We've had the last of our "Introduction to Hiking and Backpacking" evenings - but hiking in the mountains continues until the snow falls on the lowland forest, and it continues year 'round on beach trails. Fall hiking in the mountains is spectacularly beautiful, with the high country bursting into shades of red, brown and gold.
We'll be hiking the high country until October - Check here for more information on available Mountaineer hikes.
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 Go Guide 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. Then click on the Communities tab and check out the Tacoma: Hiking & Backpacking Community on the website. Click on the Activities tab to search for trips. You can sign up for most trips on line.
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 the Outdoor Essentials Page. 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) MOFA (Mountaineering Oriented First Aid, see First Aid above) offers 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: Dates are posted after the first of the year, with details and sign up on line at The Mountaineers Search Page, search for “Introduction to Hiking”.
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. One Tacoma Branch Mount Rainier Trail Maintenance Work Party Trip (see Tacoma Conservation section of the Go Guide) can be substituted for two hikes or backpack trips. Send your list of trips to Amy to get your patch.
Leaders - Hike Submission Deadline: Trips need to be listed on the website by the 9th of the month to be included in the Go Guide for the next month. If you want help listing your trips on the website, please send your trips to Amy, agmann@comcast.net, by the 1st of the month.
Leaders - Miscellany: Save yourself some paperwork and postage hassles by having non-members sign waivers on the website and by filing your post trip report on the website. Lead three or more official Mountaineers hikes or backpacks for the Tacoma Branch between October 1st and September 30th and you will be eligible for the drawing for the $30 REI gift certificates given away to three leaders at the fall potluck.
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”.
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.
