
What we’re about
Are you looking for a challenge?
Do you want to improve your physical fitness?
Do you want to learn new skills that build your ability to tackle a variety of outdoor environments?
Do you want to make lasting friendships?
And do you want to explore the sites, culture, and cuisine of our amazing state?
Then this is the group for you!
We tend toward more challenging outings but welcome all levels and abilities. If you’re not sure if you are ready for a particular outing, contact the organizer(s) for suggestions and let’s see what you need to succeed.
ACTIVITIES WE DO:
- Day hikes
- Backpacking
- Car camping
- Mountaineering
- Skills workshops
- Travel to unique and remote destinations were few meet ups travel. We cover the entire state.
FUTURE ACTIVITIES we are planning:
- Scrambles
- Mountain bike/scramble combination
- Trail running
Outings are based on:
- Hiking Idaho: A guide to the State's Greatest Hiking Adventures by Luke Kratz.
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Most of outings have small group sizes to maximize friendships building and minimize our impact of the environment and not crowd the trails.
TRANSITION August 2023:
Formerly, Oregon Hikers and Backpackers, after moving, I have changed the group to an Idaho base. You may see some members from the Oregon days.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZER:
I am a local physician with a love for hiking, backpacking, and Mountaineering. Read my biography here:
Biography
Hey can I get a ride…?
I received rides most of my life. I have hitch hiked a few times as well including on a beer truck across Lithuania. Sometimes we need a ride or just want to socialize. Carpooling is encouraged. If you need a ride direct message the organizer (s). Attendees can also volunteer. While all trips are free unless otherwise stated, help with gas is always a nice gesture if you are carpooling. Suggested gas donation is $0.10 per mile per passenger.
What about the after hike grub?
To support local communities, get to know each other, and explore local culture where we hike, backpack, and scramble we typically eat at local restaurants. The organizer(s) try to keep restaurant costs under $30. Every once and a while we may splurge.
The weather is looking bad will the meet up be canceled?
As uphill athletes WE DO NOT LET WEATHER GET IN THE WAY. Instead, we adapt and learn to see the beauty of snow, rain, heat and storms. Idaho has a lot of “ bad” weather days. Should we give up and stay home most of the year? Of course if it’s dangerous to go out the meet up will be canceled. We take avalanche risk seriously. The organizer will tell the group about any specific gear requirements for the weather conditions ( including avalanche gear). Routes are planned to minimize avalanche risk where an issue.
HOW TO LEARN MORE
*Follow me on TikTok with hiking stories and educational resources @ Oregon hikers and backpackers.
*Join the WhatsApp group for additional trip information and non meet up opportunities. By invitation only
**What are the rules for uphill athletes?**Expectations/Policies:
* Be honest about your abilities.
* Be friendly and contribute to the group
* RSVP if you have a good chance of actually coming and don’t be late.
Read more:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Fj7t4iJyDNZtkuCbFPpbjz55rZUf8Bxd_GKCrZTYjDA/edit?usp=sharing
## Release of Liability Agreement
#### You must read and agree to this Release of Liability to attend the Oregon Hikers and Backpacker - top 100 hikes Meetup events:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T0snei0AJwk7y7vyEkIiXtW2EwcbNVnYl89TTuLpMsc/edit?usp=sharing
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Bruneau Dunes State Park, Stargazing, car camping, and easy hikingBruneau Dunes State Park, Bruneau, ID
The sand dunes are a remarkable and entertaining piece of topography. There are two major dunes, the tallest being 470 feet. In the summer, the heat can be intense but cooler in the Spring. This is a great opportunity to meet new people in a unique location. I will be traveling to Boise the next day to do the Freddy's Stack Rock Trail. I was thinking we could hang out at the park, do a short walk, climb the dune, and star gaze. I am hoping for a relaxing experience. You can join me for camping or head home. This is one of my favorite parks!
** Note that all reservable campsites maybe full. They have plenty of first come first serve primitive sites. I can also accommodate a few folks at my large RV site. Keep checking the website if you would prefer a reserved campsite. I would appreciate splitting the cost of $45 Please reach out to me before the event and let me know camping arrangements .**
If the Dunes Campgrounds are totally fully, which, I doubt Jack's campground is near by and is free:https://thedyrt.com/camping/idaho/jacks-creek-campground
Therefore, everyone should have somewhere to stay!
Read more: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/bruneau-dunes/
What to bring:
* Head lamp
* 2 Litters water
** Warm clothing
* Windbreaker
* Sun screen
* Sun glasses
* Hat
* If camping: tent, stove, sleeping bag, additional food for dinner and next day. Typical car camping comforts.
Pass: 7 dollars per day; camping is 17 dollars per night at the park. They have cabins too you can reserve online.Coming earlier: I have to get an oil change that day so I can't meet until 2 pm. You could come earlier (direct message me to arrange a meet up point)
Carpooling: I will be coming from Pocatello if you need a ride. Reach out to me via event chat.
Where to meet: meet at the visitor center
Last minute sign-ups/cancellations:I put a significant amount of time planning to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Please inform the organizer as soon as possible with any cancellations but no later than 7 pm the night before the meet up. Last minute sign ups welcomed. No shows/no communication is unfair to others who are on the waitlist and makes planning difficult for the organizer. Please review our no-show policy. If you are sick, please stay home and hike with us another time.
Thanks
~Scottie - Freddy's Stack Rock Trail (Day Hike near Boise, comfortable pace)Albertson's, Boise, ID
The Stack Rock trail is an awesome day hike with lots of shade. the Stack Rock trail winds through the beautiful pine trees. The trail leads to Stack Rock, an imposing granite tower with amazing 360 degree views of the Treasure Valley, Horseshoe Bend, and beyond. This is an excellent training hike for the upcoming Boise Grand slam.
Mileage: We'll take the long route that is about 11.6 miles
Route: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/freddys-stack-rock-trail
Elevation gain: 1335 feet
Difficulty: all trails rates it as hard
Trail conditions: As of 4/15/2025 some snow reported in shaded aspects of the trail. I anticipate this will improve by May. I will keep reading the trail reports. I do not think we will need snowshoes or micro-spikes. Gaiters and hiking boots could be useful.
What to bring
- Bug spray
- Hat
- Sun screen
- Everyone should have 2 litters of water
- Lunch and snacks
- Ten essentials: https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/what-are-the-ten-essentialsWhere to meet : Main entrance of Albertsons in front of blue water refill station:
6560 S Federal Way, Boise, ID 83716
* From here, we can try and arrange carpooling or you can take your own vehicle.* It is 50 minutes to the trailhead. Please leave extra time as return time is not guaranteed. I am aiming to return to Boise by 4. I would love to grab dinner afterward.Policies:
I am not a guide but a facilitator. Please come prepared to contribute to the objective. I put a significant amount of time planning to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. By signing up, you agree to be responsible for your own safety. Please inform the organizer as soon as possible with any cancellations but no later than 7 pm the night before the meet up. Last minute sign ups welcomed. No shows/no communication is unfair to others who are on the waitlist and makes planning difficult for the organizer. Please review our no-show policy. If you are sick, please stay home and hike with us another time.
Thanks
Scottie - Boise Grand Slam **EVENT SIGN-UP** OVERNIGHTMount Heinen Trailhead, Boise, ID
Time to start training for the Grand Slam!
The Boise Grand Slam is a hiking challenge created by Tom Lopez (creator of great books about hiking and backpacking ). Washington has its grand slam: Mailbox peak, Mt. Si, and Mt. Teneriffe; Oregon Mount Defiance, Devil's Rest, and Dog Mountain. In Boise, The Grand Slam Peaks are Cervidae, Kepros Mountain, Shaw Mountain/Lucky Peak, and Mount Heinen. Most grand slams are done in 24 hrs, but I will generously give us 48 hrs since we have 4 peaks to scale.
Read more about the grand slam challenge:
https://www.idahoaclimbingguide.com/grand-slam-peaks/
https://womanmeetsnature.com/boise-grand-slam/
https://www.idahostatesman.com/outdoors/hiking/article274530626.htmlItinerary:
We meet at 6 am at the Mt. Heinen Trailhead.
Day 1:
- Mt. Heinen: 9.3 miles, elevation gain 3690 ft
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/mount-heinen
NEXT:
-Cervidae Peak: 4.5 miles, elevation gain 1932 ft
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/cervidae-peakTotal miles day 1: 13.7 miles
Overnight: Irish Point dispersed camping. This is free.
https://thedyrt.com/camping/idaho/irish-point-dispersed-camp-groundIf you want to stay in Boise keep reading, although I think it would be best if we all stick together. We will not wait for late hikers.
Day 2:
- Wake- up at 6:00 am; breakfast at campsite (bring your own).
- Arrive to Kepros trailhead by 8:30 am. Meet others who join this leg. Kepros: 9.4 miles, elevation gain 1978 ft.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/kepros-mountain-trail
- Lunch/break
NEXT:
- Shaw Mountain (Lucky Peak) : 13.6 miles, elevation gain 3159 feet** I hope to finish by 4 pm but please keep your schedule open.
Travel back to boise, grab something to eat if people want.TOTAL Mileage : 36 miles
What to bring:
- Backpack
- Warm jacket
- Rain jacket (just in case)
- Hat
- Sun glasses
- Sun screen
- 2 litter of water
- Snacks
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- First aidPolicies:
* Please do not bring any alcohol to the campsite**
* Leave no trace*
* If you are unable to complete, you may drop out at any time. However, you are responsible for your own transportation.I am not a guide but a facilitator. Please come prepared to contribute to the objective. I put a significant amount of time planning to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. By signing up, you agree to be responsible for your own safety. Please inform the organizer as soon as possible with any cancellations but no later than 7 pm the night before the meet up. Last minute sign ups welcomed. No shows/no communication is unfair to others who are on the waitlist and makes planning difficult for the organizer. Please review our no-show policy. If you are sick, please stay home and hike with us another time.