Foothills Branch

The newest Mountaineers branch founded in 2004, the Foothills Branch encompasses the Eastside communities along the I-90 and I-405 corridors, from Bothell to Renton and Mercer Island to Ellensburg. We provide thriving centers of excellence in backcountry and nordic skiing, avalanche education, hiking and backpacking, snowshoeing and winter camping, trail running, navigation and first aid training, as well as new leader development.

latest updates

Branch News

Action Alert! Urge Congress to Invest in Public Lands

Congress is currently working to pass full-year funding for agencies like the Forest Service and Park Service. Investing in our public lands begins with building back land management agencies from deep staffing cuts with funding through the 2026 appropriations process. Read more and take action today by sharing your support for public lands funding with your lawmakers.

Top 10 Trip Reports - November 2025

Each month, we sort through all your trip reports, pick our favorites, and celebrate them here! Read on for top reports from November 2025.

Volunteer with the Foothills Branch

The Foothills Branch is calling on outdoor recreation lovers and community builders to help us grow our vibrant network of volunteers. Whether you’re new to volunteering or experienced in outdoor programs, there is room for you to jump in and make an impact.

2025 Fall Conservation Policy Update Recap

Last week, members of our community joined our Conservation team online to hear the latest outdoor policy updates and ways to take action to protect public lands. We share our event recap, including a government shutdown update and trip report from our recent advocacy trip to Washington, D.C.