About us
Greetings and Welcome! Thank you for stopping by to check out Paulina Peak Social Group (PPSG)!
When I first started Paulina Peak Social Group in March 2020, quarantine hit the world. I had just moved to La Pine to care give for my mom with four days to spare before lock down. I had no idea what to do with myself because I knew no one. Thus began PPSG as a way to meet friends, maintain my longstanding sobriety (I have events where there's alcohol and it doesn't bother me if YOU drink) and to give back to the community. I moved to Bend at the end of 2020 and it was then that this group became the catalyst for myself and countless others to meet Like-Minded People.
PPSG is a small, friendly, diversified group of ages from 45-?. You will find down-to-earth members (a melting pot really) who enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, snow and water sports along with experiencing Central Oregonβs food scene and breweries. Most of us have never felt more alive and fit than we do living in Bend. We explore Bend, Sunriver, La Pine, Sisters, Redmond, and surrounding areas.
Guidelines:
*Please Keep your RSVP current at all times. No-Shows are No-Go's and I have no tolerance for No-Shows.
*On any outdoor event I expect that you are prepared with The 10 Essentials (https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/).
ALWAYS bring water no matter WHAT! Know your physical limitations and please don't sign up for an event you question your ability. It's very taxing on the Sweep when individuals are much slower and have difficulty keeping up.
*Most of my hikes are at a MODERATE pace. We tend to be on the faster side. Please be aware of this prior to signing up.
*In almost all cases, I do not allow anyone to leave an outdoor event midstream and return back to the trailhead without being accompanied by another member. If you have tight plans, outdoor events can never be predicted and can last longer than what I had projected. PLAN ACCORDINGLY.
*Food Truck events: I have no issues with anyone arriving late. Just keep the RSVP current. I am aware of who's there and who's not on ALL of my events. wink wink.
*I will usually ask you arrive a little early to outdoor events. The event starts at a specific time, that doesn't mean to ARRIVE at that time; It means we're LEAVING at that time.
*My motto: IF YOUR EARLY, YOUR ON TIME. IF YOUR ON TIME, YOUR LATE.
*Please keep your Photo Profile updated, with only YOURSELF.
*Dogs are not allowed on hikes unless specifically noted. Well behaved dogs are welcome at any food truck events but must be kept on a leash. Many of my food truck events are quite full so please take this into consideration.
*If you have any questions, comments or complaints...please message me.
Hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing: All skill levels are welcome. Each event will disclose the location, skill level, distance and approximate duration, and gear and equipment required. PPSG recommends you pack the βTen Essentialsβ for all hiking events: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/
Pets are only allowed when noted on the event.
ATTENDING EVENTS
Please read the entire event description before signing up and only sign-up for events within your capabilities. If you RSVP and can't make it...UNRSVP!
All events have an attendee limit. Attendee limits are determined by the nature of the event and the number of Event Hosts attending an event.
Events fill-up quickly. Members are encouraged to download the Meetup app to receive notifications for events as soon as they are posted.
When an event is full (reached its attendee limit), you may be assigned to the Waitlist. If spots open up, members are automatically RSVPed to the event in the order that they joined the Waitlist. Please be patient if youβre on the Waitlist. It's common for the head count to fall as an event gets closer, and most likely you will be RSVPed.
### Liability Waiver for Outdoor Activities
1. Assumption of Risk The Participant understands that participating in any PPSG activity involves certain inherent risks, including but not limited to: unpredictable weather conditions, uneven terrain, physical exertion, and potential contact with plants or wildlife. By signing below, the Participant voluntarily assumes all risks associated with these activities.
2. Release and Waiver of Liability The Participant hereby releases, waives, and forever discharges the Volunteer Organizer from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from the Participantβs involvement in the aforementioned activities.
3. Medical Treatment The Participant hereby releases and forever discharges the Volunteer Organizer from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment, or service rendered in connection with the Participant's involvement in the activities.
4. Volunteer Status of Organizer The Participant acknowledges that the Organizer is acting as a non-compensated volunteer and is not providing professional guiding services, medical expertise, or commercial transport.
5. Indemnification The Participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Volunteer Organizer from any loss, liability, damage, or cost they may incur due to the Participantβs presence at or participation in the activities, whether caused by the negligence of the Organizer or otherwise.
Upcoming events
14
!HIKING FOR A BROWN BAG LUNCH! @ Meadow Day Use; A PICNIC SOCIAL!
Meadow Day Use Area, Bend, OR, USTHIS HAS BEEN MY GO-TO TRAIL FOR YEARS and keeping with the "gas consciousness" attitude and close to home. (The road into the park has many pits and pot holes but worth the drive.)
TOM'S IDEA TO HAVE A BROWN BAGGED PICNIC AFTERWARDS! Pack an ice box and bring a nice lunch...we'll eat at the picnic benches along the Deschutes River after the hike.
It's got a mixture of terrain, scenery and beauty. Please Arrive early, come prepared. Bring water, poles, snack, proper hiking shoes, bug/suntan spray, 10 essentials and a happy attitude.
IF YOU HIT WIDGI GOLF COURSE YOU WENT TOO FAR. ONCE YOU TURN OFF EXIT, KEEP GOING ALL THE WAY DOWN UNTIL YOU DEAD END. YOU WILL PASS SEVERAL PARKING AREAS/BATHROOMS BUT KEEP GOING UNTIL YOU REACH THE LAST PARKING LOT WITH A BATHROOM AND TRAIL HEAD BEGINS.
NO DOGS PLEASE.
NORTHWEST PARK PASS
This is a MODERATE hike. We will hike between 5-6 miles depending on how far everyone wants to go. Please no dogs. Bring a snack, water, bug spray, proper hiking shoes, hiking pole.
"Experience this 6.4-mile out-and-back trail near Bend, Oregon. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 26 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through November."
HOST: Mary Ricci
SKILL LEVEL - [ MODERATE]
ELEVATION GAIN - [370 FT]
MILES :- The trail is 6.4 plus miles but we will only go approx 5-6 miles, stop and have a snack, admire the view and visit.
LENGTH OF TIME - 2.5 - 3.0 hrs
PARKING PASS: DAY PASS- PLEASE NO DOGS
Hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing: All skill levels are welcome. Each event will disclose the location, skill level, distance and approximate duration, and gear and equipment required. PPSG recommends you pack the βTen Essentialsβ for all hiking events: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/
Pets are only allowed when noted on the event.
ATTENDING EVENTS
Please read the entire event description before signing up and only sign-up for events within your capabilities. If you RSVP and can't make it...UNRSVP!
All events have an attendee limit. Attendee limits are determined by the nature of the event and the number of Event Hosts attending an event.
Events fill-up quickly. Members are encouraged to download the Meetup app to receive notifications for events as soon as they are posted.
When an event is full (reached its attendee limit), you may be assigned to the Waitlist. If spots open up, members are automatically RSVPed to the event in the order that they joined the Waitlist. Please be patient if youβre on the Waitlist. It's common for the head count to fall as an event gets closer, and most likely you will be RSVPed.### Liability Waiver for Outdoor Activities
1. Assumption of Risk The Participant understands that participating in any PPSG activity involves certain inherent risks, including but not limited to: unpredictable weather conditions, uneven terrain, physical exertion, and potential contact with plants or wildlife. By signing below, the Participant voluntarily assumes all risks associated with these activities.
2. Release and Waiver of Liability The Participant hereby releases, waives, and forever discharges the Volunteer Organizer from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from the Participantβs involvement in the aforementioned activities.
3. Medical Treatment The Participant hereby releases and forever discharges the Volunteer Organizer from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment, or service rendered in connection with the Participant's involvement in the activities.
4. Volunteer Status of Organizer The Participant acknowledges that the Organizer is acting as a non-compensated volunteer and is not providing professional guiding services, medical expertise, or commercial transport.
5. Indemnification The Participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Volunteer Organizer from any loss, liability, damage, or cost they may incur due to the Participantβs presence at or participation in the activities, whether caused by the negligence of the Organizer or otherwise.11 attendees
!2026 PPSG OPENING PADDLE! *venue change* AT SUTTLE LAKE
Suttle Lake, 29551 SW Suttle Lake Loop, Sisters, OR, US**VENUE CHANGE*** 4-17-2026 I have decided to change venues from Lake Simtustus to Suttle Lake. The time of year the possibility of high winds at Lake Simtustus are good and if we paddle Suttle, We will have the option of hiking if the winds at Suttle are too much. This hike IS NOT open to those NOT kayaking. NO HIKE DROP INS, ONLY SIGN UP IF YOU ARE PADDLING.
Once at the lake:
*We're parking on the other side of the day use. When you turn in, keep going down that road until it dead ends. You do not turn right into the day use are...keep going straight past all the campgrounds and it's next to the last campground on the link.PLEASE KEEP YOUR RSVP CURRENT, ARRIVE EARLY, COME PREPARED, HAVE CURRENT REGISTRATION ALONG WITH ALL SAFTY ACCESSORIES, LIFE VEST,WATER, BUG/SUN SPRAY. Bring hiking gear as a back up and pack a lunch! We will either eat on the water or on the shore.
*SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR CANCELLATION DUE TO WEATHER OR ROUGH CONDITIONS. ALWAYS CHECK PRIOR TO THE EVENT FOR ANY UPDATES OR CHANGES.
The first kayak of the season! Yay! We will start off the season SUTTLE LAKE (until the Cascade lakes highway opens...this is a good start). RELATIVELY EXPERIENCED PADDLERS ONLY. This is mainly a kayaking event but if you can keep up on a paddle board, you're welcome to join.
We will launch at Suttle Lake Marina. Arrive early, LAUNCH is 9:30 am.
Come prepared with proper boating registration, parking pass (I am unclear on the parking pass and I'll update this), all boating safety equipment, life vest, sun screen, bug spray, snacks, water, arrive early because launch is 9:30am.
Length3.5 mi Elevation gain 72 ft Route type Loop
Discover this 3.5-mile loop trail near Sisters, Oregon. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 4 min to complete. This is a popular trail for fishing, hiking, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are May through November.
Recent reviews of Suttle Lake Loop in Sisters, Oregon, indicate that the trail is currently clear of snow, dry, and in good condition. One reviewer mentioned that some downed trees had been recently maintained, providing a smooth path for hikers. The trail offers gorgeous clear water, few people, and beautiful reflections, making it a perfect spot for photos. Other hikers recommend counterclockwise for nice reflection photos and suggest wearing spikes or traction shoes for winter hikes. Typically in May, the area is dry, with little to no snow, offering a tranquil and scenic loop around the lake, suitable for activities like swimming, hiking, and camping in the summer.Hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing: All skill levels are welcome. Each event will disclose the location, skill level, distance and approximate duration, and gear and equipment required. PPSG recommends you pack the βTen Essentialsβ for all hiking events: https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/
Pets are only allowed when noted on the event.
ATTENDING EVENTS
Please read the entire event description before signing up and only sign-up for events within your capabilities. If you RSVP and can't make it...UNRSVP!
All events have an attendee limit. Attendee limits are determined by the nature of the event and the number of Event Hosts attending an event.
Events fill-up quickly. Members are encouraged to download the Meetup app to receive notifications for events as soon as they are posted.
When an event is full (reached its attendee limit), you may be assigned to the Waitlist. If spots open up, members are automatically RSVPed to the event in the order that they joined the Waitlist. Please be patient if youβre on the Waitlist. It's common for the head count to fall as an event gets closer, and most likely you will be RSVPed.### Liability Waiver for Outdoor Activities
1. Assumption of Risk The Participant understands that participating in any PPSG activity involves certain inherent risks, including but not limited to: unpredictable weather conditions, uneven terrain, physical exertion, and potential contact with plants or wildlife. By signing below, the Participant voluntarily assumes all risks associated with these activities.
2. Release and Waiver of Liability The Participant hereby releases, waives, and forever discharges the Volunteer Organizer from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from the Participantβs involvement in the aforementioned activities.
3. Medical Treatment The Participant hereby releases and forever discharges the Volunteer Organizer from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment, or service rendered in connection with the Participant's involvement in the activities.
4. Volunteer Status of Organizer The Participant acknowledges that the Organizer is acting as a non-compensated volunteer and is not providing professional guiding services, medical expertise, or commercial transport.
5. Indemnification The Participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Volunteer Organizer from any loss, liability, damage, or cost they may incur due to the Participantβs presence at or participation in the activities, whether caused by the negligence of the Organizer or otherwise9 attendees
Past events
558
Group links
Members
727
