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 (3)
See all- Three Waterfalls I've never seen!Gateway/NE 99th Ave TC Park & Ride, Portland, OR
Chances are you haven't seen them either. While I'm impatiently waiting for the higher mountain trails to be free of snow, and because I've got more than enough pictures of Balsam Root, I thought I'd find some lesser-known sites that might be interesting for a day-trip. How about three unique Washington waterfalls?
The water should still be flowing strong on all the falls, and there will most likely be some flowers too!
The total hike distance will be about 7 miles and about 1300 feet of elevation gain. The terrain will vary from shaded forested trails, old roads, open meadows, and steep screen scrambles, so be prepared for an adventure.
We will start with Rattlesnake Falls and then work our way back west (yes, there will be driving between each waterfall), stopping at Buck Creek Falls, and finally the last stop at Spirit Falls.
Length: 7 miles depending how many sites we visit
Elevation Gain: maybe 1300, maybe less
Difficulty Level: moderate
Meeting Time: 7:50 am at Gateway Transit Center
Drive Miles: 160 miles round-trip
Permit: Discover Pass
Carpooling: 10 cents per mile + $7 Bridge Tolls
End Time: 5ish
Warnings: Poison Oak, Ticks, Rattlesnakes are all common to some of the ecosystems we’ll be visiting.We will meet at the Gateway Transit Center, on the ground floor for carpooling. Please arrive at 7:50 am so we can leave at 8:00. I will drive and can accommodate 3 other waterfall enthusiasts quite comfortably, and if need be, one additional can squeeze in the middle of the backseat if the circumstances are right.
Regarding the Gateway Parking Structure: Break-in and vandalism can be a problem, if need be, we will take a few minutes in the morning so people can move their cars to a spot of their choosing.
- Dalles Mountain Ranch wildflower hike- Plus climbing / rappelling at HorsethiefCrawford Oaks Trailhead, Centerville, WA
Saturday edition of Wildflower Hike Fridays, Event #4
If you're into hiking, wildflowers, climbing, and rappelling, then this is the event for you! While the rappelling or possibly top-rope climbing segment is optional, please note that the second part of this event will nevertheless involve a hands over feet scramble to the top of Horsethief Butte.
But first, we’ll try to catch peak wildflower season with an 8 mile loop hike through scenic Dalles Mountain Ranch!
- Difficulty: Easy, possibly moderate for Dalles Mountain; Moderate for scrambling up Horsethief Butte
- Hiking distance: About 9 miles total, 7 of which are easy wildflower hiking
- Elevation gain: 1310 feet for Dalles Mountain, plus 250 feet of easy scrambling for Horsethief Butte
- Total time: Let’s head back by mid/late afternoon
- Permits: Discover Passes for each vehicle (If anyone is carpooling, please offer to pitch in for gas/permits/tolls to the drivers), $3.50 each way for Hood River Bridge
- Driving distance: 87 miles from Portland (Feel free to arrange carpools from Gateway Transit Center, etc.)
- Dogs: Not on this one, due to the Horsethief Butte section
Morning: The Dalles Mountain Ranch trail network is a real treat. In addition to the lupine and balsamroot blooms, we’ll hike past streams, rocky outcroppings, ranch buildings, heart-filling views of the Gorge, and even a waterfall.
There’s also a surprise photo opp, for you first-timers. I won't spoil it. We’ll also have a quick snack break there. We won’t stop for lunch, though, until the final section of our event…
Late morning/ Afternoon: Just south of Dalles Mountain Ranch are the climbing crags of Horsethief Bluff, a popular spot for climbing instructors to test their students’ verticals skills. No promises, as parking will be tight on a Saturday (And Saturdays are our only option for this year's event). We’ll find a short, moderate scrambling route through the rocks to hit the high point for our lunch, served with a sweet view of the eastern Columbia River Gorge.
If we have dry weather, Daniel may set up a rappel to give us the option of rappelling off the top (Please bring your own helmet, harness, and belay device for this option) or taking the easy trail back down to the ground. Your choice. We’ll also be on the lookout for easy climbing routes, for opportunities for top roping.
Here is more information about this area: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/columbia-hills-state-park
My preferred hiking style is brisk (3-3.5 mph when not running), but no prob for me to adjust the route if we don’t hit that. It’s easy and flat. We’ll enjoy plenty of quick breaks for photos, snacks, 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; Also—If you’re interested in climbing after lunch: Bring a helmet, harness, and belay device.
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.
