Explore our world-class mountaineering library, apply for one of our grants, and dig in to your member resources.
Steep Snow Climbing
Photo: Andrew Holman
William G. Steel Collection
Hike Leader Regis Krug in the Gorge
Ally Imbody Rock Climbing in California
Ally Imbody on The Ogre
Building a community that inspires everyone to love and protect the mountains.
Established in 1894 on the summit of Mt. Hood, the Mazamas is a Portland, Oregon based 501(c)3 organization providing excellence in climbing education, leadership development, and environmental advocacy throughout the Pacific Northwest. Its mission to build a community that inspires everyone to love and protect the mountains is carried out in partnership with more than 500 highly dedicated volunteers through 15 distinct education programs, dozens of short-form classes, about 1,000 climbs and hikes annually, stewardship activities like trail and crag-tending, scientific research, and an extensive mountaineering library and historical collection. With a membership of about 3,000 and an annual budget of $1 million, the Mazamas maintains a year-round staff of 5.0 FTE and two facilities, including the carbon neutral Mazama Mountaineering Center in Southeast Portland and the Mazama Lodge in Government Camp.
Membership
Join today to access hikes, climbs, education programs, and an entire community of outdoor enthusiasts! Membership is open to everyone, regardless of prior experience or skill level.
Classes & Education
As the region's leader in mountaineering education, the Mazamas offers a variety of opportunities to gain and hone skills in outdoor-related fields for students of all levels. Programs are open to members and nonmembers, with members receiving the best tuition rates.
Courses include our renowned Basic Climbing Education Program, Intermediate Climbing School, and Advanced Rock, with several smaller courses running throughout the year. We also offer skill-builders and clinics to keep your skills fresh, as well as a wide variety of safety and first aid training opportunities. Check our calendar for the latest!
Mountaineering & Climbing
Mountaineering is at the core of what we do at the Mazamas – the organization was founded on the summit of Mt. Hood, after all! Climbs are open to members who meet the qualifications set by climb leaders on an application basis. We offer climbs on everything from Mount St. Helens and South Sister to Mt. Hood and Forbidden Peak.
Hiking
Hiking is extremely popular with both members and nonmembers, with more than 700 hikes organized each year. Our hiking program includes moderate hikes, strenuous conditioning hikes, trail tending (work trips), backpacks, snow bivouacs, snowshoe trips, street rambles, and short, family-oriented walks. Most of the hikes are within easy driving distance of Portland, with several offered each weekend, as well as weekday and evening hikes.
Trail Tending
The Mazamas actively promotes the establishment and maintenance of hiking trails through its trail tending work. Trails such as Trapper Creek, Chetwoot Loop, and Mazama Trail were created by, and are regularly maintained by, the Mazamas. Mazama Trail Tenders have been instrumental in re-opening many trails in the Columbia River Gorge that have been devastated by storms and wildfires.
Outings (Travel)
The Mazamas regularly lead travel adventures, both foreign and domestic, that allow our members to experience other cultures, ecosystems, mountain ranges, and the natural world in a safe and affordable manner. Called Outings, these travel opportunities are defined as trips that last for five days or more, and may include hikes, walking tours, camping, kayaking, cycling, climbs, etc.
Conservation
In addition to the many recreational and instructional activities of the Mazamas, conservation is central to the Mazama mission. Since its inception, the Mazamas has played a significant role in preserving wilderness areas for posterity. The Mazamas and Mazama founders have played a role in establishing Crater Lake and Mt. Rainier as national parks, in the preservation of the Oregon Caves as a national monument, and in setting aside the original 4,000 acres in the city of Portland as Forest Park.
The Mazamas endeavour to maintain a close relationship with officials in all land management public agencies to insure that the viewpoint of those who access and enjoy outdoor areas is clearly understood by authorities.
Organizational Structure
The Mazamas is a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization operated by a volunteer Board of Directors, professional staff, and hundreds of additional dedicated volunteers who carry out a variety of functions from climb and hike leaders to class coordinators to committee members.
Mazama Mountaineering Center
Our carbon-neutral Mazama Mountaineering Center (MMC) is located at SE 43rd and Stark in Portland, Oregon. The facilities include 4 meeting rooms, a 175-seat auditorium, a library, administrative offices, a kitchen, and our collection of historical archives. Office and library hours are Tuesday –Thursday, from 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
