Outings - Foreign and Domestic Adventure Travel

The Mazamas regularly lead outings, both foreign and domestic. An outing, defined as a trip of 5 days of 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.  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.  For Mazama Outings a 3% additional fee is charged for making outing payments by Credit Card.

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

Redwoods Outing        FULL - ALTERNATES ONLY
June 19–26, 2010
It’s always nice to find a big tree on the trail—but how about a really big tree, or a grove of really big trees? Rugged coastline and cascading creeks aren’t bad either. Big trees, coastline and streams await you in Del Norte County, California where a half-dozen state parks and Redwoods National Park will be home to a group of Mazamas for a week in June 2010. Leaders Richard Getgen and Robert Smith will lead hikes each of the six days (Sunday through Friday) on primarily A-level routes. We will camp at the KOA near Crescent City, just across the Oregon border in northern California. Participants will make their own reservations at KOA which offers tent sites, RV sites and cabins. The cost of the outing is $130 for members and $170 for non-members. We will have a pre-outing meeting in the spring to meet the group members, organize carpools and present information. Contact Richard Getgen at 503-598-8788 to register for this fun and scenic hiking opportunity. aaaaaaaaa

Central Section–Oregon Coast Trail
July 18–24, 2010
This six-day outing will be based at South Beach State Park, near Newport. The hikes will be along portions of the Coast Trail between Coos Bay and Otis and will take us to capes and headlands that we don’t often get to. They may be loops or in and out trails. There will also be some excursions planned if a portion of the group desires. This might include the Marine Science Center, Newport Aquarium, kayak trips, or other possibilities. South Beach is a large campground that offers tent sites, RV hookups, and Yurts. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-452-5687 or going online at oregonstateparks.org. You will be responsible for your campground fees. The outing fee will be $65 members/$95 non-members, of which $25 is a non-refundable deposit. To sign up for this outing you need to do two things: 1.) write a check made out to the Mazamas, noting it is for the Central Oregon Coast Outing and 2.) fill out an application, liability release, and medical form. Send the check and the forms to: Ray Sheldon, 13915 NE 29th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98686. For more information contact: Ray Sheldon, 360-574-0221, (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Stan Enevoldsen, 503-695-9446, (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Hiking Yosemite National Park        FULL - ALTERNATES ONLY
July 25–30, 2010
Explore the east side of Yosemite through dayhikes and a possible High Sierra Camp overnight. Most of the hikes are in the Tuolumne Meadows area, along the B2 level, with mileages kept to about 8 miles (to account for the high elevation). We want to allow enough time for viewing the other magnificent features of the park also. Leader has not scouted the trails, so there is an exploratory aspect to the trip. We will stay in either a motel or cottages. There should be wildflowers and incredible views everywhere. We will highlight the history of the area from John Muir’s viewpoint, with an emphasis on the environmental concerns around Mono Lake. Our big treat, we hope, will be spending one night in a High Sierra Camp; that’s if our leader is successful with the lottery for space. This would involve hiking in to a rustic tent cabin camp, where bedding and meals are provided (only a daypack is required). Group size is limited to 16 people, with a cost of $860 - $1,190, depending on group size. Cost will be reduced if the High Sierra Camp lottery is not successful. Fee includes the HS camp, two dinners, and all lodging. Transportation to and from the outing is not included. Contact leader, Ginger Remy, ((JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) or assistant Marty Hanson (503-591-9118, (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) for more information.

Grand Tetons – Climbing & Hiking        FULL - ALTERNATES ONLY
July 28 – August 7,  2010
Enjoy climbing and hiking in this majestic mountain setting. All levels from easy one day hikes to extended classic traverses. The highest quality alpine rock routes in North America are here for the taking. The challenges of superb granite, snow and ice are unmatched.
The Outing will officially begin at the Teton National Park the afternoon of Wednesday, July 28th. We will be tent camping at the Coulter Bay group camp on Jackson lake.  Individuals are responsible for their own food and transportation. We will leave on the morning of Saturday, August 7.  Climbers will spend a few days warming up on lesser peaks (e.g. Baxters, Symmetry Spire, Cube Point, etc) and start tackling those above 10,000ft, up to the 13,770ft Grand Teton. Packing into high camps will be necessary for climbs such as the Grand or Mt. Moran. Climbs will be led by qualified Mazama leaders. Hikers will have a wide variety of opportunities, and we will try to have group hikes each day. We may also probably do day hiking trips into Yellowstone National Park in addition to the Tetons. Overnight backpacks trips are also a possibility if there is enough interest. We especially encourage climb and hike leaders to sign-up, because the more leaders we have, the more climbs and hikes will happen. The Outing may fill-up fast. The limit is 30 people.  The cost including Outing fees and the campground is $129-215.  Signup deadline is July 1, 2010. Organizational meeting will be held in May to match leader and participant interests.
Contact leader, Bob Breivogel (503-297-4284) (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or assistant leader, Tom Davidson (503-331-7443) (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Glacier Basin Outing
August 14-21, 2010
This summer’s outing to Glacier Basin in the Monte Cristo region of the North Cascades will be held with the goal of creating an opportunity for the participants to climb together in an exploratory, alpine fashion which minimizes approach/escape logistics and maximizes climbing for a period of about a week.  Recent graduates of Mazamas Advanced Rock Program, and climbers new to leading traditional alpine rock climbs will be exposed to the many opportunities for exploratory climbing that exist in the North Cascades.  With the oversight and guidance of Mazama climb leaders, participant teams will plan and execute climbs of their choosing in this area. We anticipate climbs and scrambles between mid 3rd class to mid 5th class.  We have arranged a tour of the Monte Cristo mining/ghost town by the Monte Cristo Preservation Association and will explore the surrounding mines & rich history of the area throughout the week.  This outing will occur in a wilderness area so the party size will be limited to 12.  All participants must have some formal training in leading traditional rock climbs equivalent to Mazamas Advanced Rock program.  Cost will be $160 to $200 depending on party size.  A $60 deposit is required upon acceptance. We will hold a pre-outing meeting in late May.  To apply, please contact the leader, Lee Davis:  (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or the assitant leader, Rayce Boucher: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Trinity Alps Backcountry
August 15–20, 2010
Soaring, jagged summits tower over icy lakes in a glacier polished granite cirque. Placid creeks meander through alpine meadows, then erupt into thunderous waterfalls. While this may bring the Sierra Nevada to mind, it describes the Trinity Alps’ Canyon Creek headwaters. We will backpack ten miles into our base camp in the heart of the Trinity Alps and ‘scramble’ to the summit of the three peaks which overlook our campsite: Thompson Peak, Wedding Cake, and Sawtooth Peak.  This outing brings the best the Trinities have to offer, in one easily accessible package. Participants must be in good physical condition, and have recent experience on comparable peaks.  Party size is limited to 10.  Cost will be $55 to $80 depending on party size.  A $55 deposit is required upon acceptance. We will hold a pre-outing meeting in June.  Link: www.summitpost.org  ( AREA/RANGE TRINITY ALPS ) Questions, or to request an application contact: Leader Robert Joy: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Assistant Pam Joy: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

John Muir Trail Trek (NEW DATES)
September 1 - September 14, 2010
Follow in the steps of John Muir as we take his ~220 mile namesake trail from the Yosemite Valley to the top of Mt. Whitney (14,494’), traversing the beautiful and scenic high Sierra’s. Highlights of the trek include multiple >10,000’ passes, alpine lakes, jaw dropping scenery and the summit of Mt Whitney. The six participants will need to be in good physical condition and have experience in at least one ~100 mile (or greater) trek and at least one 12,000’ peak or pass. The pace will be ~20 miles per day with elevation gains > 5000’ on some days and with a majority of the hike taking place at over 8000’. The cost of the outing is $503 to $671 and does not include airfare. A $250 deposit will be required upon acceptance. We will have a pre-outing meeting in early Summer and there will be a warm up hike offered. Contact the leader Gary Bishop (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), for more information.

Peru 2010
August 28–September 19, 2010
Come with us to explore ancient and contemporary Peru. After flying from Lima to Cusco, we will acclimate in charming Ollantaytambo, an original Inca city in the Sacred Valley far from the crowds. From there we will visit weavers’ villages, salt flats, ceramic workshops, agricultural and archeological sites. Then we will move to Cusco for two days to see many of the Inca sites and the Textile museum, and have free time to explore. Next we’ll trek for five days and four nights, fully supported, through mountains as well as jungle-like terrain, with isolated farms little-changed from Inca times, and spectacular views of the high mountains of the Andes, ending with a train ride along the river to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. We will have a full day to explore Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco. Following a free day to catch our collective breath we will enjoy a religious festival at Huanca and then travel into the mountains to a subsistence farming village where we will stay with a local family, explore the area, and be invited to participate in the community’s major festival. Finally, we return to Cusco for the trip back to Lima with a full day tour there, and then the states, or, if people are interested, a group trip to the Gallapagos, the jungle, or Lake Titicaca. Leader is Ellen Gradison who has led two previous Peru Outings and the Assistant Leader is Gloria Fisher who has led many outings as well as having lived in Cusco with her adopted sons for over 7 years. Estimated cost is $3200-3600 plus airfare. Minimum 8 and maximum 12 persons. Register early as space is limited. For more information: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Canadian Rocky Mountain High: Banff to Jasper        FULL - ALTERNATES ONLY
September 8–17, 2010
This Mazama Outing will be spectacular! Come hike with us in Banff and Jasper National Parks where adventure and beautiful scenery abound. Just driving the Trans-Canada Highway with its breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies will knock your sox off! The Rockies are unique in North America with beautiful mountains, waterfalls, meadows and lakes. We will see wildlife, flowers and birds. Camping will be five days (tent or RV) at Lake Louise campground in Banff, and then moving 140 miles to Whistler campground near Jasper for five more nights. Yes, these campgrounds have showers! We will have one free day at each campground to give everyone time to ride a gondola in Banff or Jasper, walk around the towns, visit national historic sites, rent a bicycle and bike on designated trails or take a dip in a hot spring. The price range is $170 per person (fifteen participants) to $220 per person (ten participants). You will be responsible for your national park fees, camping fees and fire permit which includes firewood. March 1, 2010 the outing sign-up needs to close, so we can make reservations by April 1, 2010. The deposit is $50, limited to 10 to 15 people. For more information and sign-up, phone or e-mail either of us: Leader: Joan Mosser, 503-244-4177, Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Bhutan - Chomolhari Trek
October 31 - November 13, 2010
Trek along the valleys of unclimbed summits, through high ridges and rice terraces, and past stark white monasteries built into cliffs that hang over deep river gorges. As one of Bhutan’s 5,000 tourists allowed in each year – part of its attempt to maintain “Gross National Happiness” through general isolation – experience a culture and land almost completely untouched by outside influence. This trip involves trekking, but requires no mountaineering experience, as you navigate the cool shadows of bamboo forests up into cedar groves and thick conifers. From the higher-altitude meadows, take in close-up views of a variety of birds, herds of blue sheep and musk deer, and dozens of snow-covered peaks looming above, including Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang, and Masagang.  Cost is $3,195 plus airfare.  A deposit of $500 will required upon acceptance. Contact Donovan Pacholl. 503-807-5732. (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Nepal: Mazama Seniors & Friends Khumbu Trek        FULL - ALTERNATES ONLY
October 30–November 20, 2010
The trek visits the spectacular Solu-Khumbu area of Nepal, which lies below the steeply sloped Himalayan Mountains dominated by Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha). Our trekking route within Sagarmatha National Park brings us into contact with the Sherpa villages of Phakding, Thame, Phortse, Dangboche, Pangboche as well as Namche Bazaar. At Kala Pattar we’ll have great views of Everest’s summit as well as other Himalayan giants – Pumori (7,145m), the Tibetan peak Changtse (4,501m), Nuptse, and Lhotse. The area’s warm, friendly, strong and confident Sherpa people are renowned for their mountaineering feats. In their buoyant, outgoing social style, as well as their robust physical appearance, the Sherpa resemble their racial, cultural, linguistic and religious cousins, the Tibetans. Religion plays an important role in the life of the Sherpa people and we will visit Khumjung, Pangboche and Thyangboche monasteries. Thyangboche is the leading Buddhist center in the region. The price is $4,215 to $4,420 including airfare from Portland/Seattle. This outing is limited to 15 people. Registration deadline is March 15. Please contact leader David Christopher: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Thai Jungle Trek
February 8 - 23, 2011
This excursion to Thailand will include a visit to Ayutthaya Historical Park (14th to 18th century Siam capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site), a five day jungle trek in northern Thailand, and a visit to the famed “Bridge over the River Kwai”.  The trek will begin in Chang Rai and wander rivers, rice paddies, and trails between villages to the north.  Several indigenous groups live in this area and we will stay at some hill tribe villages and camp in the jungle.  An expert guide will teach us how to cook in bamboo stalks and banana leaves.  Before heading home we will visit Kanchanaburi where we will see the River Kwai Bridge and other sites from the WWII Japanese occupation. Travel will be by train, bus, and songthaew (a pick-up with bench seats in the back) while in Thailand.  The trek portion will be mostly hiking, a river boat segment, and some elephant riding.  Accommodations will be guest houses (clean but cheap – don’t expect swimming pools or TV).  Food will be wonderful but cheap (don’t expect restaurants).  Bring your t-shirt, flip-flops, and a mosquito net. This outing has a significant historical aspect and a significant anthropological aspect.  Participants will learn about cultures and history that western people are not often exposed to.  We will travel like backpackers, experience culture shock at its finest, and have great fun doing it. Cost is $1,160 to $1,739 depending on number of participants plus airfare.  All ground transportation, lodging, meals, fees, and guides included.  For more info, an itinerary, or an application call the leader, Greg Justice (360) 513-7590, (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or the assistant leader, Gary Beck (503) 585-2992, (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Kilimanjaro Climb-Western Breach/Wildlife Safari
March 2 - 20, 2011
Come climb the less traveled, remote route up Africa’s highest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro. This eight-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 Mt. Kilimanjaro crater, 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 will follow it up with an optional five-day/four-night wildlife safari to the 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, gamo 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 $3500-$3800 for the climb and $1500-$1800 for the safari, depending on party size.  A deposit of $500 is required upon acceptance. Mazama climb leader, Ryan Christie (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) organized and ran the Advanced Rock program last year and has led many technical climbs.  Former Tanzanian resident and swahili speaker, Donovan Pacholl (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) will be assisting the climb.

Khumbu Trek with Island Peak Climb and Everest Base Camp
April 12 - May 6, 2011
Trek to the doorstep of the world’s highest mountain in what is arguably the highlight of any journey to Mt Everest. This 25 day outing will take us to the exotic and chaotic Kathmandu, and from there, on a strenuous and challenging exploration of Nepal’s magical Khumbu region, allowing for close-up views of dozens of Himalayan Giants as we ascend Island Peak, a 6189 meter peak just four miles S. of Mt. Everest.  Sleeping mainly in tea houses along the route, ease into the vibrant Sherpa culture, pose alongside friendly herds of yaks, breathe in the spring aromas of hedgerows and Rhododendrons bursting to life, and run your fingertips through the rush of glacial water as you approach that most illustrious of giants, Mt. Everest.  This outing will not only include a trek through the heart of the famed Khumbu region all the way to Everest Base Camp, but will also include a climb of Island Peak, known to the Sherpas as Imja Tse. At more than 20,300 ft. in elevation, Imja Tse provides unobstructed views of some of the world’s highest mountains, including Everest, Nuptse, Lohtse, the Lohtse Wall, and Makalu.  Costs, exclusive of your international airfare to Kathmandu, will range from $3755 to $3943 depending on party size, and will include all in-country meals and lodging, all trekking, access and climbing permits, and all guides, porters and equipment. Your application must be received by September 30, 2010, and a deposit of $500.00 will be required upon acceptance.  For more information contact leader Jim Ronning ((JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) or Assistant Donovan Pacholl ((JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)).

Trails and Tables of Tuscany
April 27-May 8, 2011
Join us for 12 days of culture, history, hiking, food and wine as we roam the hills and towns of Tuscany. Our expert local guide, a life-long Tuscan, will take us to places tourists don’t even know about, to sample the traditional lifestyle, scenic byways and wonderful home-cooked meals.  After two nights in Florence, we’ll head to the country, where a typical day might include hiking a section of the Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome, then visiting a Tuscan farm for lunch and a wine tasting. We’ll also visit a refuge in a mountainous forest reserve, a Roman coastal town, a 1,000-year-old castle, a sheepherder’s family, wineries, olive oil producers, hot springs and medieval hilltop villages. We’ll even have a day to ourselves in the magical city of Siena. Our home base will be at a couple of agriturismo sites, refurbished apartments on the grounds of family farms. The cost, ranging from $3,762 to $4,668 (depending on how many people sign up and the exchange rate) covers all meals, transportation and accommodations from the time you arrive in Florence. A deposit of $500 will be required upon acceptance. For more information, contact leader Paul Gerald (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Assistant Debi Danielson (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Ciao!