Outings - Foreign and Domestic Adventure Travel

The Mazamas regularly lead outings, both foreign and domestic. An outing, defined as a trip of five days or more, may be sea kayaking in Baja, hiking on the Rogue River trail, or tramping the trails in Italy’s Dolomites. Outings are open to members and non-members.  Outing descriptions are listed below and in the monthly Bulletin.  As a service to our members, we are providing links to the following organizations that may also offer trips of interest at their member rates: The Mountaineers-www.mountaineers.org, Colorado Mountain Club, Appalachian Mountain Club.  Please contact us at the Mazama Mountaineering Center if you have any further questions.

Going on a Mazama Outing

Want to go on an outing? Contact the leader for more information and the forms you will need: an application, a liability release, and a medical information form. Send those forms to the leader and then, upon acceptance for the trip, send payments directly to the Mazamas office with the name of the outing written on your check.  If the total cost of the trip is less than $300 please send your payments directly to the Outing leader. Credit card payments (Visa, MasterCard & Discover) can be made at the Mazama Mountaineering Center.  (Credit cards are charged an additional 3% fee for Outings.  Pay by check and save money!)

Here are the forms you’ll need to apply for a Mazama Outing:
Outing application form and waiver .pdf file
Outing medical form -  .pdf file
Outing evaluation form -  .pdf file

Leading an Outing

Is there a place, foreign or domestic, you’d like to go? How about leading a Mazamas outing? Imagine hiking around Mount Hood, through the meadows below Mount Adams, or along the Umpqua Trail.  Or how about following llamas from lake to lake in the Wallowas, rafting Hells Canyon, bagging a few peaks in the Olympics - or staying in a luxurious lodge and hiking to new vistas each day?

You can hike, climb, backpack, raft, kayak or do any other “Mazama activity.” You can invite families with small children or you can restrict your group to hardened hikers.
Contact us at the Mazama Mountaineering Center, and we’ll get you started!

If you’re an Outing leader and your logged in as a member you can download the Outing Leader manual here.

Upcoming Outings

Malaysia-Taman Negara National Park
March 15 - April 3, 2012

The Taman Negara is the oldest rainforest on earth and has escaped glaciers and volcanic destruction for 130 million years.  This remote tropical garden paradise is located in the middle of peninsular Malaysia.  We will explore its abundance of biological diversity by river boat, hiking trails, suspended canopy walkways, and night wildlife blinds.  We will visit caves, run rapids, meet the native Orang Asli, and even go fishing. We will reach this fascinating place via the eastern branch of the Malay Railroad from Singapore and once we have explored its wonders we will proceed north to the Perhentian Islands which are renown for their exceptional snorkeling where we will enjoy peaceful white sand beaches and sparkling clear warm water. Before returning to Singapore we will stop off at Kuala Lumpor for a couple days of seeing the sights.  The Petronas Towers, the tallest buildings in the world, beautiful mosques, and fascinating museums await us. This trip is designed for backpack travelers.  We will stay in fan cooled guest houses, camp in the jungle, and eat from street vendors.  Bring a t-shirt, flip-flops, mosquito repellant, a snorkel, your mask, and your fins. Cost:  $1,375 to $1,925 depending on number of participants plus airfare.  Deposit $1,375.  For more information, an itinerary, and applications call Greg Justice 360-513-7590, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Greg Scott 971-570-5806, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The Yeti Trail – A Trek in Remote Bhutan
April 15 - 28, 2012

Bhutan has become well known for its uniquely peaceful interweaving of culture, religion and government, with Buddhist reverence of nature producing some of the strictest conservation standards worldwide. Join Donovan Pacholl and Ken Stober on this once-in-a-lifetime trek through the remote eastern side of the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” a well-protected, ancient ecosystem teeming with wildlife and flora both miles and centuries away from the noisy crowds and tourist traps now common in much of the Himalayas. After the trek, traverse the small kingdom to hike through an expansive park preserved for the mystical Yeti on the Merak and Sakteng Trek ; visit Bhutan’s original capital, the quiet and quaint Punahka; and trek to the breathtaking meditation site nicknamed Tiger’s Nest, a prominent Buddhist temple built into a majestic cliff along the upper Paro Valley. This trip offers the perfect combination of trekking and culture in a remote part of Bhutan. Estimated cost is $3495 plus an outing fee of $65 for members and $130 for non-members. Contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more information and to be on our mailing list.

Great Smoky Mountains – Walk in history ** ALTERNATES ONLY **
May 5-13, 2012

The Great Smoky Mountains conjure up images of massive forests, morning mist, bald summits and stunning views. Join us for a week to explore these mountains located in far western North Carolina.  The scenery is spectacular, especially with azaleas, rhododendrons and trillium all in bloom in early May.  The hikes will be on “B” level trails with average lengths of 7-8 miles and elevation gains of up to 2000ft. The pace will be leisurely so we can enjoy the beauty of the oldest mountains in North America. And the accommodations will be in a creek-side motel each night. So, are you interested?

We’ll hike an assortment of trails from our base in Maggie Valley. Among these will be hikes with such colorful names as Boogerman Trail, Hemphill Bald, and Nellie.  And we’ll take a walk on the historic Appalachian Trial from Newfound Gap to Charlies Bunion. Nearby, we’ll visit the Pisgah National Forest which has some fabulous trails as well. The hike leader lived in that area for eight years and the leaders will pick trails that are safe and scenic.  We will have time in the evenings to enjoy the arts, crafts, and music of the area or simply hang out at our creek-side motel on Jonathan Creek in Maggie Valley, N.C. with its indoor swimming pool.  After hiking Sunday-Tuesday we will take a break Wednesday to visit Asheville, NC, the Taos of the east, then hike Thursday-Saturday.  The Outing cost will be $340 (depending on the total number of participants) and includes all lodging and Outing fees.  Participants are responsible for their meals, airline cost, and car rental and gas. Typical airline costs to Asheville about $450 and car rental and gas $100 (4 to a car).  Participants can eat very well on $25 a day in Maggie Valley and each motel room has a microwave and refrigerator for those who want meals in their room.

Maximum of 24 participants. Deposit of $100 due by Feb. 15, 2012, final payment by March 15, 2012.  At organizational meeting in March we will arrange flight and car rental options.  For more information and an application form, contact the leader or assistant leader. We hope you can join us for this great early spring adventure. Leader:  Jim Selby .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), ph. 828-508-5094; Assistant Leader: Tom Davidson .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), ph. 503-331-7443

Mt. Kilimanjaro - Lemosho/Western Breach Route
July 23 - August 12, 2012

Come climb the less traveled, remote route up Africa’s highest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro.  This 8-day climb follows the Lemosho Route, done by less than 10 percent of all climbers, and ascends the Western Breach;  the most difficult non-technical route up Mt. Kilimanjaro.  This route enables the climbers to spend time inside the crater of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and to see and touch the disappearing glaciers.  Additionally, the climb will include one full day of acclimatization at the beautiful and mysterious Lava Tower camp at 15,000 ft.  After summiting the mountain, we follow it up with an optional five-day/four-night wildlife safari to the Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater.  The mountain climb will enjoy a high ratio of guides/porters per person, all the expedition gear (mess tents, toilets, oxygen, gamow bags), as well as a highly trained crew of both Tanzanian and American climbers.  This climb can be done by an adventurous person in fit shape.  The climb will be limited to 18 people max and a minimum of 10 climbers.  Costs range from $3,600-$4,000 for the climb, and $1,300-$1,500 for the safari, depending on party size.  A deposit of $500 is required upon acceptance.  Mazama Climb leader, Steve Warner (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) has led climb outings to Peru, Ecuador, and Mexico.  George Shay (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) will be assisting on the climb.

North Cascades National Park
July 28-August 4, 2012

Spend a week hiking the trails of Washington’s Little Switzerland.  Established on October 2, 1968, North Cascades National Park Service Complex includes three units of North Cascades National Park (NCNP), Ross Lake Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan Recreation Area.  Of the park complex’s 684,000 acres, 93% have been designated the Stephen T. Mather Wilderness.  NCNP has 318 glaciers.  The North Cascades Highway, which we will use to access our trails, was dedicated in 1972 as “the most scenic mountain drive in Washington.”  The highway follows the Skagit River to Ross Lake, then continues to the southeast to Washington Pass (elev. 5,477) before descending into the Methow Valley.
 
There will be an assortment of mostly B-level (and some A-level) day hiking during the six days.  Wildlife sightings, wildflowers, rugged terrain and rushing streams await you.  Attention will given to the history of NCNP, as well as the park’s topographic features, and the flora and fauna we encounter.

The group site will be at KOA (1 mile east of Winthrop) and we will carpool to the trailheads.  The cost of the trip is $115 for members and $155 for non-members.  KOA offers tent sites, RV hookup, and cabins.  Campsite/lodging expenses are not included in the cost.

The group size will be limited to 30 persons.  Hikes will be led by Richard Getgen and Robert Smith.  Contact Richard (503) 598-8788 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for an application.  There will be a pre-outing meeting in the Spring for participants to meet and receive additional information.

North Santiam Outing
July 29 - Aug. 4, 2012

Come join us for a hike-filled week in Oregon’s beautiful North Santiam River area.  Hikes will be led July 30th through August 3rd.  We will camp at the USFS Riverside Campground near Marion Forks.  This is a first come first served campground.  Each participant is responsible for their own campground fee.  There will be several hikes to choose from each day.  The outing will be limited to 24 participants.

The outing fee is $55 for Mazama members and $80 for non-members.  Upon acceptance, the non-refundable portion of the fee is $25 for members and $50 for non-members.  The outing application and medical forms are available on-line on the Mazama web site.  These forms, along with a check made out to the Mazamas for the full outing fee are to be sent to Mary Stadler, the outing leader.  Outing leaders are Mary & Larry Stadler (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)), assistant leader is Ray Sheldon (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)).

2012 High Sierra Climbing and Backpack
August 6-18, 2012

Join us on this Outing to the California high Sierra - the “Range of Light”.  Begin with an eight day backpack and scrambling trip into the Ionian and Evolution Basins west of Bishop – a loop of 40 miles and 20,000 feet elevation gain. Some of this is on the John Muir trail and other parts are off-trail over Echo and Lamarck cols. We start at Lake Sabrina and finish at North lake, with a short car shuttle. Possible climbs include Haeckel/Wallace (2nd/3rd class), Charybdis/Mt McDuffie/Black Giant (2nd/3rd class), Goddard (2nd class), The Hermit (3rd class), and Mt Mendel (SW face, class 2). 

After a rest day in Mammoth, there will be three additional days climbing and exploring around Devil’s Postpile -including the distinctive pair of mounts Ritter and Banner (class 2-3). You may also come prior to the outing and climb Nevada’s highest point, Boundary Peak (as an official Mazama climb). 

Participants must be able to carry a 40 +/- pound pack, at nearly 12,000 feet, on rough, off trail terrain, and be comfortable climbing class 3 rock. Dangers include altitude sickness, falls, weather, and black bears (bear canisters required).

Costs range from $115 to $190 with 12 people maximum (including leaders). Participants are responsible for transportation, camping, hotel, and food costs. We will arrange carpools and tent/gear sharing among group members. No climb cards needed.

A deposit of $50 is due by June 15th, 2012. This outing will fill up fast!  Contact leader Bob Breivogel 503-297-4284/breivog@teleport.com or Co-Leader: Bruce Hope 503-799-9662/hope.bruce@gmail.com for further details.

Olympic Coast Trek
August 19-25, 2012

Join us as we hike the beautiful and scenic Olympic Coast Wilderness from Shi Shi south to Oil City. The 6-8 participants will need to be in good physical condition for this ~55 mile adventure and should have experience in at least one 50+ mile trek. We will be traveling fast and light at ~10-15 miles per day over moderate to difficult terrain including river and stream fords, rope ladders and steep and slippery surfaces. Expect
varying weather, lots of wildlife and miles of peaceful beach and headland walking with a pace and schedule at the whim of the tides. We will use a car shuttle as well as a hired bus to set up the one way hike as well as to bypass the Quillayute River. The cost of the outing will be between $101 and $135, with a $50 deposit.

We will have a pre-outing meeting in early Summer. Contact the leader, Gary Bishop (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) or assistant, Annie Lamberto (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) for more information.

John Muir and Pacific Crest Trail
August 20-29, 2012

Spend ten days trekking, a daily average of 8-9 miles, on the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, including Mount Whitney. Well known for superb hiking, the high Sierra offers outstanding trekking in second half of August, when the bugs are gone and the weather is at its best. Since this is a horse packing trip, participants need only to hike with their day packs each day, while the horses do the heavy lifting of the rest of your gear. Enjoy superb meals prepared by a dedicated chef—-no freeze dried food on this trip! This fully supported, scenic adventure will take you to some of the finest alpine country, including a crossing of the 13,000’ plus Forester Pass, the highest pass in the Sierras. As a highlight, there is an optional ascent of Mount Whitney, the highest point in the Lower 48, via a non-technical walk-up route. A mountain guide will accompany us for the entire trip, including the climb of Mt Whitney. Trip cost, exclusive of travel, range from $2,500 - $3,000 with a deposit of $500 upon acceptance. Contact leader Mitch Auerbach .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or assistant leader Sojo Hendrix, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Hut-to-Hut in the Dolomites
September 2-13, 2012

Let’s go to the high country in Italian style! Come spend eight days hiking in the Pale di San Martino group of the Dolomites, a spectacular corner of the Italian Alps. We’ll stay in several different huts, hiking between them and enjoying dramatic walks and optional trips on the via ferrata, a system of cables and ladders. We might even get a chance to bag the highest peak in the range, the Cima della Vezzana at 10,471 feet.

The trip starts and ends in Venice, where we spend one night to explore before taking a bus to the ski village of San Martino di Castrozza. From there it’s off on the trail. You’ll need to travel light and be ready for pretty serious hiking.

Trip cost of $2,800 will vary a bit (probably downward) with the exchange rate; it includes guides, all accommodations and transportation, and all meals except hiking lunches. A $500 deposit secures your spot.

For more information, contact leader Paul Gerald (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)), and stay tuned for an informational meeting at MMC.

New Hampshire - White Mountains – Hut to Hut Trek
September 7-12, 2012

Come and traverse the Presidential Range of New Hampshire’s White Mountains in early Fall. Summit Mount Washington (6,288ft) and more peaks in the range. Enjoy five nights in the hut system of the Appalachian Mountain Club as we backpack along sections of the Appalachian Trail and enjoy these high ridge vistas.  Most days, we’ll be above tree line on wind-swept ridges enjoying the great views with days of about 7-9 miles and with elevation gains of 2-3000ft. But we will have light packs with the huts providing beds, hot supper and breakfast. And the pace will be less than strenuous.

Participants can wrap this into visits of Boston and Cape Cod or an extended stay in the many great places New England has to offer. Individuals are responsible for the travel – air and ground – to the White Mountains, and lunches and snacks. The Outing cost is $730. Maximum of 10 participants.  Deposit of $150 due by May 15, 2012. For more information and application form, contact the Co-leaders Tom Davidson .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), ( 503)-331-7443 or SoJo Hendrix .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  (971)-221-9675.

Peru 2012-Choquequirao-The
‘Other’ Machu Picchu
Sept. 8 - Oct. 1, 2012

Explore ancient and contemporary Peru. Our trip of slightly over 3 weeks will begin (after arrival in Cusco) in the charming Urubamba Valley town of Ollantaytambo, an original Inca City far from the crowds of Cusco and 2000 feet lower. We will visit many ruins there, nearby salt flats and agricultural and archaeological sites, and a ceramic workshop.  We will visit in a weaver’s private home in Chinchero and in Cusco explore more ancient sites including Sacsayhuaman and Pisac.  We will trek, fully supported,  across the Apurimac River to the famous ruins at Choquequirao which are not nearly as often visited as the more accessible and famous ruins of Machu Picchu.  After crossing several high passes, seeing the silver mines, the picturesque town of Yanama, and crossing several rivers we will work our way towards Machu Picchu where we will have a full day, bracketed by 2 nights in Aguas Calientes. We’ll return to Cusco for a few free days with additional opportunities for day hiking, sightseeing, and visits to other nearby communities if desired before returning home.  Leader is Ellen Gradison who has led outings to Peru the past 5 years. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).  Approximate costs, exclusive of air to Cusco, $3300-4200 depending on the group size.  Single tent occupancy and special diets on trek are at no extra charge.