Blog

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

Wildfires are burning across our region and smoke is causing extremely poor air quality. Our hearts are heavy with concern for those affected by fires in Washington State and beyond. We ask our community to practice good decision-making skills, respect public land closures, and consider staying home. Here is a list of current closures and guidance from land managers (Note: this information was current as of September 11, 2020. Please check current conditions on land manager websites before venturing out.): 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…

Mt. Rainier’s Yakima Park, aka Sunrise, is the highest drive-able point in the national park at 6,400 ft. Sunrise is second to Paradise when it comes to popularity, but Sunrise offers a drier, sunnier climate, impressive views, and plenty of opportunity for adventure. Read more…

National Public Lands Day is an important day to celebrate. Established in 1994, it is the largest single-day volunteer effort generated around preserving and connecting with nature. It not only celebrates the connection of people to green spaces, but it also encourages and inspires environmental stewardship. While we adjust to our “new normal,” it’s important that we continue to support our public lands and waters. Demands on land and water are a continual threat to the spaces we cherish and value. Read more…

Meet Foothills Volunteer Kim Frasher. Kim initially jumped into volunteering as a way to give back after joining The Mountaineers, and has now been leading activities for over 12 years. Kim places a priority on supportive group dynamics and loves Bavarian Spicy Landjaegers and a good huckleberry milkshake.  Read more…

Nature journals are often recommended as a great way to get in touch with the outdoors and become more intentional with your time outside. Which begs the question: what is a nature journal, and how do you start one? Read more…

As youth throughout our community head back to school remotely this fall, The Mountaineers are excited to offer in-person after-school programs in Olympia, Seattle, and Tacoma. Join us one afternoon a week throughout the fall for some screen-free fun and the chance to socialize, climb, and learn in a small group environment! Read more…

As summer comes to an end, many of us are focused on how to enjoy the last of the sunshine while staying socially distant. At The Mountaineers, we're gearing up for a new season of youth programming to keep our young members outside and engaged! Registration opens this month. Don't miss your chance to sign your kids up for a year of learning and exploration.   Read more…

The annual Recognition and Awards Banquet has been a feature of the Olympia Branch for many years. Members meet at the end of October to greet old friends, celebrate successes, learn what has been happening, and get an idea of what to look forward to in the next year.   Read more…