Northwest Hikers 55+ Plus

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About us

Welcome to the Northwest Hikers 55 Plus website.
Our leadership team is made up of volunteers who enjoy experiencing the great scenery the Pacific Northwest region has to offer. We invite like-minded novice or experienced hikers who are ages 55 and up to join us when they can.

To enjoy our surroundings as well as allow for visiting with our fellow hikers, WE SET A SOCIAL PACE and stay with the group.

To become a MEMBER, first, request to join on our website, second, follow the instructions that are sent to you which will include some of the requirements below. You remain in PENDING until further notice.
1. A CLEAR recent picture of yourself without sunglasses is required so we can recognize you on our hikes; your first real name and last name initial.
NOTE: “translucent sunglasses” are acceptable if face is clearly recognizable.

2. An annual WAIVER: Consent, Release Agreement, and Authorization form with a handwritten signature.

3. An annual $10 fee which covers the $389.48 Meet up website expenses, donation to WTA and Northwest Avalanche Center, and annual picnic.

When both waiver and fee are received, the symbol @ and the year goes on your profile, ex:@26. This symbol signifies you are an official member, and can rsvp on hikes and attend its events.

THANK YOU,
Northwest Hikers 55 Plus team

Upcoming events

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2 seats left
Larch Lakes loop - don't wait to reserve your place (keep reading)
Wed, Oct 7 · 7:30 AM PDT
Alpine Lake High Camp, 17375 High Mountain Meadows Rd, Leavenworth, WA, US
Hike to the spectacular, rarely day-hike accessible Larch & Cup Lakes via the Alpine Lakes High Camp Wednesday Fall Hikers Shuttle. Shuttle reservations just opened today (July 6) and there are only 14 spaces available on the shuttle.

Alpine Lakes High Camp is offering a fall hiking shuttle on Wednesdays. This provides easier access to many trails in the area, including the 5-star (per Day Hiking Central Cascades #49, 1st Edition) Larch & Cup Lakes, which are beautiful, larch-lined, high-country lakes located in the Chiwaukum Range. Taking advantage of the shuttle would allow a whole day to do a respectable hike & bask in the fall light & enjoy the larches, explore both lakes extensively, swim (if so inclined), and return on the shuttle at 6 pm.
- Mileage: 12.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft
- Shuttle times are fixed - we'll be out for 10 hours
- Until you pay, you won't have a place on the shuttle
- Read "important information" at the end of this description
Shuttle cost is $85+Tax & Tip (~$100pp), and they seem to have a rigid cancellation policy. HOWEVER I asked about an exception given I'm bringing a group & the potential for wildfires, and they've agreed to a refund in the event of an AQI over 150. Total shuttle capacity is only 14 people.
"Cancellations made 10 days or more before your scheduled shuttle departure are eligible for a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 10 days of the scheduled departure, no-shows, or if you miss the shuttle. This policy applies regardless of weather, travel delays, or other circumstances beyond our control." .... except the requested exception for AQI exceeding 150 for our group.
WTA Link
AllTrails link

The shuttle fee is refundable 50% according to their policy up to 10 days in advance and not at all after that - unless the AQI exception is triggered - or someone in our group takes your spot.
FOR OCTOBER 7th ... RESERVE & PAY THEM DIRECTLY FOR YOUR SHUTTLE - HERE'S THE RESERVATION AND PAYMENT LINK
https://www.alpinelakeshighcamp.com/hiking-shuttle

Other important information about this hike: Before you pay the non-refundable $85 for the shuttle, you need to participate in 1-2 hikes with the group to find out if this group is a good fit for you.
For any other hike, this would not be an issue. For this hike, there are at least a couple reasons to know ahead of time if this group is a good fit for you. (1) The wilderness areas around Larch Lake hold populations of black bear and cougar. The Larch Lakes trail is on public land where hunting is legally permitted in October. For safety, it’s important that the group stay together – no stragglers, no sprinters, no one left on their own. (2) This is a long hike on rugged trails. The shuttle departs shortly after sunrise and returns shortly before sunset, which makes this a very long day in an area that has no good way to provide medical assistance, if needed. We will not be able to easily walk out if the need arises. Even though we never plan for an accident to befall us, it's always possible and can happen to anyone.
8 attendees