
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.
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- Sawtooth Mountains: Alice-Toxaway Loop (overnight) - Intermediate LevelRiverwear, Stanley, ID
The Alice Toxaway loop is consistently rated as one of the top backpacking trips in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. After doing this with the group last year, I 100% agree. I am up to do it again. This backpack has it all: alpine lakes, tumbling creeks, and towering mountains.
The cover here is an actual picture I took. Check out my Tiktok video that says it all:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjf7GBwr/This is an intermediate level backpack (see definition below). However, I am open to beginners coming if you come on the Jennie Lake trip and do well or if you kick butt on Grand Slam. If you are a beginner and have some other experience and feel you are qualified reach out to the organizers to discuss further . Either way, you must be able to manage the distance. Day one is easy but day two is much harder.
**YOU MUST have either a bag resistant bag (e.g., ursack) or bear canister - the rangers often check at the trailhead. I can't let you join the meet up without this**. I have one bear canister to loan, first come first serve. However, if you plan to do more backpacks with us, it is a good idea to get your own canister or bag.
Read more here about the Alice-Toxaway Loop:
https://backcountrydirtbag.wordpress.com/2019/09/27/sawtooth-wilderness-alice-toxaway-lake-loop-planning-guide/
Mileage: 18.7 miles
Elevation gain: 3,139 ft
Route: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/tin-cup-hiker
Itinerary:
Saturday: meet at Riverwear in Stanley. You can pick up any last minute gear here (expensive!). We drive 30 minutes to Petite Lake Campground and meet at the Tin Cup Hiker Trailhead. I suggest you park at the horse trailer parking lot, as space is often limited near the trailhead. We will hike to Toxaway Lake and spend the night.
Sunday (suggest sun rise start): complete the loop, grab a late lunch, and head home.Difficulty: Intermediate
Definitions used by Idaho Hikers and Backpackers:
"Intermittent level backpack: Group members will have a good knowledge of their gear. They may still be testing their equipment out. They are not “dialed in.” Base-weights are average or below average. They feel comfortable camping in rain or wind. They are fine with some elevation gain. The trail may be faint in some places. There could be some easy scrambling over rocks (class 2). Backpackers are comfortable with a 10-20 mile trip."What to bring:
Please review the beginner's backpacking guide for the basic gear list:
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/16TZaqHA0EDCydQvPg0m_Dz3AJWcp-lhz9jgUxipFSOU/edit?usp=sharingBear resistant container](https://docs.google.com/document/d/16TZaqHA0EDCydQvPg0m_Dz3AJWcp-lhz9jgUxipFSOU/edit?usp=sharing)Additional items required for this trip:
- Bear spray
- Trowel or wag bag
- Please be prepared for possible water crossings. So have a change of clothes.* More info on this closer to the event. When we went in August there were no water crossings. Typically, these are ankle to calf level deep.
- Water shoes
Policies:
* Please do not bring any alcohol or drugs*
* Leave no trace - so bury or carry your poop*
* If you are unable to complete, you may drop out at any time. However, you are responsible for your own transportation/way back.
* Be honest about your abilities
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. I reserve the right to take photos and videos of group members in order to promote the the group.I understand that during my participation in this Outing, I may be exposed to risks and hazards, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent and cannot be eliminated without diminishing the Outing.
These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel, location, and weather.
I agree that the Organizer (s) has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip leaders or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries are involved in adventure travel such as this Outing and I accept that I must exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards.
I understand that on this Outing there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries to which I may be exposed.
To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY the Organizer from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by the negligence of the Organizer or other participants in any way connected with this Outing. I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS the Organizer (s) from any claims, losses, Injuries and Damages caused by my own negligence while a participant on the Outing.
I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. I have read the Outing description and this Release of Liability in its entirety and I freely and voluntarily assume all risks of such Injuries and notwithstanding such risks, I agree to participate in the Outing. I have read, I understand, and I agree to this Release of Liability. - Sun Valley Intermediate Backpack | optional Mt. Hyndman ClimbAlbertsons, Hailey, ID
Sun Valley is such a great place to backpack. This trip follows the Hyndman Creek Trail through the valley and up through an alpine bowl. You will have great views of Mt. Hyndman and Cobb Peak. I took the cover photo at sunset almost two years ago.
Read more:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/hyndman-creek-trailYou have two options for this adventure:
- hike about 5 miles up to at Sundance Lake and camp. You return the next morning on your own/with others
or 2) continue with me to summit Mt. Hyndman.
Please read descriptions and requirements for each below.
Option 1: Overnight backpacking up Hyndman Creek Trail (intermediate level)
Definitions used by Idaho Hikers and Backpackers:
"Intermittent level backpack: Group members will have a good knowledge of their gear. They may still be testing their equipment out. They are not “dialed in.” Base-weights are average or below average. They feel comfortable camping in rain or wind. They are fine with some elevation gain. The trail may be faint in some places. There could be some easy scrambling over rocks (class 2). Backpackers are comfortable with a 10-20 mile trip."
Miles: 9.4 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 2765 feet
Difficult: hard
Physical ability level: good to very good: https://www.internationalalpineguides.com/physical-abilityWe will hike about 5 miles and camp at a small alpine lake called Sundial Lake. Expect to see some nice stars here. Could be windy and not much shade. If this is your final stop, simply hike back down the trail the next day after breakfast. This is an out and back hike.
No bear canister required.
For suggested gear read here on my beginner backpacking guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16TZaqHA0EDCydQvPg0m_Dz3AJWcp-lhz9jgUxipFSOU/edit?usp=sharingOPTION 2: If you want to climb Mt. Hyndman and bag a 12er, read on:
REQUIREMENTS: It is the policy of Idaho Hikers and Backpackers that all climbs and scrambles graded 2 and up require a climbing helmet and a personal rescue device, such as a Garmin Inreach (or similar) with an active subscription. Please send a photo of you wearing these items at least 1 week before to: scottiebussell@gmail.com. You will not be allowed to join without these. Safety first!
At 12,009 feet, Hyndman Peak is the ninth highest peak in Idaho and the tallest peak in the Pioneer Mountains. It is one of 9, 12ers: peaks above 12 feet in Idaho. The hike to Hyndman Peak will take you up 5,000 feet in elevation over six miles. Once you've made it to the top, you can take in one of the most stunning 360-degree views of other Idaho mountain ranges —- including Mount Borah, Idaho's highest peak. See pics and video I made from last year.
This is a great training climb for our upcoming Mt. Borah climb (Tentatively scheduled for the Sept 6-7). We will practice scrambling on the rocks and applying techniques I will show you. Those who attend will be given preference for the Mt. Borah climb in September.
*Please read carefully below information*
Check out this video I made from when I climbed Hyndman last year:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjq1cPfS/I actually enjoyed Hyndman more than Borah - for me, it was more scenic. I've uploaded a few photos from last year.
Distance: 12.4 miles
Elevation gain: 4917 feet
Time: 8-11 hours (average 9).
Difficulty: Difficult. I didn't find the actual climbing too technical/demanding. It's a long day from camp to the peak and back to the car; you will be beat, that and the elevation gain make this difficult.
Physical Ability level: Good to excellent (best experience) https://www.internationalalpineguides.com/physical-ability
Route: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/hyndman-peak
Camping: This is an overnight trip. We camp at Sundance lake. We will try and reach the summit on Sunday, weather permitting. Expect an early start, like 5 am. We we assess the wind/weather window and start accordingly. We will start in the dark with headlamps - like true alpinists!
If weather is bad, this will be turned into a backpacking trip.===================================================================
Where to meet- all participants: We meet at Albertsons in Hailey. You can stock up on any last minute essentials. We may consider car pooling if we can find a place to park cars overnight. It about a 45 minute drive to the trailhead from there. Note that the road is very bumpy and full of potholes. I made it slowly in my Prius so just about any car should be fine unless it's muddy.==========================================================
What to bring for those climbing Hyndman
* Helmet
* Garmin Inreach or similar
* Leather gloves work well for scrambling
*hard sole boots, like hiking boots. I would suggest hiking to camp in the most comfortable shoes then switching to approach shoes/hiking boots for the climbing portion.- For scrambling, I like bringing a chalk bag with chalk for extra grip. Although, I have done many of climbs without
*I do not suggest mountaineering boots.
* No harness or ropes needed, just a little nerve.
* Refer to the gear listed in the beginner's backpacking guide:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/16TZaqHA0EDCydQvPg0m_Dz3AJWcp-lhz9jgUxipFSOU/edit?usp=sharing
===============================
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 3 pm before the meet up. 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. I reserve the right to take photos and videos of group members
I understand that during my participation in this Outing, I may be exposed to risks and hazards, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent and cannot be eliminated without diminishing the Outing.
These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel, location, and weather.
I agree that the Organizer (s) has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip leaders or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries are involved in adventure travel such as this Outing and I accept that I must exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards.
I understand that on this Outing there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries to which I may be exposed.
To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY the Organizer from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by the negligence of the Organizer or other participants in any way connected with this Outing. I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS the Organizer (s) from any claims, losses, Injuries and Damages caused by my own negligence while a participant on the Outing.
I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. I have read the Outing description and this Release of Liability in its entirety and I freely and voluntarily assume all risks of such Injuries and notwithstanding such risks, I agree to participate in the Outing. I have read, I understand, and I agree to this Release of Liability.
Thanks
Scottie - hike about 5 miles up to at Sundance Lake and camp. You return the next morning on your own/with others
- Boulder, Rapid, Vic's and Fog Lake- Beginner's Backpack (Overnight)Ten mile Park and Ride, Meridian, ID
Just outside, McCall Idaho, the Kennally Creek trail will take us past 4 beautiful alpine lakes: Boulder, Rapid, Vic's, and Fogg Lakes. I think this will be a scenic trek with time for relaxation and reflection. I want to encourage more members to try backpacking- this should be a good introduction for you. There will be ample opportunity for great photography. We may do an additional short hike around McCall on Sunday, time allowing.
Please bring a bear canister for this outing. Bear attacks are exceeding rare in Idaho - we would like to keep them that way by securing our food at our campsite.
Read more here or check out this You tube video to learn more about the trail:
https://hikingboise.com/2022/08/16/boulder-lake-rapid-lake-and-vics-lake/
https://youtu.be/WFZHusOTbqk?feature=sharedMiles: 9 miles round trip (out and back)
Elevation gain: 2,178
Route: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/boulder-rapid-vic-s-and-fogg-lake-via-kennally-creek-trail
Road to trailhead: Little bumpy but passible with any car.
Difficulty: Definitions used by Idaho Hikers and Backpackers:
"Beginner’s backpack: These trips are designed for members with no or minimal experience. Members are learning to use their gear and how to adapt to eating and sleeping in the wilderness. Base weights may be heavier than average. They may feel uncomfortable with wind and rain while camping. The trip is suitable for any age. There will not be any significant elevation gain, hazards or navigation challenges. Backpackers are comfortable with a trip under 10 miles."
Itinerary:
*Saturday: Meet at 10:00 am at the park and ride. You can leave your car here and car pool with others (preferred) or take your own car. Stop for lunch at Lakefront Bar and Grill:
117 Lakeshore Dr, Cascade, ID 83611
- Drive to trailhead
- Start the hike and likely camp at Rapid Lake
*Sunday: Vic's and Fog Lake back to trailhead. Additional short hike (TBA)
What to bring:
You can find gear recommendations and a check list here:
Beginner's backpacking guidePolicies:
* Please do not bring any alcohol or drugs 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. I reserve the right to take photos and videos of group members in order to promote the the group.
I understand that during my participation in this Outing, I may be exposed to risks and hazards, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent and cannot be eliminated without diminishing the Outing.
These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel, location, and weather.
I agree that the Organizer (s) has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip leaders or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries are involved in adventure travel such as this Outing and I accept that I must exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards.I understand that on this Outing there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries to which I may be exposed.
To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY the Organizer from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by the negligence of the Organizer or other participants in any way connected with this Outing. I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS the Organizer (s) from any claims, losses, Injuries and Damages caused by my own negligence while a participant on the Outing.
I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. I have read the Outing description and this Release of Liability in its entirety and I freely and voluntarily assume all risks of such Injuries and notwithstanding such risks, I agree to participate in the Outing. I have read, I understand, and I agree to this Release of Liability.