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. Outings are defined as trips that last for five days or more, and may include climbs, hikes, camping, walking tours, kayaking, cycling, etc. Our travel program is commonly referred to as "Outings" and all travel opportunities are available to members and nonmembers.

As a service to our members, we are providing links to the following organizations that may also offer trips of interest at their member rates:

• The Mountaineers
• Colorado Mountain Club
• Appalachian Mountain Club

Want to go on an outing? Great! There are a few steps to complete your application for an upcoming outing.

Complete your Application

1. Look through the list of available outings that can be found in the Upcoming Outings section on this page (below).
2. Apply for the Outing by clicking on the appropriate button and following the application process.
3. Please be sure to fill out your Mazama profile with relevant medical information and your emergency contact. This information is not used to determine acceptance but to ensure the leader is adequately prepared for the outing. Withholding important, relevant medical information may result in a participant being asked to leave the outing.

Outing Participant Payment

The total cost of an outing is listed in the description of that outing, please be aware of these costs before applying. The initial deposit payment must be made to confirm your spot on the outing.

1. Deposit: When you apply for an outing you will input your credit card. If you are accepted onto the outing, your credit card will be charged the DEPOSIT. The deposit includes your Outing Fee ($10/activity day for members; $20/activity day for nonmembers).
2. Remaining Balance: Once accepted onto the outing, you will be sent an invoice for the balance of the outing. You may pay the remainder by check or credit card.

Note: As an incentive for Leaders to put in the time and effort to arrange and lead outings, the Leader and Assistant Leader costs may be paid by the participants.

WA Olympics NE Loop Backpack

Dates: July 11–17
Leader: Rex Breunsbach (rbreunsbach@gmail.com)

We will spend 5 days, 4 nights, on trails in the beautiful and unique Olympic Forest, with an optional side trip without backpacks up to view Hayden Pass. We will cross Gray Wolf Pass, Lost Pass, and beautiful Cameron Pass on our way. This trip will include river fords and the crossing of snow in high mountain basins. Exact conditions will be determined closer to the trip. This is a strenuous backpack. Please make sure that you have experience on previous strenuous backpacks and are in shape for the distance and elevation gain. Lighter packs are advised. Our pace will be slow to moderate.

Cost excluding travel and food is estimated to be a maximum of $90 for members $140 for non-members (deposit: Members $50, Non-members $100).

Learn more about this outing here!

Mt. Rainier National Park Exploration

Dates: August 15–19 (optional 3-day backpacking add on Aug. 20–22)
Leaders: Reuel Kurzet & Dyanne Foster

Join Mazama leaders Reuel Kurzet and Dyanne Foster for 5 days and 4 nights hiking in beautiful Mt. Rainier National Park. In addition to this 5-day car camping trip, you can add on an optional 3-day backpacking trip in the area. Sign up for 5 days or 8 days to enjoy this stunning landscape!

Participants can expect daily hikes in the National Park. These hikes can be as short as a couple of miles (although steep) or as long as 6+ miles. Because we will be car camping, you will only need to carry a daypack, but be sure to still pack your 10 Essentials! 

For Mazamas members, the deposit is $50. The cost range (including deposit) for the 5-day car camping will be $62 to $70; the cost range (including deposit) for the 8-day car camping plus backpack will be $92 to $100. For non-members, the deposit is $100. The cost range (including deposit) for the 5-day car camping will be $112 to $120; the cost range (including deposit) for the 8-day car camping plus backpack will be $172 to $180. 

Learn more about this outing and apply here!

John Muir Trail Trek

Dates: September 2–19
Leader: Gary Bishop (gbish90@hotmail.com)

Follow in the steps of John Muir as we take his ~220-mile namesake trail from the top of Mt. Whitney (14,494 ft.) to the Yosemite Valley, traversing the beautiful and scenic high Sierras. To overcome issues with obtaining a permit we will be starting our journey a little south of Mt. Whitney at the Cottonwood trailhead. This will add ~18 miles to the hike.

Highlights of the trek include multiple >10,000 ft. passes, alpine lakes, jaw-dropping scenery, and the summit of Mt. Whitney. The five to six participants will need to be in good physical condition and have experience in at least one 100-mile (or greater) trek and at least one 12,000 ft peak or pass. We will be traveling light and fast, ~20 miles per day with elevation gains > 5000 ft. on some days and a majority of the hike taking place at over 8000 ft. 

This Outing was scheduled for last year and was canceled due to COVID. The team from 2020 has been unofficially accepted for this year's trip. Anyone else applying for the trip at this time will be considered for an alternate spot.

Learn more and apply for this outing here!