What we’re about
Welcome to Gearhouse - we're here to make the outdoors (and Seattle) a welcoming place. Many of our events are free and some have a small fee, all events here are open to guests and if you like what you find here or want to support, consider becoming a member for more access, rental gear and coffee discounts, and to be part of something new in town!
Gearhouse is currently HQd inside Basecamp Cafe, our community hub and launching point for many adventures. Stop on by the cafe anytime to check it out!
If you've found community tough to come by in Seattle or been intimidated by the outdoors, we'd love your support as we solve this challenge of the PNW! We're Seattle’s most welcoming and least intimidating way to get outside! We specialize in welcoming people of all abilities and backgrounds to help you feel right at home in the PNW - from our community events, outdoor adventures, to extensive gear library, we'll get you outside!
Check out our site for more details - see you soon! www.joingearhouse.com
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Intro to MountaineeringBasecamp Cafe and Bar, Seattle, WA
Join Gearhouse as we journey into scrambling and mountaineering, explore how you can begin your journey to unlock new adventures.
This clinic meets at Basecamp Cafe. We will dive into scrambling and mountaineering, as well as how they differ from a classic hike. We will examine basic gear and introduce techniques for ice axe use and movement over rocks and snow.
We will end by going over future opportunities to learn and get involved in more outdoor adventures:- Gearhouse Scrambling Series
- Weekly conditioning events
- Opportunities for crevasse rescue and glacier mountaineering classes
- Ice axe use & snow travel workshop
What is Scrambling?
Scrambling is the bridge between hiking and mountaineering—perfect for hikers looking to take their adventures to the next level. It involves off-trail travel over rock and snow, often using your hands for balance as you move across rugged terrain. Unlike technical climbing, scrambling doesn’t require ropes or specialized gear beyond a helmet and sometimes an ice axe or crampons. It’s all about confidence, route-finding, and embracing the challenge of reaching new summits.What is Mountaineering?
Mountaineering shares the same goal as scrambling—reaching a peak—but involves more technical skills, such as traveling across glaciers and using ropes for safety. If you’re interested in progressing beyond scrambling, mountaineering is the natural next step!
