
What we’re about
A group of people who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, rock climbing, trail running, and cycling. Our mission is to serve the outdoors-loving community by providing unique, challenging, and wholesome outdoor experiences with respect for the environment and people.
NW Wilderness Policies (Last edited May 21, 2018)
Attendance:
NW Wilderness has a “three strikes, you're out” policy for no-shows. If a member does not show up for three events that the member signed up for in a 12 month period the member will be banned from the group for a period of one year. A warning letter will be sent after the first or second no-show to make sure the member is aware of the policy.
Liability:
NW Wilderness and its leaders assume no liability for accidents or other mishaps that happens to a member during an event or the ride to or from the event. Each member needs to participate within his/her comfort level and take responsibility for his/her own safety, first by not signing up for events outside the member's comfort level and second by not following directions or taking advice that might put them in danger.
Preparedness:
Each member needs to come prepared for the activity he/she signs up for. That includes being in physical shape for the event. It also means bringing the proper equipment such as the ten essentials, non-cotton clothing, appropriate footwear and enough food and water.
Leadership requirements:
Any aspiring leaders are required to have attended at least five NW Wilderness events from at least two different leaders; exceptions are made for individuals with extensive track record with (an)other group(s). Each leader has virtual autonomy to lead events that they see fit as long as the event fits under the type of activities this group participates in. The leader is responsible to making sure he/she stays inside his/her skill and comfort level. New leaders agree to not lead events with other hiking groups- old leaders are grandfathered in. Each leader agrees to lead no fewer than three events each year. New leaders will be assigned a mentor to help them during their first three events.
Donations:
Group membership is free, but donations are strongly encouraged in order to offset the cost of upkeep ($180 per year of website fees, group meeting expenses, etc.). Contributions can be made here: https://secure.meetup.com/NW-Wilderness/contribute/
Thank you kindly for any past or future contributions!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- The Labyrinth/ Coyote Wall wildflower hikeLabyrinth Trailhead, Hood River, WA
Wildflower Hike Fridays- #4 of 5
We'll be catching the tail end of peak wildflowers on this wildly varied route... But we wouldn't want anyone to miss out on the fun terrain and stunning views! Let's get out on a dry Friday and explore this ultra cool section of the Washington Gorge. Get ready for waterfalls, a small cave, a maze of basalt curiosities, an oak woodland, a lake, an old abandoned homestead, 70+ species of wildflowers, and stunning viewpoints from the mighty Coyote Wall!
On a personal note… I'm hoping we have good timing for a specific stop along this route that is my favorite spot in the entire Columbia River Gorge. It's my happy place!
Photo by me, from our 2018 event
- Difficulty: Moderate (A bit steep in sections, nothing crazy; Feel free to opt out of my cliffside add-on if you’re afraid of heights)
- Hiking distance: 5 to 7 miles, or even 8 miles RT, adjusted for our pace
- Elevation gain: 1800 feet
- Total time: Plan to be done by early afternoon (As usual, I'll lengthen or shorten our route to fit the time slot)
- Permits: None, but don’t forget the $3.50 for each crossing of the Hood River Bridge
- Driving distance: 64 miles from Portland (Or feel free to arrange carpools at 07:15 from Gateway Transit Center or Fisher’s Landing TC)
- Dogs: Yes, if they’re in really good shape… But leashes are required on this route
The plan: From the Labyrinth trailhead, we’ll make our way through a, um, labyrinth of basalt outcroppings as we climb up to reach a view-filled grassy meadow. After we take it all in, we’ll hike over to the upper viewpoint of Coyote Wall for a lunch break. It's all downhill from there, treating us with views of Mount Hood, Mount Defiance, and the other jewels across the river that Oregon’s side of the Gorge has to offer. I’m saving my favorite spot for near the end.
*Possible poison oak warning* Long pants are recommended, just in case.
Here is a map of the area: https://goo.gl/RJNSij
My preferred hiking style is brisk (3-3.5 mph when not running), but we'll find an upbeat pace that fits the group. We’ll enjoy short breaks as needed for snacks, photos, and viewpoints. There is no such thing as too many photo opps.
- Bring: Lunch, sturdy shoes or boots, water, snacks, warm layers, a rain jacket, and a camera
It is also recommended that hikers always carry the, um, "ELEVEN" Essentials:
- Navigation (map, compass, and an awareness of our route)
- Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight and extra batteries)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
- Knife/tools
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency whistle and general preparedness in the event that you become separated from our group and/or have to spend the night in the wild.
- A love shack, baby
PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK; NW Wilderness Group organizers are volunteers. We come prepared to lead you on a trail or off trail hike but assume no liability for your safety getting to or from the trail-head or on the hike. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, hikers must pay for their own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not the hiker has specifically authorized them.
- Evening Conditioning Series: Mt TaborMt Tabor SW Entrance, Portland, OR
It's time to get back into hiking condition! The rains are diminishing, the birds are going twee-tweet-twee, and we all want to be better prepared for a NW Wilderness hike! Here's a series of evening outings that will entice our senses, sculpt our calves, and possibly reward us with stunning sunsets.
Times listed are when we will start hiking, so please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before departure to give yourself time to park and find the group.
- Tuesday, April 29th @ 6:00 PM
- Tuesday, May 6th @ 6:00 PM
- Tuesday, May 20th @ 6:00 PM
- Sunday, May 11th @ 6:00 PM (tentative as Sunday evening doesn't seem too popular)
- Monday, May 26th @ 5:30 PM (Memorial Day)
- Thursday, May 1st @ 6:00 pm
- Thursday, May 15th @ 6:00 pm
- Thursday, May 29th @ 6:00 PM
Angel's Rest is about 1500 feet of elevation gain with a total of about 5.5 miles. It's possible we may go a little further up towards Devil's rest to get some more steps in.
Mt Tabor and Powell Butte will be 2 hours of 2.5 to 3 miles per hour.
Dogs: I don't allow dogs on Angel's Rest. Dogs are welcome for Mt Tabor and Powell Butte, but they must be on-leash at all times.
- Evening Conditioning Series: Powell ButtePowell Butte main parking plot, Portland, OR
It's time to get back into hiking condition! The rains are diminishing, the birds are going twee-tweet-twee, and we all want to be better prepared for a NW Wilderness hike! Here's a series of evening outings that will entice our senses, sculpt our calves, and possibly reward us with stunning sunsets.
Times listed are when we will start hiking, so please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before departure to give yourself time to park and find the group.
- Thursday, May 1st @ 6:00 pm
- Thursday, May 15th @ 6:00 pm
- Thursday, May 29th @ 6:00 PM
- Tuesday, April 29th @ 6:00 PM
- Tuesday, May 6th @ 6:00 PM
- Tuesday, May 20th @ 6:00 PM
- Sunday, May 11th @ 6:00 PM (tentative as Sunday evening hasn't seemed too popular with the group)
- Monday, May 26th @ 5:30 PM (Memorial Day)
Angel's Rest is about 1500 feet of elevation gain with a total of about 5.5 miles. It's possible we may go a little further up towards Devil's rest to get some more steps in.
Mt Tabor and Powell Butte will be 2 hours of 2.5 to 3 miles per hour.
Dogs: I don't allow dogs on Angel's Rest. Dogs are welcome for Mt Tabor and Powell Butte, but they must be on-leash at all times.