Bellingham Branch Blog Posts

Bellingham Branch Blog Posts

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Top 10 Trip Reports - August 2023

One thing I am absolutely sure of: August has FLAVOR, and these Mountaineers seem quite sure of that too. Read on, dear friends, for a tale of three wives, summiting Rainier's least favorite peaks, a bear's lunch, and the art of knowing when not to YOLO it. Read more…

This Land: An Indigenous Perspective on Land Acknowledgment

The Mountaineers is partnering with the Sacred Lands Conservancy, an Indigenous-led nonprofit with strong ties to the Lummi Nation, to produce a series of educational pieces on the importance of mindful recreation and how we can all develop deeper connections to the histories of our natural places. Tah-Mahs Ellie Kinley is a Lhaq’temish fisherwoman, an enrolled Lummi Nation tribal member, an elected member of Lummi Nation’s Fisheries and Natural Resource Commission, and President of the Sacred Lands Conservancy (SLC). We hope you enjoy this first blog from her, written in collaboration with SLC’s Julie Trimingham, which unpacks the practice of land acknowledgment and how we can acknowledge the land in a meaningful and impactful way. Read more…

An Evening of Advocacy - Sep 21 2023

The Mountaineers has a long and rich history as a regional leader in conservation, education, stewardship, and advocacy efforts, and we need your help to continue moving the needle on conservation education, stewardship, and advocacy.   Read more…

We Can Do Better: Mindful Recreation in Light of Perseid Viewing Damage at Mt. Rainier

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…

Vote Now! Board & Branch Elections - 2023

As a 501(c)(3) volunteer-led organization, The Mountaineers depends on the generosity, initiative, and leadership of our volunteers to steward the future of our organization. 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 for your participation in the forthcoming election process for these organization-wide leaders. Read more…

2023 Wildfire Closures and Resources

Wildfire season, unfortunately, is becoming a regular reality for residents in Washington state and beyond. Wildfires are burning across our region and smoke is causing extremely poor air quality in some counties. We ask you to practice good decision-making skills and respect public land closures when getting outside this summer. Read more…

Top 10 Trip Reports - July 2023

Summer is well underway in the mountains. The snow is melting, the sun is shining, and the peaks are dressed with stunning, clear-skied views. For this month's Top Trip Reports, take a dunk in the White River, test your perseverance on the approach to Yellowjacket, enjoy the views on the Ptarmigan Traverse, and more! Read more…

Impact Report for Fiscal Year 2022

We are excited to release our annual impact report in celebration of all that you made possible in fiscal year 2022. Read more…

Help Shape a More Sustainable Future for The Alpine Lakes Wilderness

The stunning natural beauty and rewarding backcountry experiences offered by the Alpine Lakes area of the central Cascades have inspired Mountaineers for generations. Our members hiked and climbed here before it was designated as a Wilderness area, and advocated for its protection as Wilderness in 1976. We even published a book that was instrumental in persuading President Gerald Ford to protect the Alpine Lakes, and we were involved in the successful campaign to expand the Wilderness in 2014. Read more…

Represent The Mountaineers at the 2023 Wilderness Risk Management Conference

Represent The Mountaineers at this year's Wilderness Risk Management Conference (WRMC). Join us to foster an environment of open dialogue and enhance our organization’s understanding of risk management practices. As a WRMC attendee, you'll acquire valuable skills in risk management, connect with fellow industry experts, share field and administrative techniques, and contribute to the establishment of standards for risk management in outdoor adventure and education. Read more…

Mountaineers Conservation Director Appointed to Northwest Forest Plan Advisory Committee

One of the ways we advocate to protect public lands and the outdoor experience is by engaging in federal land management processes like the Northwest Forest Plan. Read more…

Wildfire’s Growing Impact on Recreation in Washington

The growing impact of wildfire on Washington's lands, waters, and communities increasingly affects our outdoor experiences. Warmer temperatures mean drier summers and more severe wildfires. Larger, more intense wildfires are occurring more frequently, resulting in forest closures and unhealthy smoke that impacts our health and obstructs our views. As we grapple with these challenges, it’s important to better understand how the wildfire crisis is playing out in Washington and how we as outdoor enthusiasts can advocate for critical solutions. Read more…

Top 10 Trip Reports - June 2023

Did you know that June became officially recognized by the US Senate as "Great Outdoors Month" on June 5th, 2019? Originating under the Clinton administration as "Great Outdoors Week", our nation's love of the great outdoors continued to grow under the Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations, eventually evolving into what we now know and celebrate as a month-long ode to the great outdoors! Read more…

How to Get Involved as a Lodge Host

Among The Mountaineers properties are our three rustic lodges: Baker, Meany, and Stevens. Each nestled close to their own mountain terrain, our lodges provide a restful atmosphere after a long day outdoors. Read more…

2023 50+ Year Member Lunch Recap: Celebrating The Legacy And Impact Of Our Lifetime Members

Last week we celebrated the legacy and impact of our annual 50+ year members with a hosted lunch at the Seattle Program Center. We are thankful for their lifelong exploration, friendship, and commitment to our home here in the Pacific Northwest, and we were excited to welcome over 60 members and guests to the Seattle Program Center, including:  Read more…

Speak Up About Mount Rainier's Reservation Plan

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

Last month, we shared that Mount Rainier National Park is proposing to implement timed-entry reservations. The Nisqually to Paradise Corridor Draft Management Plan proposes several options for a new timed-entry reservation system to access popular areas of the park during the peak summer season. The Park is seeking feedback from the public before they make their final decision. The deadline to submit comments to the park is June 26. Read more…

Conservation Currents | Engaging Mountaineers Youth in Conservation

How many national parks are there in Washington? Why is Washington nicknamed the Evergreen State? When visiting wilderness, what should you take home with you? Read more…

Trip Report: North Cascades National Park Field Tour

From challenging alpine climbs like Forbidden or Sahale Peak to strolls amongst towering cedar trees, the North Cascades National Park Complex has always been a compelling destination for Mountaineers programs and members. Visitors of all ages are drawn to the North Cascades for its natural beauty, rugged terrain, and wilderness experiences. Read more…

CEO Update: State of the Organization Recap - April 2023

On April 27, 2023, staff and board members once again shared a “state of the organization” update with members of our community. For the last several years, our state of the organization updates largely focused on how we were navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Our spring 2023 update showed that we have largely moved beyond the challenges brought by the pandemic. We also celebrated highlights of our successes so far this year and previewed implementation of our newly-updated strategic plan, Adventure with Purpose. The Mountaineers is in a position of strength and poised to deepen the impact of our mission in the years ahead.  Read more…

Olympia Branch Conservation & Stewardship Committee Recognized with Forest Service Volunteer Award

The Olympic National Forest draws Mountaineers from all over the region year-round to hike, camp, and experience the natural beauty of the Olympic Peninsula. To harness our member’s passion for giving back to the natural world, our Olympia Branch has built a strong partnership with staff at the Forest Service. This partnership has led to many opportunities for members to give back through volunteer trail maintenance and outreach in the Olympic National Forest.
Read more…

Mountaineer Magazine Summer 2023

As a Mountaineers member, you receive free access to our quarterly Mountaineer magazine, keeping you up-to-date with everything our organization and community have been up to. Hear from regular contributors on topics from training exercises to trail tips, and read features from our members sharing stories from the outdoors. We encourage you to access all of our updates, stories, tips, and more in the tree free online magazine today. Read more…

Top 10 Trip Reports - May 2023

"May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face." - Irish Blessing

Here's to a new month, new beginnings, and new adventures! Read on for our favorite trip reports from the month of May.  Read more…

The Show Will Go On! The Sound of Music No Longer Locked Out

Last week we shared the disappointing news that the Keta Legacy Foundation (Keta) took steps to restrict our access to the Kitsap Forest Theater by installing locks on the access road and a parking area, threatening the opening of our production of The Sound of Music and potentially our entire 100th anniversary season. The Mountaineers filed an emergency motion in federal court seeking a temporary restraining order to regain access to the theater. This morning our motion was granted. The court  ruled in our favor, barring Keta from interfering with our historical access to the theater during the production season. A copy of the court’s order can be found here. The show will go on!  Read more…

Keta Obstructs Sound of Music at Kitsap Forest Theater

In a disappointing move, Keta Legacy Foundation took steps this week to restrict access to the Kitsap Forest Theater, which may force The Mountaineers to cancel upcoming productions of The Sound of Music. On May 17, just days before final rehearsals and set-building work for opening night of The Sound of Music, Keta locked The Mountaineers Players out from the backstage area at the Theater. This area has been continually accessed by The Mountaineers for nearly 40 years over easements crossing several parcels of property and the Rhododendron Preserve. Keta also barred access to a parking area that is essential to accommodate guests – particularly elderly guests and those with disabilities. Keta has been aware, and was again reminded of, the vital importance of this access and the troubling impact its restriction would have on persons with limited mobility, as well as productions as a whole. Read more…

Open Nominations: Join The Mountaineers Board of Directors in 2023

We’re excited to once again be calling for nominations for individuals to join our Board of Directors. Our goal is for our Board to represent the communities we currently serve and those we wish to serve, and we have been successful in diversifying the perspectives and lived experiences of our Board in the last few years. Read more…

Speak Up for the Alpine Lakes Wilderness: Eightmile Lake Dam Replacement Update

In January 2021, we shared how the effort to replace the dam at Eightmile Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness could bring negative impacts to the Wilderness area and the world-class outdoor recreation opportunities it provides. Read more…

Big Changes Proposed for Mount Rainier National Park

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…

Mount Rainier Winter Access Update

As the highest and oldest road access for winter recreation in Washington, the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park offers an unparalleled outdoor experience and is integral to Mountaineers programs. This winter looked a little different on the mountain as the Park restricted weekday access to Paradise through the Longmire gate. We heard from many in our community who expressed concerns about the closure. Read more…

Top 10 Trip Reports - April 2023

Always keep moving forward,
Pushing your limits, and
Remember, each obstacle
Is a chance to grow, to
Learn from the past and thrive. Read more…

New Public Lands Investments Secured in 2023 WA State Budget

State-managed public lands like Deception Pass, Blanchard Mountain, and Mount Si connect us to nature through the recreational activities we enjoy in all seasons. With Mountaineers programs and activities frequently occurring on state lands, each legislative session we advocate for bills and funding requests that improve conservation and recreation at the state level. Year after year, Mountaineers continue to speak up for the state parks and recreation areas we love. Read more…