Blog

The Mountaineers is an incredible community of outdoor enthusiasts, students, instructors, advocates, and leaders. We are inspired by our community’s dedication to fostering connections to the outdoors. As we close the door on 2022 and look ahead to 2023, we reflect on our core values and how they’ve guided us through this past fiscal year. Read more…

Mountaineers from all branches, their guests, and community members are invited to join the Olympia Mountaineers on the first Wednesday of each month from November 2022 through March  2023 for our much-loved Adventure Speaker Series! Olympia Mountaineers have hosted this amazing free event for many years, and are pleased to be able to return this year with a line up of new and familiar speakers. Read more…

Like all Mountaineers, our Super Volunteers delight in small
moments of frivolity. A cold beverage shared between a
paddler and a powerboat. Playing lighthearted pranks during
an Urban Walk. Watching the magnificent, performative hunt
of a short-eared owl. Community-based fun is the heartbeat
of The Mountaineers. Read more…

One of the first impulses we have while recreating outdoors is to take a photo. We want to share the exhilaration of our alpine scrambles, the warmth of alpenglow on an early morning snowshoe, or the unexpected wildlife dotting our hiking trails. We photograph because we have a deep connection to these natural places and we want others to experience that connection, too. Read more…

On Monday, January 9, The Mountaineers will be hosting a Pop-Up Donor Center with Bloodworks Northwest at the Seattle Program Center from 9am-3pm. Read more…

There is just one day left to make your 2022 donation to The Mountaineers. The funds raised this season will help youth find their inner confidence, equip advocates to speak up for wilderness and public lands, and ensure that outdoor education is available to all.  Read more…

Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to... Read more…

I know it's a busy season, so I will get straight to the point: we need your help to raise $200,000 by the end of this month so that The Mountaineers community can go farther in 2023. If you have found value in programs or books at The Mountaineers, will you consider making a donation this holiday season? Read more…

Are you dreaming of outdoor adventures or trying to enhance your skills?  Members and non-members are invited to spend an evening learning about upcoming Olympia Mountaineer programs and activities.  This is a great opportunity to meet with activity leaders and ask any questions you have about course offerings.  They will have information about what it takes to get started, the gear you will need, course schedules, and more.  Read more…

Many years ago, I spent my first snow camping trip on the Skyline Lake Trail opposite Stevens Pass Ski Resort. As we settled in for the night, I could see the slopes across the valley light up for night skiing and hear alpine music playing. Our side of the mountains was quiet and dark. I was a downhill skier at the time, and was charmed by the difference. Read more…