Summit a mountain
Mountaineering is our main activity! We offer over 350 climbs a year for all abilities and skill levels, from a late summer scramble up South Sister to remote, multi-day routes in the North Cascades. For a current climb schedule or more info, see the web under Climbing. If you want to ascend a non-technical, glaciated peak like Mt. St. Helens to qualify for Mazamas membership, see the “Hike to the Summit” program on the Hiking pages.
Climb a rock
We offer indoor gym climbing from November to April (Climb Night), and have evening outdoor climbing at Rocky Butte in Portland from May through August Rock Review and the Summer Rock Program). Build your confidence and practice your moves in a beginner friendly environment. See the Education pages on the web.
Take a hike
With over 700 hiking, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing trips a year, there are plenty of new trails to discover with the Mazamas. Hikes at all distances and fitness levels are offered. Typically there’s no need to call the leader - simply show up at the carpool meeting spot 10 minutes before the indicated departure time and sign in. See Trail Trips in the Bulletin or the web under Hiking.
Walk after work
Street Rambles offer a great chance to stay fit, meet other active folks and explore some hidden streets and trails of NW Portland within your busy schedule. Two-hour rambles leave from REI in Northwest Portland every Tuesday and Thursday year round, rain or shine, at 6:00 pm sharp. See more about Street Rambles under Activities / Hiking.
Learn something new
No matter what your experience, our classes can help you take your skills to the next level in Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, First Aid, Nordic Skiing, Ski Mountaineering, and more. Members get a considerable discount on all classes. Note that almost all Mazamas lectures (not field sessions) are free and open to anyone, even if you are not in the class! This can be a great way to get some exposure to more advanced techniques if you choose not to take the entire course. See the web under Classes/Education for complete class info and lecture schedules.
Fix a trail
Our Trail Tending crews give you a chance to give something back to the land. We provide the tools and guidance you need to do trail construction and maintenance - real satisfaction from a day in the woods. See the Trail Tending page under Hiking on the web.
Join an Outing
We offer Outings, in foreign and domestic flavors. From sea kayaking in the San Juans to trekking in Tibet, there’s a journey for most everyone. See the monthly bulletin and the web under Activities for current listings.
Stay at the Mazama Lodge
Mazama Lodge, on the southern slopes of Mt. Hood, is a great place to stay year round. New members get to take a friend to spend a night for free! Feel free to contact us at the Mazama Mountaineering Center for more information and a price sheet on the Lodge, or the see the web under Lodge.
Buy or sell some gear
Every year in the autumn we have our annual used equipment sale at the Mazama Mountaineering Center. You can sell your old stuff or get some new, and great deals abound on climbing gear, clothing, books, nordic ski gear, and much more. See the October Bulletin or the web under Activities.
Visit the library
We have one of the largest collections of mountaineering literature, how-to books and guides in the country, as well as a comprehensive video collection. You are welcome to check out these resources for armchair reading, to plan your next adventure, or just photocopy a climb route or hike description. The library is open the same hours as the Mazama Mountaineering Center, Mon-Thurs 10:00 - 7:00 and Fri 10:00 - 2:00.
See an adventure travel program
Our Evening Programs (usually Wednesday) are offered at the Mazama Mountaineering Center from October through April, and feature slide presentations on outdoor adventure, travel, culture and conservation. See the Bulletin or the web under Activities.
Head out with some younger folks
The Adventurous Young Mazamas, or AYM, plans activities for the younger minded Mazamas. Meet us at one of the monthly AYM Pub Nights (third Monday of the month) or join AYM for monthly hikes, climbs and more. On the web under Activities.
Come to the Mazamas Discovery Night
Mazamas Discovery Night, held annually in October, is a time to meet leaders in the organization, learn about the Mazamas committees, meet other new folks, maybe plan an adventure, and have a chance to win some great door prizes. All new members and those who are considering membership are invited.
Offer your time and talents
As an organization run almost entirely by volunteers, our committees are always in need of new ideas and energy. You don’t need to be a long-term member to make a contribution - many committee folks with the freshest ideas are new members who have time, expertise and enthusiasm to offer. For a first look, consider stopping in on a committee meeting to get a feel for what’s going on. See the Monthly Bulletin or call us at the Mazama Mountaineering Center for current meeting times, or see the web under Committees.