Winter Hiking Series: I-90 Alley

PRIOR GRADUATES:  Please wait to sign up 2 days after Registration Opens (wait until Nov 30, 2025 at 8am) to allow new individuals to sign up first.

Before signing up for this course, you MUST complete the free Low Impact Recreation elearning course at the following NEW ADDRESS:

https://www.mountaineers.org/about/vision-leadership/board-of-directors/committees/branch-leadership-committee/outdoor-leadership-committee/course-templates/test-your-low-impact-recreation-skills-elearning-course/low-impact-recreation-skills-elearning-course-2026

 **FYI: Please complete this course at least 7 to 10 days prior to registration opening since it can take that long for the course badge to be awarded.  Any questions concerning the Low Impact course or the badge should be directed to  Mountaineer Member Services; the course leaders cannot help with this process.**

BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION:  This is a day hiking course focused on trips offered in the Issaquah Alps, along I-90 corridor and beyond during the winter months to help the participants become more comfortable hiking during winter months. This is NOT a progressive hiking course; you must be able to hike fairly challenging routes, even as early as January 2026.  Hikes will vary from 6-15 miles in length typically, with elevation also typically ranging 1,200 ft to more than 4,000ft. Please read each hike description and reach out to the hike leader if you have any questions or concerns. ***MICROSPIKES are mandatory equipment for all participants to carry in their backpack for all these hikes.***

COURSE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Attend the required online Zoom classroom session on Tuesday, 1/6/2026, at 7-8:30pm.

2. Participate in two hikes each month between January and March 2026. Participants must complete one hike per month within the Winter Hiking Series. The second monthly trip must be documented with Gaia, Garmin, Alltrails, etc, and sent to Lisa McPeak or Beth Lowe within 2 weeks of completion for credit.

***MAKE SURE YOU REGISTER FOR THE ZOOM CLASSROOM RIGHT AFTER YOU REGISTER FOR THE COURSE (It is within the Course Requirements section!)***

SCHOLARSHIPS: The Mountaineers is dedicated to making the outdoors accessible to everyone. We offer gear loans and scholarships to reduce financial barriers. If money is keeping you from getting outside, please apply for a scholarship. If you'd like to help make the outdoors more inclusive, consider making a tax-deductible donation.