Find out how much more fun there is to be had on a day spent in the woods rather than at the gym or doing laundry! Although you don't need much to get started, we cover the basics: carrying the Ten Essentials, the proper clothing and footgear, and how to physically prepare for the trip. You'll meet experienced Mountaineers hikers in one of their rare moments in street clothes.
If you're not sure how to get started with hiking and backpacking, or just need a kick start, attend one of these information-packed sessions.
All seminars are held at the Slavonian Hall, 2306 N. 30th St., Tacoma 98403. Each session begins at 6:45 p.m. and usually lasts until around 8:30 p.m. Each session is self-contained and a repeat of the previous session.
2012 Schedule
Wednesday, March 21st
Tuesday, May 1st
Tuesday, June 19th
Wednesday, August 1st
Upcoming Hikes
Enjoy the Pacific Northwest all year long! Check here for more information on available Tacoma Branch hikes and activities.
Website Alert - Leaders and Hikers: All Tacoma hikes and backpack trips are listed on the club interactive website, www.mountaineers.org. Check the website for late breaking events that didn't make the magazine deadline. If you haven't done so already, you should log on and check your profile to be sure that your contact information (e-mail, phone, address) is correct. Click on the "Get Outside" link to pull up activities by branch or click on the "Activities Search" tab to search for trips. You can sign up for most trips on-line. Search for Tacoma Hikes or Clubwide.
Fundrai$er: Write up your favorite hikes for the Hike of the Week feature in the News Tribune to help us raise funds to support the Hiking/Backpacking Committee and the Tacoma branch. Contact Amy, agmann@comcast.net, 253-759-2796, for a list of hikes that have been submitted so far and for a copy of our easy-to-use fill-in form.
Hike Sign-Up Etiquette: Mountaineers trips, led by volunteer leaders, are group activities, intended to provide a mix of exercise, enjoyment of our wilderness backyard, and an opportunity to spend the day with like-minded people. Everyone is responsible for being at an appropriate level of conditioning before signing up for a trip and is expected to wear appropriate clothing and carry adequate gear - for the trip and for any unplanned overnight bivouac in the mountains. For more information check Hiking Basics. If you find that you are unable to participate in a trip for which you are signed up, you need to notify the leader ASAP so that someone from the waiting list can be given your spot. If you are forced to cancel at the last minute, a phone call to the leader is better than an email so the group will not be delayed at the carpool or trailhead waiting for you.
Hiker Educational Opportunities/Confidence Builders: The Tacoma Branch regularly offers three courses of interest to hikers. (1) Map and compass work is taught in the Navigation Course. (2) Wilderness First Aid and MOFA (Mountaineering Oriented First Aid, see First Aid above) are courses that offer invaluable information and skills training to help you deal with emergency situations and to better prepare yourself and your equipment before each trip. (3) Basic information on equipment and conditioning for hiking and backpacking is offered by the Hiking/Backpacking Committee in our evening introduction sessions held throughout the spring and summer
Hiking Participation Award: A fabric Mountaineers patch is awarded for participating in five or more Tacoma Branch hikes and/or backpacks in any twelve-month period. Eligible trips must be Branch-approved trips, led by Tacoma Branch leaders, to different destinations. Send your list of trips Mike Waiss, mwaiss@net-venture.com to get your patch.
Leader Hike Submission Information Hikes should be listed on the website at least 72 hours prior to the trip date. If you need help listing your trips on the website contact Mike Waiss, mwaiss@net-venture.com.
New Leaders - A Continuing Opportunity: Curious? Thinking about it, but not sure if you’re ready to lead? Get in touch with Amy and we’ll find the right hike, and a mentor, to get you started.
Outreach: The 3rd Friday Branch meetings include a new and prospective member slide show and Q&A session. Join us to greet people and answer questions about what we do when we "Get Out There". Most months we meet at the Spar for dinner beforehand.
Trip Classifications (may change due to trail conditions):(E) Easy: Up to 8 mi., RT, up to 1200' elevation gain (M) Moderate: Up to 12 mi., 1200'-2500' gain (S) Strenuous: Up to 14 mi., 1500'-3500' gain (VS) Very Strenuous: Over 14 mi. and/or more than 3500' gain.
Hiking and Peak Awards
To promote interest in trails and climbs across Washington and into California, Oregon and Canada, the Mountaineers have established Hiking and Peak Awards. The awards are available to members that complete the requirements listed for a particular group of destinations.
