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+)
Wildflower Hike #5
(Previously Wildflower Hike Mondays)
Friday and Saturday hikes are back! Working mega shifts gets me 4-day or 5-day weekends all summer! Wednesdays thru (many) Sundays off. Let’s hope those Dog Mountain flowers are still looking good!
- Difficulty: Moderate (Some steep sections; Also, this loop is a bit longer than the standard route)
- Hiking distance: About 7 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 2820 feet
- Total hiking time: Let's get this done by the lunch hour (plus return drive); If we're faster, we get done sooner
- Total driving distance: 100 miles RT from Portland; If anyone sets up a carpool (For example, from Gateway Transit Center) suggested donation to drivers is $10, unless drivers determine otherwise
- Permits: NW Forest Pass or Gorge day pass required at the trailhead for each car
- Dogs: Sure, if they are in good shape and you are willing to drive them
Please note the slightly earlier meeting time. I don't typically post ultra "popular" hikes like Dog, so I'd like to get a jump on the crowds.
- The plan: This familiar route is pretty basic. We’ll follow the Dog Mountain trail to the summit. Assuming everyone has enough energy, we'll return via the Augspurger Mountain trail. In addition to those hillside wildflowers, we’re guaranteed a breathtaking view of the Columbia River Gorge!
Here is more information about this hike: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/dog-mountain
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Pace: My usual hiking style is fairly brisk [masked] mph or faster when not running), but I welcome trekkers of all reasonable hiking speeds. A good pace would be great, but I don’t want anyone to feel rushed. We will enjoy short breaks as needed for snacks, photos, and viewpoints.
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Bring: 2+ liters of water, food/snacks, warm layers of non-cotton clothing including rain gear, a camera, and shoes with good traction. Poles could be useful.
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.
- Ice, ice, baby
PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK; Northwest 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.
- Garth H.
- Daniel L.
- Wendy
- 14 attendees
"The Strawberry Mountain Wilderness is an unassuming, seemingly overlooked collection of rugged peaks and sharp ridges, glacier-carved basins, alpine lakes, and spring-fed wildflower meadows in Eastern Oregon."
Lets visit this hidden gem in June for 2.5 days, 2 night backpacking trip.
Agenda:
1st day - drive from Portland to Strawberry Basin Trailhead, fill out the permit and hike about 2 mls by Strawberry Basin Trail to Strawberry Lake where our base camp will be.
2d day will be devoted to exploring the area with options from bagging Strawberry Mountain - Indian Spring Butte - Graham mt west peak - Graham mt (Rabbit ears, Slide-Rinner, Slide) to just make it up to Strawberry Mountain and spend evening at the lake
3d day
bag remaining peaks break camp and head back to the trailhead and drive home, with eventual stops in interesting places
Strawberry Mountain Hike: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Strawberry_Mountain_Hike
Other peaks will be off trail
Strawberry Basin:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/malheur/recarea/?recid=40162
Driving distance from Portland to Strawberry Basin TH about 300 mls (5 1/2 h).
Gear: 10 essentials, backpacking gear for 2 nights, food for 2-3 days (may stop for dinner on the way back if time permits and the group will be up to), we'll camp at about 6K feet, so bring a warm sleeping bag, nights may be cold. Bug repellent might be handy.
The dates may change, depending on weather and other factors.
PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK; Northwest 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.
- Ola
- Sam
- mowglie
- 4 attendees
WARNING- This hike is only for those who relish sunsets in the Gorge!
Usually, this hike is just 4.5 rocky miles, but you're in luck this evening as we will be adding a bonus 2 mile loop and extra 500 feet of elevation gain - WOO HOO! The final technical specifications will be 6.5 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain.
When we make our way back to the Angel's Rest lookout point (after the previously mentioned bonus loop) the sun will be getting low in the western sky and the views looking up and down the Gorge will be simply stunning. We'll look stunning also! Naturally, we will spend a little a bit of time to savor the views, and some obligatory selfies before heading back down. It will be low light conditions the last mile, so you'll need to bring a headlamp, flashlight, or fireflies in a jar.
The hike will be at a moderate pace and is suitable for those wanting to try something a tad more adventurous than Forest Park, as well as the well-seasoned wilderness adventure, but as mentioned above (does anyone really read all this?) it is 2000 feet of elevation gain and is a steady climb the entire way up, which in itself is a workout and always gets my blood pumping and body ever so sweaty. And if we are super lucky, we may get a fleeting glimpse of the mysterious 🍄 floating through the flora like a rare Forest Gazelle.
I always encourage ride sharing as it's best for the planet, pocketbook, and helps reduce parking hassles at the trialhead, but unfortunately, I will not be organizing a Portland area rideshare location.
We will meet at the trailhead bench/reader board at the lower parking area on the Historic Columbia River Highway. It's forecasted to be mostly sunny so it is quite likely we may need to park at the overflow area just up the street on the left. We will start our way up at 6:30 so please arrive at the reader board at least 5 minutes prior to departure as the Sun waits for no one.
- David
- Moe
- Janice
- 3 attendees
Yes. Double Mt Defiance: out and back, twice.
We are doing this as conditioning/training for upcoming events so it's considered a WORKOUT. Power walk up, jog down.
You must have hiked Mt Defiance in under 4.5 hrs to even consider signing up. Please be self-sufficient and self-reliant. We will probably get separated at some point.
10,000 ft of elevation gain
23 miles
https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Mount_Defiance_from_Columbia_River_Hike
You must be familiar with the route.
Regardless of your physical abilities, if you haven't hiked/run Mt Defiance in less than 4.5 hrs at least once, you shouldn't sign up.
With that said, if this idea excites you, you should join us! :)
WEATHER. There might be showers, dress accordingly.
https://www.weatherforyou.com/reports/index.php?pands=mount+defiance+trail%2Cwashington
Everyone is welcome to go at their own pace. We don't schedule breaks, only pausing for layers and snacking on the go.
We will regroup at the summit & at the start
Taking 10 min break at each stop.
Electrolytes and nutrition plan are important so come prepared, bring more than you think you need. Poles are a good idea.
Go light, but don't forget first aid kit / ten essentials.
Please add yourself to the waitlist, you will be approved manually.
PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK; Northwest 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.
- Katya
- Tongbay🍄
- Conundrum
- 4 attendees
Past events (1,153)
- David
- Frank B.
- Gretchen P.
- 6 attendees
