Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
Street Ramble
Going on a street ramble is one of the best ways to get an introduction to the Mazama hiking program. Meet other hikers and maybe plan a weekend trip, maintain your fitness after work and see some hidden parts of Portland you might never get to see otherwise. Interested in joining us? Read our FAQs below. All you need to do is show up, check in, pay, and be ready to go at 6 p.m. We'll see you there!
We operate Tuesday & Thursday night Street Rambles year round from REI in the Pearl District (NW Portland). We meet in the REI parking garage next to the store.
Wednesday Street Rambles are seasonal, and typically occur from mid-May through mid-October and start at the Mazama Mountaineering Center in SE Portland. Currently, we do not have a scheduled restart date for the Wednesday Street Rambles.
See the schedule below for more details.
FAQs
Who Rambles?
Everyone!
Rambles, like all Mazamas activities, are open to members and non-members. Non Mazamas are especially encouraged to join these hikes.
Weather Cancellations
If Portland Public Schools are closed due to weather, if the forecast exceeds 95 degrees, or if the air quality is designated as Unhealthy(AQI 151+) Rambles are cancelled.
Cost
$2 for those under age 55 & $1 for those age 55 and over
Want to join the Mazamas? Get more details.
Meeting Location
Westside location (year round): REI in the Pearl District (NW 14th & Johnson). Meet in the REI parking garage.
Dates
Year Round: Every Tuesday & Thursday at REI. Rain or shine (except major holidays)
Number of people
Tuesdays tend to have more hikers than Thursdays, and there will often be less hikers when it is rainy and/or cold. Sunny summer evenings could see 80+ people, while a rain evening in January could see 10 to 15.
Time
Rambles leave at 6 p.m. sharp.
We recommend arriving 10 to 15 minutes early so you are sure to catch the group.
Rambles go out for exactly 2 hours.
Destinations
In the drier months, rambles typically head to Washington Park, the Zoo, Pittock Mansion, Arboretum or Forest Park. During the less than dry times, we stay more on the pavement.
Gear
Running shoes are fine for summer. In wetter weather, more waterproof footwear might be better. Bring clothing appropriate for the season, a flashlight or headlamp for winter, and at least a liter of water.
Pace
On Tuesdays, we usually have three to five groups that are split into groups of leisurely, moderate and fast paced hiking. On Thursdays, we typically have two to four groups.
- The leisurely (or less than moderate) group is geared to hikers wishing a gentle trek providing exercise without a fast pace (and those just starting out). It rarely has more than 500 feet of elevation gain and goes 5 to 5.5 miles.
- The moderate group(s) goes at a faster pace with more distance and elevation gain. A common ‘moderate’ destination is a hike with 800 feet gain and six miles round trip distance in two hours.
- The fast group goes, well, pretty fast.
Wednesday rambles typically have one group. The group hikes up to Mt. Tabor together, and then people can split up to hike stairs at their own pace.
Sign In/Waiver
All Ramble participants must sign in and agree to our waiver and COVID Acknowledgement prior to Rambling.
Upcoming Rambles
Rambles take place every Tuesday & Thursday and leave from REI-Portland parking garage. You can see the next 10 upcoming ramble dates below. Or click this link to get more details.
