoors with your little ones, we have some new opportunities to help you do that. Join our Olympia Family Hike Leaders on a fun South Sound adventure! Read more…

On February 3, we joined other members of Washington’s Big Tent Coalition, as well as lifetime Mountaineers members Jim and Diane Whittaker, under a BIG TENT on the capital grounds in Olymipa to celebrate the outdoor recreation economy in Washignton State. As members of the Big Tent Coalition, we understand the importance our role as recreationists - with our boots-on-the-round perspective - as an economic driver for the state, and we use this perspective to advocate for our public lands. Read more…

We're lucky. At The Mountaineers, we've always known the value of natural places to restore our bodies and our spirits. Our outdoor playgrounds offer endless ways to explore and learn and discover and connect. Read more…

We’re bringing the spirit of outdoor adventure and mountain culture to The Mountaineers again! The World Tour features the best mountain films this year, showcasing amazing filmmaking talent from the world over to an audience that spans the globe.  Read more…

Pre-sold tickets are SOLD OUT. A small number of walk-ins may be able to be accommodated at the door. Read more…

Established in 1979, Mountainfilm is dedicated to educating, inspiring and motivating audiences about environments, cultures, issues and adventures. Read more…

In August we held our annual elections to replace the Olympia Branch Officer's Committee members whose positions will soon expire. Many of you voted, and I appreciate your participation. Please join me in congratulating to the following newly elected Olympia Branch officers, beginning October 1: Read more…

It is time to elect new officers to replace the Olympia Branch Officer's Committee members whose positions will expire and become vacant. Please join me in voting for our new leaders, and thanking our retiring leaders for their service!  Read more…

Summer is right around the corner, and it's not too early to start thinking about our annual Olympia Branch picnic/potluck. This is  a great opportunity to connect with your fellow Mountaineers and to get to know new members. Read more…

Eleven Olympia Mountaineers members joined forces with the Forest Service to help restore Lena Creek Campground on the Olympic Peninsula on April 15. The group cleaned up four camp sites that had been damaged in winter flooding. Read more…

Olympia Branch Members Jim French, Greg Lovelady, Ginger Sarver, Richard Geier, Carla Jonientz, Mike Riley, Regina Robinson, Curt Rosler, and John Sisco  took it upon themselves to make sure that The Mountaineers' presence was felt with our state legislators at the Big Tent Rally Day on February 24th, 2015. The Big Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition is an umbrella organization formed to highlight the importance of our state’s outdoor recreation sector in enhancing Washington’s economy and its reputation for healthy and active living. Our Olympia Branch volunteers "did us proud!" Read more…

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If you're ready to join a community that gets you outside and take your outdoor adventures to the next level, now is a great time to join The Mountaineers! Read more…

As winter is still in full effect in most of our mountains, access for recreational opportunities in ONP continues to be a priority for many folks. Read more…