Most Popular Blogs

For our Leader Spotlight this month we talked to Tom Eckhout, a volunteer leader with the Olympia Branch who cherishes every moment he has in the mountains. Read more…

Early altimeters with 19 jewels and Swiss-made movements were price-prohibitive and thus weren’t included in either The Mountaineers navigation courses or the Ten Essentials. However, with new technology emerging, the upcoming  9th edition of Freedom of the Hills  will feature map, compass, and all of the modern tools with altimeters prominent among them. Read more…

Since its earliest days, The Mountaineers has been committed to conservation and stewardship of wild places. That’s why we created our Carbon Footprint Reduction Committee, tasked with helping make sure that The Mountaineers and Mountaineers Books are doing our part to address the global climate crisis.  Read more…

Note: The comment period for the draft visitor use management plan is now closed. Learn more about The Mountaineers concerns with the plan in this blog. We'll continue to update our community as this process develops. Thank you for your interest and engagement in this important issue.

In response to increased visitation during the peak summer season, Mount Rainier National Park recently proposed significant changes to how people access the park. The Nisqually to Paradise Corridor Draft Management Plan proposes to implement a timed-entry reservation system for popular areas of the park. This proposal could dramatically change how Mountaineers programs and members access places like Paradise and Sunrise. Read more…

With great sadness we share the news of the passing of Lisa Berntsen, a beloved member of The Mountaineers community - a Mountaineer, Tacoma branch member, volunteer leader, and board member. Read more…

I’m injured. Again. This time it’s bad. An ordinary posthole on a scramble resulted in seven separate tears in my knee. Read more…

Nearly three months ago we launched our new website - Mountaineers.org 2.0 - culminating a process that began almost three years ago. The new website allows us to take a more holistic approach to how we use technology to make the most impact for the most people. The technology we selected is more flexible and adaptable than our old system, which means it allows for continuous improvement. Gone are the days of building a website and then leaving it to month ball. We have a budget and new processes to make continuous improvements. And while as a nonprofit we don't have unlimited resources, we are proud to make the most of what we do have and to be as efficient as possible in serving you! Read more…

The 115th Congress spent the first day of its new session making it easier to sell off our public lands. On Tuesday evening, Congress passed a “rules package,” which contained a provision [Section 3(q)(1) of H.Res. 5 (p. 35)] allowing lawmakers to transfer federal lands to the state without accounting for the economic ramifications. Read more…

You may have heard recently that Keta Legacy Foundation, formerly known as The Mountaineers Foundation, filed a federal lawsuit against The Mountaineers. We were saddened by Keta’s action in suing us. And we were stunned to learn that Keta was not only demanding that the court allow it to continue to use the name “The Mountaineers” but also that the court prohibit us from using our own name for charitable fund‐raising activities. Read more…

The hiking community lost a passionate champion for trails this past week when hiking columnist and guidebook author Karen Sykes died in Mount Rainier National Park. Read more…

After climbing for over 20 years in the Cascades, I have lived through a few incidents and near-misses. This is the story of how I almost died glissading down Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments. Read more…

Over the years, members of The Mountaineers community have worked on a number of inclusion initiatives to encourage more involvement from diverse communities. To date, limited resources have been put toward a mindful effort to create a more inclusive environment at The Mountaineers. Read more…

For our Leader Spotlight this month we talked to Lonny Moore, a volunteer leader with the Kitsap Branch who loves to sing 80's medleys and wear Leader Yellow. Read more…

As Mountaineers, we are committed to learning from our experiences. We examine every incident that happens on a Mountaineers trip for opportunities to improve the ways we explore and teach. Our volunteer safety committee reviews every incident report and picks a few each month to share as examples of ‘Lessons Learned’. The trip report below describes what happened on this trip, in the leader’s own words, and outlines the lessons the leader has identified. In some cases, we offer additional key learnings from the incident. 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…

Join the Olympia branch for our upcoming Conditioning Hiking Series (CHS) course, offering participants the chance to improve their fitness level and hike with many of the same people throughout the course.  Read more…

As I clipped into my skis for the first time – the cool wind hitting my face, excitement filling my soul – I started to push forward… splat. My face met the cold ground – probably not the best start to my cross-country skiing career. Nevertheless, I got up and continued on the trail, thinking to myself that this MAC trip might be a long one. Read more…

A recent trip to Mount Rainier National Park during the Perseid meteor shower offered a stark reminder of how important it is to adhere to mindful and low impact recreation practices. I spent my professional career working to protect and restore public lands, and that evening was frustrating, frightening, and heartbreaking. I want to encourage all members and volunteers to increase outreach to our community – and especially non-members – on the ethical use of natural places and proper etiquette when there. Read more…

Updated June 2025

Mountaineers activities are led by volunteers who give their time to help others safely explore the outdoors. Due to the potentially hazardous and strenuous nature of our activities, some leaders may choose to require Leader’s Permission before allowing participants to register. Leader's Permission can be a critical tool for ensuring a successful trip, but good communication is key to avoiding frustration.  

We hope the guidance below will help set expectations and illustrate best practices for both leaders and participants.

What is Leader’s Permission?

Leader’s Permission exists so leaders have the opportunity to verify that each participant is fully qualified to participate in their activity in situations where badges don’t give a complete picture of the demands of the trip. Leader’s Permission also gives participants a chance to understand trip expectations and ask questions.

If an activity is marked “Leader’s Permission Required,” all participants, including instructors, co-leaders, and assistant leaders, must seek and receive permission from the Primary Leader before registering.

How does Leader’s Permission work?

When the leader’s permission is required, there is an additional check-box on the right hand side of the registration page, just below the listed prerequisites.

Important: Do not register until you’ve received confirmation from the leader. Registering early without permission may result in permanent removal from the roster and adds unnecessary (and frustrating) burden to volunteer leaders.

PARTICIPANTS BEST PRACTICES

Please keep in mind that all of our leaders are volunteers, giving their time willingly. Allow them time to reply to your message, and help them out by providing all relevant information before registering.

Here are key tips to improve your chances of being accepted and to show respect for your leader’s time:

Read Carefully

• Expand the Leader Notes to check for fitness/skill expectations, gear requirements, and contact methods.
• Look for any specific timeframe for permission requests.

Send a Complete Request

Avoid vague claims like “I’m in good shape.” Be specific. Include:

• Relevant experience (e.g., “Completed Ingalls Peak, 6/15, Seattle branch”)
• Fitness examples (e.g., “Mailbox Peak with 3,800’ gain in 2:30”)
• Skills (e.g., crampon/ice axe use, glacier travel)
• Any requested info (e.g., climbing resume, course affiliation)

Time It Right

• Only submit your request during the designated window if one is given.
• Don’t assume prior trips or relationships mean automatic approval.
• Wait for a clear “yes” before registering.

Be Courteous and Patient

• Leaders are volunteers. Allow 3 days for a response.
• Avoid multiple follow-ups unless 4 days have passed.
• If your plans change, remove yourself from the waitlist promptly.

LEaders Best Practices

Using Leader’s Permission effectively helps create safe, rewarding experiences. Here’s how to set your team up for success:

Be Clear About Fitness Requirements

• Use measurable, activity-specific benchmarks (e.g., “3,500’ gain/day with 40lb pack”).
• Help participants self-assess their readiness honestly.

Set Team Expectations

• Describe the trip style (e.g., relaxed, exploratory, fast-paced).
• Outline shared duties and non-negotiables like start times and group safety norms.
• Reinforce a culture of open communication and mutual support.

Explain the Permission Process Clearly

• Specify the request method: email, form, or site message.
• List what to include: experience, fitness benchmarks, skills.
• State permission request open/close dates and time zone.
• Provide contact info for questions and format the steps simply.

Be Transparent About Selection Criteria

• Share how decisions are made (e.g., based on fitness, experience, application clarity).
  
• Note that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
• Provide a decision timeline so applicants know when to expect a response.
  

Consider Priority Registration Thoughtfully

• If using priority registration, define eligibility (e.g., Basic Alpine students, affinity groups).
• Clearly list exact priority/general registration windows.
• Emphasize that qualifications, not affiliation, are required for all.

Always include some period for general registration. Even if space is limited, offering a waitlist opportunity fulfills this good-faith effort. This fosters inclusivity and ensures compliance with public land permitting rules. Student-only trips must take place in areas for which we have a permit to operate, and should be listed within the course itself. Permit information is available in every Route/Place. 

Handling registration without Leader’s Permission

People make mistakes, and there will be times when you have to cancel someone from your roster because they failed to seek Leader’s Permission. When you do have to cancel someone from your roster, be kind and considerate. Help that member understand why Leader’s Permission was required and send them a link to this blog.

A few weeks ago, we announced an open call for applications in an exciting new Alpine Skills Development program. Its goals are to help intermediate-level climbers refine and develop their technical skills to be poised to effectively give back to The Mountaineers. Together, we're taking strategic steps to design programs aimed at building a cohort of skilled alpinists. Read more…

Our leaders often ask about the “best” ways to screen participants in advance of their trips. We want to be inclusive of our whole community - half the fun of a Mountaineers trip is the opportunity to meet new people! - but as leaders, we also have an obligation to keep the group safe. Not every member is suited for every trip!  Read more…

We get a lot of questions about compasses - and rightfully so! They're important. Follow these tips to select the compass that’s best for your needs. We suggest that you have this page handy for reference when you go the store to purchase a compass. Read more…

Some of you may have seen a little fruit cake tin in the Mountaineer Archives which contains a very old cookie or biscuit. I've seen this before and have always set it aside for another time (after scratching my head over why it was even there). Read more…

We’re bringing the spirit of outdoor adventure and mountain culture to The Mountaineers again! The World Tour features the best mountain films this year, showcasing amazing filmmaking talent from the world over to an audience that spans the globe.  Read more…

Today we wish a very Happy Birthday to our longest standing member: Mary Anderson – a Washington State native, longtime teacher in the Seattle Public School Districts, and co-founder of REI with her husband Lloyd (she holds membership card #2). She was one of a handful of Mountaineers instrumental in setting up our climbing course in 1936. Read more…

Fred Beckey, a legend among Northwest Mountaineers, and a climber, environmentalist, historian, and Mountaineers Books author, passed away on October 30, 2017. He was 94. Read more…

As a 501(c)(3) volunteer-led organization, The Mountaineers continues to depend on the generosity, initiative and leadership of our volunteers. We are humbled by the service provided by board and branch directors whose positions are confirmed by members each year. Thank you for all you do as members to elevate our mission, and your participation in the election process for these organization-wide leaders!  Read more…

After summiting the Tooth, we were descending from Pineapple pass around 4pm and had set up a single rope rappel to get a student down the rock step onto the steep snow below. Read more…

Our plan was to climb Dragontail Peak by the Serpentine Arete car-to-car from the Colchuck Lake Trailhead on Thursday, August 31. We expected to return to the car around nightfall Thursday. We both had cell phones but did not expect to have service (T-Mobile). Each of us carried a one-way emergency-only AQR ResQLink PLB. Read more…

There’s nothing like that rush of exhilaration you feel upon cresting a high ridge bursting with wildflowers and surrounded by snow-capped craggy peaks. You stand upon your heavenly perch and gaze out with utter astonishment on how breathtakingly beautiful the natural world is; from the glistening glaciers before you to the fluttering butterflies among a carpet of brilliant blossoms below you. With senses completely overloaded, who among us hasn’t felt the urge to twirl amid the lupines and pull a Julie Andrews?  Read more…