
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/](https://secure.meetup.com/NW-Wilderness/contribute/)
Thank you kindly for any past or future contributions!
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Frozen Tamanawas Falls snow hikeTamanawas Falls Trailhead, Mt Hood, OR
For those of holding out to see 150-foot Tamanawas Falls frozen over, this is the Saturday! Snow will be falling all week, and temps are below freezing. The timing is PERFECT.
Though an easy route, please have boot traction ready. With this week's snow dump, I wouldn't even rule out snowshoes. One of those final corners is a doozy.
- Difficulty: Easy (Could be really slippery, but that’s it)
- Hiking distance: 3.8 miles RT
- Elevation gain: 590 feet
- Total time: Plan to be heading home by the lunch hour, easily
- Total driving distance: 68-80 miles from Portland (depending on route)
- Permits: Northwest Forest Pass
- Dogs: Yes, if they can handle snow or ice
The Plan: We will meet at Tamanawas Trailhead, near milepost 72. After hiking across the footbridge over the East Fork Hood River, we will take the East Fork Trail through a mountain hemlock forest to the junction of the Tamanawas Falls trail. This trail will take us alongside Cold Spring Creek, winding upstream to reach the waterfall. After gazing in awe and snapping our photos, we will return the same way.
This is a shorter hike than we at NW Wilderness usually post, so we should be heading back by lunchtime. Individual cars may decide whether or not to stop in Hood River for lunch on the drive home.
Here is a map of our route: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5422368.pdf
My usual hiking style is fairly brisk (2.5-3.5 mph or faster when not running), but anyone who enjoys an energetic hike/ snowshoe at any reasonable pace is welcome. No one will be left behind. We will enjoy short breaks as needed for snacks, photos, and viewpoints. There is no such thing as too many photo opps.
- Bring: Snow shoes or boot traction, water, food/snacks, warm layers of non-cotton clothing, a camera, and waterproof shoes/ boots 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/ mult-tool
- 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.
- Your dear old grammy’s Grammy
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.