Hiking & Backpacking Courses
Day Hiking Courses
Conditioning Hiking Series
This course is designed to prepare seasoned hikers currently experienced at the upper easy/moderate level for the challenges of strenuous, long-distance day hiking. It provides a group-trip environment in which hikers can build friendships by hiking with some of the same people on each trip. Two required hikes per month, a graduation hike in October, and a fun day of conservation work will take you from short, easy hikes to being able to participate in the easy and moderate level hikes that will get you out to the stunning vistas and trails that surround us.
An Advanced Conditioning Hiking Series program builds on the skills and abilities you gained in Conditioning Hiking Series. You will explore trails around the state for a wide variety of day hiking experiences. You'll have the opportunity to hike even farther and higher in a safe group environment.
Typically Offered
This course is currently offered by our Seattle, Olympia, and Tacoma branches and the course generally begins in late March/early April.
Badges you can earn
WILDERNESS SKILLS
Wilderness Skills is designed to prepare outdoor enthusiasts for hiking or backpacking in the forests, mountains and trails of the Pacific Northwest. This course is also the foundation or first Module for the Alpine Scrambling Course and the Basic Climbing Courses with the Olympia Branch.
TYPICALLY OFFERED
This course is currently offered by the Olympia branch in January and April/May, and by the Seattle branch in April/May.
BADGES YOU CAN EARN
Backpacking Courses
Backpacking Building Blocks
This course is designed to provide new, experienced, and “lapsed” backpackers with the knowledge and practical experiences to be skilled, safe and successful on overnight to multi-day backcountry trips. Backpacks of varying intensity in the backcountry are part of the curriculum with classroom sessions beginning in April and trips scheduled May-August.
Course includes optional seminars focused on lightweight gear, food planning, and navigation.
TYPICALLY OFFERED
Course is offered by our Foothills branch and generally begins in April.
Badges you can earn
Essentials of Backpacking
This course bridges the gap between day trips and experiencing the wilderness overnight. Over the course of an evening lecture and an overnight field trip, students learn about planning, gear, and tips and tricks to help make overnights comfortable in the wilderness. Students are also required to complete Wilderness Skills, Hiking Skills, or the equivalent.
Typically offered
In April by our Olympia branch.
BADGES YOU CAN EARN
Basic Backpacking
This multiday course is for experienced day hikers who want to deepen their connection to the outdoors by visiting beautiful areas beyond the reach of day hikes. The course begins in April and is designed to have you ready to go on Mountaineers trips in time for the peak local backpacking months of June through September. In addition to the core subjects of clothing, food, gear, and safety, the course also covers topics that are often of interest to first-time backpackers: animals you’re likely to see and how to act around them, social expectations on extended trips, staying comfortable in camp, staying connected with people back home. Upon completion of the course, students will have a strong foundation to enjoy many overnight and multi-night backpacking opportunities offered by The Mountaineers in Washington and throughout the Northwest.
Typical Offered
In April by the Seattle branch.
Badges You Can Earn
introduction to backpacking
If you are new to backpacking or perhaps a returning backpacker who has not been out for some time, this course will prepare you to safely and confidently enjoy overnight or multiple day routes. Experienced leaders will provide instruction and coaching on: Basics of trip planning and route selection, gear -how to select without going broke, and how to use it, nutrition and fitness, Leave No Trace wilderness ethics, and much more.
TYPICALLY OFFERED
In April by our Tacoma Branch.
BADGES YOU CAN EARN