What we’re about
A group of people who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, rock climbing, trail running, and cycling. Our mission is to serve the outdoors-loving community by providing unique, challenging, and wholesome outdoor experiences with respect for the environment and people.
NW Wilderness Policies (Last edited May 21, 2018)
Attendance:
NW Wilderness has a “three strikes, you're out” policy for no-shows. If a member does not show up for three events that the member signed up for in a 12 month period the member will be banned from the group for a period of one year. A warning letter will be sent after the first or second no-show to make sure the member is aware of the policy.
Liability:
NW Wilderness and its leaders assume no liability for accidents or other mishaps that happens to a member during an event or the ride to or from the event. Each member needs to participate within his/her comfort level and take responsibility for his/her own safety, first by not signing up for events outside the member's comfort level and second by not following directions or taking advice that might put them in danger.
Preparedness:
Each member needs to come prepared for the activity he/she signs up for. That includes being in physical shape for the event. It also means bringing the proper equipment such as the ten essentials, non-cotton clothing, appropriate footwear and enough food and water.
Leadership requirements:
Any aspiring leaders are required to have attended at least five NW Wilderness events from at least two different leaders; exceptions are made for individuals with extensive track record with (an)other group(s). Each leader has virtual autonomy to lead events that they see fit as long as the event fits under the type of activities this group participates in. The leader is responsible to making sure he/she stays inside his/her skill and comfort level. New leaders agree to not lead events with other hiking groups- old leaders are grandfathered in. Each leader agrees to lead no fewer than three events each year. New leaders will be assigned a mentor to help them during their first three events.
Donations:
Group membership is free, but donations are strongly encouraged in order to offset the cost of upkeep ($180 per year of website fees, group meeting expenses, etc.). Contributions can be made here: https://secure.meetup.com/NW-Wilderness/contribute/
Thank you kindly for any past or future contributions!
Upcoming events (2)
See all- 8th annual Halloween costume hike- Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain (Mount Hood)Mirror Lake Trailhead, Government Camp, OR
Summit photo (partial group shot) from last year’s Halloween costume hike
It’s that time of year again! Our 8th annual costume hike is keeping the tradition of goofy, good-hearted festivity on the Saturday before Halloween. Costumes are enthusiastically encouraged, but not required.
- Difficulty: Moderate-Easy (Super easy to Mirror Lake, fairly easy to the summit ridge)
- Hiking distance: 8 mile roundtrip Elevation gain: 1710 feet
- Total time: I plan for us to be back by early afternoon, but individual vehicles are welcome to stop for food or drinks on the way home
- Total driving distance: 98 miles from NE Portland; If carpooling, I suggest a $10 donation to drivers, unless drivers determine otherwise
- Permits: NW Forest Pass for each vehicle, or $5
- Dogs: Oh yes. I’m always a sucker for a dog in costume.
The plan: We’ll meet at Mirror Lake trailhead at 9 a.m. (Or carpool/caravan from Gateway TC at 8, if you prefer). Let's get moving shortly after 9:15. After hiking up to Mirror Lake, we’ll stop for that calendar-famous photo opp of Mount Hood. Then we’ll hike around the lake, and head up to the summit for those views!
Here is further information about our route: http://www.summitpost.org/tom-dick-and-harry-mountain/150699
- My usual hiking style is fairly brisk (2.5-3.5 mph or faster when not running), athough... Who cares about pace on a costume party hike? But let’s not take all day. We will enjoy short breaks as needed for snacks, photos, and viewpoints.
Bring: Gas money, 2+ liters of water, food/snacks, warm layers of non-cotton clothing if your costume is breezy, rain gear and/or umbrella, a camera, and shoes with good traction. Poles could be useful.
It is also recommended that hikers always carry the, um, "ELEVEN" Essentials:
- Navigation (map, compass, and an awareness of our route)
- Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight and extra batteries)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
- Knife/tools
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency whistle and general preparedness in the event that you become separated from our group and/or have to spend the night in the wild
- The great wide open*
*Happy birthday to the late great Tom Petty, who would've been turning 74 on October 20th
PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK; Northwest Wilderness Group organizers are volunteers. We come prepared to lead you on a trail or off trail hike but assume no liability for your safety getting to or from the trail-head or on the hike. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, hikers must pay for their own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not the hiker has specifically authorized them.
