Hiking with the Mazamas

The Mazamas offers a robust hiking program to serve just about every ability level and style. Some leaders like to take their time meandering along flat trails for a short duration, while other want to hike at a fast clip up the side of a mountain – you get to choose what is best for you!

All Mazama hikes are open to members and nonmembers. We welcome those with limited experience on our hikes, and also have a number of affinity groups like She/TheyUs, Adventurous Young Mazamas, and the Queerzamas. Our hike leaders are trained in first aid and CPR, and are some of the most experienced hikers in the Northwest – whether hiking, snowshoeing, or backpacking, our leaders can show you spots you might never get to on your own otherwise! 

Interested in becoming a hike leader? Sign up for a required Hike Leader Training Class to learn more about our program.

Choosing a Hike

All of our hikes are on our calendar. Select the hike that interests you to view more details about the activity, including meeting time, description, and information on how to register. The list below shows the next 10 hikes that are on the calendar. If you want to see all of the upcoming hikes, head to the calendar and apply the hike filter. You can also add additional filters such as hike grade, hike leader, and location.

Difficulty/Grade

We classify our hikes by a difficulty factor using two criteria: distance and elevation gain.  This makes it easier to find a hike that's suitable for your fitness and experience level. Each hike we lead is rated A, B, C, or D. 

Class A: Easy or less strenuous hikes – less than 8 miles in distance and less than 1,500 feet of elevation gain 
Class B: Moderate or more challenging hikes – either less than 15 miles in distance with between 1,500 and 3,000 feet elevation gain or between 8 and 15 miles in distance with less than 1,500 feet of elevation gain 
Class C and Cw: Difficult or strenuous hikes – either over 15 miles in distance or over 3,000 feet elevation gain. Class Cw hikes are C level hikes done in winter conditions 
Class D and Dw: Very difficult, very strenuous trips in difficult conditions. No specific distance or elevation gain. Special equipment, conditioning, and experience may be required. Contact with leader for details before the day of the trip is mandatory. Dw trips are D class trips in winter conditions.
Class Q: Hike to an alpine summit in the summer or fall. No specific distance or elevation gain. Special equipment, conditioning, and experience may be required. Contact with leader for details before the day of the trip is mandatory.

Hike Pace

Each hike is rated by a number that refers to the speed the leader intends to go on the uphill portions of the hike. You will most likely go at a slower pace on a hike with steep uphill sections and at a faster pace on one with more gradual uphill sections. Note that you will likely be going at a faster speed than the indicated pace on the level or downhill sections of the hike. 

Level 1: Hikes led at a pace of up to 1.5 mph. A wildflower hike would fit this category. These hikes are often described as "slow pace", "stroll", "relaxing," or as "guided tours".
Level 1.5: Hikes led at a pace of 1.5 to 2 mph. Slow to moderate pace 
Level 2: Hikes led a pace of 2 to 2.5 mph. The majority of weekend hikes and many street rambles fit this category. These hikes would be described as moderate paced
Level 2.5: Hikes led at a pace of 2.5 to 3 mph. Moderate to fast paced. These hikes are conditioners

Who Can Go?

Anyone! Our hikes are for our community, members, and nonmembers alike. We have hikes for all fitness levels.

Cost

All of our hikes and most of our other events are free, for both members and non-members. Some backpacks may charge a varying fee, depending on the length or any necessary reservations or permits.

How Do I Sign Up?

You can sign up for most of our hikes online. All you'll need is an account on our website and a credit card. Go here to learn how to create your profile. Once your profile is setup and you have signed a liability waiver, the sign up process is only two steps! Find a hike you want to go on, and register or apply. 

How Do I Cancel?

If your plans change and you  need to cancel, simply login to the website, go to your DASHBOARD and click on the hike you need to cancel. Once on the hike page, click the Cancel button. 

How Do We Handle No-Shows?

Please be respectful of the hike leader and other participants by showing up on time and ready to go for the activity you are signed up for. If you do need to cancel prior to the start of the activity, you can do so by clicking on the hike, either from your dashboard or from the calendar, and clicking the Withdraw button. If you sign up for a hike and don't show up, you will be marked as a No Show. If you repeatedly take a spot on a hike and fail to show up, you may be blocked from signing up for future Mazama activities. 

What Gear Do I Need?

In general, you will want to bring proper clothes for the expected weather conditions, food, and gear. Proper clothing for the rainy/cold season usually means synthetic materials or wool – materials that will keep you warm even if they get wet. Cotton is not a good idea (no jeans!) in the rainy season – it loses all of its insulating value when it gets wet. 

In summer months, running shoes work for many trails, but in the winter, waterproof footwear will keep you a lot warmer. Keep in mind that leaders may turn anyone away who isn’t properly dressed and equipped, for the safety of the group. In winter, it’s nice to have a change of clothes in the car and a duffel or large plastic bag to put your wet muddy gear in after the hike—this can keep your drivers happy, too. Please carry rain gear during all seasons. Bring a lunch and snacks, at least 2 liters of water, and as many of the Mazamas ten essentials as you have.

Your individual hike may have a more detailed gear list. If in doubt, check with the hike leader.

Hike Rules

• Participation is at your own risk. The Mazamas assume no liability for accidents or incidents.
• Leaders may refuse to accept participation by those they feel are unqualified or unprepared.
• Be prepared with the 10 essentials, proper clothing, and proper equipment.
• No alcohol, weapons, of firearms are allowed—no exceptions.
• Obey wilderness rules as applicable. There is a maximum group size of 12 persons in designated wilderness areas.
• Sign in and carry proper permits where required.
• Pack out what you pack in. Respect your environment.
• Don't pick the flowers. Take only pictures and memories. Leave only footprints.
• Camp only in approved areas. Use a camp stove and avoid fire danger.
• Keep dogs at home except when a hike is labeled as dog hike.
• Don't cut through on switchbacks. Keep children under your charge orderly and on the trail.
• Respect the habitat of animals. Be cautious and alert in areas of bear, cougar and other game.
• The Mazamas does not condone or tolerate harassment in connection with any of its programs or activities. The Mazamas is committed to maintaining an environment of respect for its members and others who participate in its activities, free of harassment of any kind including harassment based on sex, race, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other factors, which do not affect the safety of the participants in Mazamas activities. If you have experienced or witnessed harassment or other behavioral issues, check out our reporting tools here.

Ten Essentials

In general, this is the list of ten essentials to carry with you on all hikes. Depending on the time of year, you may need additional equipment. When in doubt, ask the hike leader what you should bring.

1. Whistle
2. Fire starter and waterproof matches
3. Map
4. Knife
5. Compass
6. First aid kit
7. Sun protection (lip balm, sunscreen and a hat)
8. Extra clothing (hat, socks, gloves)
9. Flashlight (with extra bulb and batteries)
10. Extra food (energy bar or gel)

MeetUp

The Mazamas is on MeetUp! If you are here looking to sign up for an activity you found on MeetUp, click here.