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Choosing a hike for your level of fitness and interest:

The surest way to a disastrous first experience with the Mountaineers is to sign up for a hike beyond your capabilities. It cannot be emphasized enough--start small and work your way up to the longer and more difficult hikes. Remember, almost all Mountaineer hikes have significant elevation gain. So if you are not accustomed to hiking in mountainous terrain, start with the easy hikes with little elevation gain. With regular hiking you will soon find yourself on the more difficult trails.

If hiking is a social activity for you, sign up for the leisurely paced and social paced trips. These are normally led at a pace which fosters socializing among trip participants. If hiking is your way of getting a workout, try the fast paced hikes. But remember, these hikes do not normally slow down on steep slopes. Be prepared to test your lung power!

Among the attractions on Mountaineer hikes are: Panoramic Views, Wildflowers, Old Growth Forests, Lakes & Tarns, and Wildlife. If you have a preference, research the hikes using the Hiking Guides (available at the Mountaineers Library and many bookstores), or do a google search for the hike.  Additionally, trip reports can be found on the Washington Trail Association web site.

Trip Classifications:

Mountaineer hikes are classified in two ways. The difficulty level of the trail, and the pace at which the group will be travelling.

Difficulty levels are:

• Easy (E): Up to 8 miles round trip, with up to 1200' of elevation gain. (Comparable to Little Si)
• Moderate (M): Up to 12 miles round trip, with 1200'-2500' of elevation gain.
• Strenuous (S): Up to 14 miles round trip, with 2500'-3500' of elevation gain. (Comparable to Mt. Si)
• Very Strenuous (VS): Over 14 miles round trip, and/or more than 3500' of elevation gain.

The Pace of the trip is defined as:

• Leisurely pace: The slowest pace trips. (More than 2 hrs. around Green Lake)
• Social pace: Less than 2 miles per hour. (Approximately 2 hrs. around Green Lake)
• Moderate pace: Approximately 2 miles per hour. (Approximately 1-1/2 hrs. around Green Lake)
• Fast pace: Greater than 2 miles per hour. (One hr. or less around Green Lake)