Adventurous Young Mazamas (AYM)

All Mazama hikes are open to all members and non-members alike.

Find a Hike Suitable for Your Fitness and Experience Level

If you’re not sure of your capabilities, it’s probably best to choose a hike that’s easier than you think you can do. Newcomers to the Northwest often find that our hikes are quite a bit steeper than they're used to in other parts of the country. 

Be Prompt

Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early, sign in with the leader, pay the trip fees, and organize carpools. The Mazamas ask that carpool riders contribute 10 cents per mile to their carpool driver. Some carpool meeting areas are popular with other hiking groups as well, so be sure you're on board with the correct group. 

Bring Proper Clothing, Food, and Gear

Please wear and bring proper clothing (made of materials that will stay warm if they get wet, raingear, and appropriate footwear). Leaders may turn away anyone who isn't properly dressed or equipped for the safety of the group. Bring a lunch, at least two liters of water, and as many of the "Ten Essentials" as you have (see sidebar).

Carpooling

For out-of-town trips, we usually carpool from the Portland area. You don't need to organize a carpool ahead of time. Everyone meets at the meeting place listed on the hike schedule and we arrange carpools from there. The most common meeting points are Gateway Transit Center and Sunset Transit Center. Both are on the MAX lines and have free parking garages.

Dog-Friendly Hikes

No pets are permitted on Mazama events unless the event is specifically listed as being dog-friendly. For events where dogs are permitted, the owners are expected to keep their dogs on leash and under control at all times. Owners must follow any instructions given to them by the event leader regarding their pets. Hostile or aggressive dogs are not welcome on Mazama events.

• All dogs must be properly vaccinated, collared and have personal ID / vaccination tags.
• Dogs are not permitted off-leash at any point on Mazama events.
• Dog owners must be aware and respectful of the rest of the group and of other trail users. Some individuals are not comfortable around dogs or may be intimidated by them. Other trail users have the right of way and should be given plenty of space to get by.
• Owners will maintain control of enthusiastic and/or barking dogs.
• Dog owners should bring extra water for their pup - and must clean up after their pets & "pack it out" if so warranted.

Mazama Event Rules

• Participation is at your own risk. The Mazamas assume no liability for accidents or incidents. In the event of an accident, illness or other incapacity, a participant will pay for his/her own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not he/she has specifically authorized them.
• Leaders may refuse participation to anyone who they feel is unqualified or unprepared.
• Firearms, weapons, alcohol and radios (other than ham radio transmitters, two-way radios or weather radios) are not permitted on activities.
• No one will be permitted on an activity who has taken or used substances (including medication) which may impair performance or judgement.
• Any participant who engages in behavior which would endanger the group or who is unable/unwilling to follow Mazama rules may be signed off the trip. This may occur at the activity leader's discretion.
• All wilderness regulations will be followed as applicable. There is a maximum size of twelve persons in designated wilderness areas.
• Please be courteous to others and turn cellphones/pagers off while participating on events.
• All participants shall carry out everything they carry in.
• Carpooling is strongly encouraged; it's safer, cheaper and more fun!
• Participants under eighteen years of age must provide the activity leader with a written permission slip signed by a parent or guardian - or must be accompanied by a responsible adult who is not the leader. Participants under the age of fifteen must be accompanied by a responsible adult. If the "responsible adult" should turn back, all participants he/she is responsible for must turn back as well.