The Mazamas offers a variety of classes for all ability levels. Learn new skills in mountaineering, rock climbing, first aid, ski mountaineering, and more.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Street Rambles are on temporary hiatus. It is possible they will continue in October, but not before then, and likely not until January 1, 2021 at the earliest.
STREET RAMBLES CANCELLED for now (posted on March 16, 2020). We will post here when they are back up and running.
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). Wednesday Street Rambles are seasonal, and typically occur from mid-May through mid-October and start at the Mazama Mountaineering Center (SE Portland). 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.
Cost
$2 for nonmembers & $1 for members and 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 near the parking garage entrance.
Eastside location (May through September only): Mazama Mountaineering Center at 527 SE 43rd Avenue, Portland, Ore.
Dates
Year Round: Every Tuesday & Thursday at REI. Rain or shine (except major holidays)
May through September: Every Wednesday at the Mazama Mountaineering Center (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.
Cancellations
If Portland Public Schools close due to inclement weather, we don't hike.
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.
Upcoming Rambles
Rambles take place every Tuesday & Thursday and leave from REI-Portland. You can see the next 10 upcoming ramble dates below. Or click this link to get more details.
