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Activities & Events

Adventurous Young Mazamas (AYM)

Quick Links:

  ClimbingCheck out the Mazama Summer Climb Schedule!
  Hiking TipsHow Mazama hikes work & what you should bring.
  AlbumCheck out our online gallery for pictures from some of our recent events!
  E-BulletinSign up for AYM’s email list:  a bi-monthly reminder of upcoming events.  It’s fast, free and open to anyone.

Welcome to the pages of the Adventurous Young Mazamas! AYM plans and offers a LOT of fun activities, geared roughly for those 40 years and under. 

Our goals are to attract younger folks to the Mazamas, get them to join as full members - and to encourage their continued involvement, participation and leadership within the Mazamas.  In addition to the many hikes, xc-ski and snowshoe trips each year, AYM also occasionally offers a number of other activities like cave exploration, biking (mountain & road), whitewater rafting and sea kayaking which are a bit outside the usual focus of the Mazamas.  Come join us for a trip or lead one of your own!  AYM also highly encourages participants to check out the climb schedule, the Hike to the Summit program and the many great classes offered by the Mazamas.

All AYM activities are open to all Mazama members and non-members, regardless of age.

Mazama Summer Climbs

What do you want to climb this summer?  The Mazama Summer Climb Schedule for 2008 has been posted!  Now searchable / sortable online!!

What is a Climb?
The Mazamas define a “climb” as being any high point above timberline regardless of how difficult it is to get there.  Not all climbs require ropes or specialized gear!  There are many peaks out there (included some glaciated ones) that require no special skills to attain the summit.  The Mazamas typically offer some three hundred climbs throughout the course of the summer at all levels of experience:  from relatively easy hike-to-the-top peaks to more advanced technical rock & snow climbs.  Climbs include one-day local forays on peaks such as Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens to multi-day backpack expeditions in the North Cascades and beyond.  All climbs are open to both members and non-members alike; you do NOT need to be a Mazama member or to have taken BCEP to apply for climbs.  You do need to have the appropriate experience.

Climb Cards
If you’re interested in a particular climb, you’ll need to purchase an application (aka a “climb card") from the Mazama office ($15 members, $25 non-members) and send it to the appropriate climb leaderYou only pay for climbs you are accepted on; if you are not accepted, you can turn the card back in to the office to get a new climb card or get your money back.

Hike to the Summit
For folks with less experience who are interested in climbing a glaciated peak for Mazama membership, AYM highly recommends checking out the Hike to the Summit program.  HTTS climbs are generally held in late summer on peaks such as Mt. St. Helens, South Sister and Old Snowy (Goat Rocks Wilderness) when no technical gear is required to attain the summit.

More information about Mazama Climbs...
Tips & Tricks for getting accepted on climbs...
See a few pics from Mazama climbs...

Current AYM Activities

AYM events are open to all Mazama members and non-members alike.  Advance reservations are not necessary for hikes or other events unless otherwise noted.  Just show up 10-15 minutes before the listed departure time and you’re in!  Please bring rain gear on all hikes and be prepared for cold weather conditions. Rain can occur at any time of the year and the weather in town can be very different from that in the mountains.  All hikes will go rain or shine unless conditions are truly appalling; when in doubt contact the event leader.  See our Hiking Tips for full information on how Mazama hikes work and what to bring.



Fri-Sun, May 16-18 - Pole Pedal Paddle 2008
AYM will again be sponsoring one or more Mazama teams to take part in Bend’s annual relay race. The race starts at Mt. Bachelor and concludes in downtown Bend, OR.  Teams are generally made up of six participants, generally one person for each leg of the race.  Race legs include alpine skiing from half-way up Mt. Bachelor, 5mi xc/skate-skiing, 22mi bike downhill to Bend, 6mi run, 2mi kayak/canoe on the Deschutes River and a last 0.3mi sprint to the finish line.  We are NOT racing to win our categories; we’re only really competing with each other… if you can even call it competing!  We’ll be renting a house in the Bend/Sunriver area.  A planning meeting to form teams was held in Portland on April 9th—contact Keith if you have additional questions.  Coordinator: 



Mon, May 19 - AYM Committee Meeting
[Update 5/14] This month only the committee will instead meet at 6pm @ Oliver’s Bar & Grill (1000 SW Broadway). Note that per Memorial Day, the committee meeting has been moved up a week.
The AYM committee generally meets the last Monday of the month at 6:30pm at the Mazama Mountaineering Center (527 SE 43rd Ave) in one of the upstairs conference rooms.  Anyone is welcome to attend, to come see what’s going on and to help us plan future events.



Wed, May 21 - Evening Event:  Mazama Summer Rock Program
Do you need to brush up on your belaying and rappelling skills?  Or are you confident in your skills and want to step up to some real climbing?  For beginner and intermediate level climbers, the Summer Rock Program meets right here in Portland atop Rocky Butte on the third Wednesday of the month (May - August) from 5pm ‘til dusk.  Please register in advance by calling the Mazama Mountaineering Center at 503-227-2345 (x1); class size is limited to about fifteen.  You do not need to be a Mazama member to sign up.  Cost is $5 (beautiful sunsets included).  You bring:  climbing helmet, harness, belay device, few carabiners, personal safety.  Rock shoes recommended.  Follow the link above for full infomation on this practice session.  SRP dates for 2008:  May 21, June 18, July 16, and August 20.



Sat, May 24 - Hike: The Big Show on Dog Mountain
If you want to see what the fuss is about on Dog Mountain, come on this hike.  It should be prime time for the wildflowers.  We’ll go up the slightly longer (therefore mellower) Augsperger Trail for more time in the meadows, then come down the usual route. Moderate pace. 7.5>2980^Dr-98. TH pass.  Depart Gateway (meet SE corner on the ground floor of the parking garage) at 9am.  Leader: - 503-504-1486.



Sun, May 25 - Hike: Burdoin Mountain to Catherine Creek
Three hikes in one! We’ll hit as many stupendous views, amazing rock formations and wildflower meadows in the northeast Gorge as is humanly possible! We’ll start by climbing up less-traveled Burdoin Mountain for views of the Gorge and Mt. Adams, then head over to Coyote Wall. Then we’ll follow this sheer basalt cliff down to get to the Labyrinth, a jumble of rock outcroppings.  We’ll head east to end up in Catherine Creek Meadows, which should be full of spring flowers. Exploratory. Car shuttle. 12>2500^Dr-130.  Depart Gateway (meet SE corner on the ground floor of the parking garage) at 7am.  Group will be limited to ten.  Leader:  Leader: 


Columbia Gorge views from the summit of Burdoin Mountain



Wed, May 28 - Evening Ramble:  North Portland/Forest Park
A moderately-paced ramble from downtown Saint Johns, across the Saint Johns Bridge, and into Forest Park.  Bring a headlamp or flashlight.  Approximately 5 miles round-trip.  Depart 6:45pm from the Northwest corner of the Safeway parking lot (8330 N. Ivanhoe).  $1 members / $2 non-members.  Leader: 



Sat, May 31 - Trail Tender:  Devils Rest
Start at the Angel’s Rest parking lot and head towards Devil’s Rest clearing out brush and blow down. Expect a good workout and a sense of accomplishment. Bring rain gear, gloves, & boots. A call to the leader for tool planning will be appreciated.  8.4>2600^Dr-42.  Depart Gateway (meet SE corner on the ground floor of the parking garage) at 8am.  Leader: Hugh Woltzen - 503-227-2147.



Sat, May 31 - Adventure Hike:  Rudolph Spur
Largely abandoned, unmaintained and very steep, the Rudolph Spur is often referred to by some as the toughest trail in the Columbia Gorge.  Participants should be ready to deal with steep, scrambly terrain and one spot with minimal exposure on a direct ascent to the Benson Plateau.  Good workout guaranteed; BCEP grads welcome.  Trekking poles recommended.  Beware poison oak.  10>4200^Dr-80.  Group will be limited to ten; contact leader to sign up and for carpool meeting place & time.  Leader: 



Sun, June 1 - Hike: Elk King Traverse
If the snow hasn’t melted by now on one of the Coast Range’s most awesome trails, a new Ice Age is coming!  Come feel the adventure on a trail fit for Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark!  Great views, steep trails, scrambling and a few thrilling dropoffs.  BCEP grads welcome.  Depart 9am Sunset Park and Ride.  11>4600^Dr-75.  Leader:



Wed, June 4 - Evening Ramble: Mountain Park, Lake Oswego
Join us for an evening loop walk from business park to Mountain Park through a small park and residential areas.  ~5.5>400^Dr-0.  $1 members/$2 non-members.  Depart 6:30pm from the SE corner of the Two Centerpointe building parking lot.  Please call leader if you have trouble finding the meeting location.  Leader: - 503-312-3116.



Sat, June 14 - Adventure Hike: Munra Point
See beautiful Elowah Falls and enjoy the murmur of nearby I-84 before scrambling up to a sharp, exposed point with a ridiculous view above Bonneville Dam.  We will climb a narrow, brushy, STEEP unmaintained trail, which is loose and eroded in places.  Long pants & trekking poles/stick required!  This hike is not for the faint of knee or for anyone afraid of heights.  If the trail is less than absolutely dry, we’ll go somewhere else in the Gorge.  Due to trail conditions the group will be limited to ten.  BCEP grads welcome.  Depart Gateway (meet SE corner on the ground floor of the parking garage) at 9am 7.4>1800^Dr-60.  Leader:


Summit of Munra Point



Sun, June 15 - Boring Bike Ride: Springwater Corridor to Boring
Have you ever wished you could ride your bike to Boring?  Who hasn’t?  This leisurely paced ride will take you from the Eastside Esplanade to Boring on the Springwater Corridor (an old rails-to-trails corridor) and back.  Deer, rabbits, and waterfowl abound on this trail, so bring your camera!  Mountain bikes welcome.  This event is free! 40>500^Dr-0.  Meet at 9am at the end of SE Madison St (just north of the Hawthorne Bridge) on the waterfront.  Extra points for arriving by bike!  Helmet and tire patch kit required.  Leader: - 503-504-1486.



Mon, June 16 - Pub Night @ Max’s Fanno Creek Pub
Join AYM the third Monday of the month at 7pm for our roaming Pub Night!  This month we’ll be at Max’s Fanno Creek Pub (12562 SW Main St, Tigard) for an evening of new friends, adventure planning, and, yes, malted beverages!  This is a great time to find out what we’re up to, plan an adventure or three and see what the Mazamas are all about in a more informal atmosphere. Bring stories & photos from your recent adventures; extra points for pics from Mazama climbs or other events! How will you find us? Look for the ice axe!



Wed, June 18 - Evening Event:  Mazama Summer Rock Program
Do you need to brush up on your belaying and rappelling skills?  Or are you confident in your skills and want to step up to some real climbing?  For beginner and intermediate level climbers, the Summer Rock Program meets right here in Portland atop Rocky Butte on the third Wednesday of the month (May - August) from 5pm ‘til dusk.  Please register in advance by calling the Mazama Mountaineering Center at 503-227-2345 (x1); class size is limited to about fifteen.  You do not need to be a Mazama member to sign up.  Cost is $5 (beautiful sunsets included).  You bring:  climbing helmet, harness, belay device, few carabiners, personal safety.  Rock shoes recommended.  Follow the link above for full infomation on this practice session.  SRP dates for 2008:  June 18, July 16, and August 20.



Wed, June 18 - Eat Dessert First! Ramble: Macleay Trail to Pittock Mansion
What would make a ramble up to view the city from Pittock Mansion better?  A dessert potluck!  Join dessert aficionados Jake and Karl for a hike up Balch Creek through Forest Park, where we’ll check out a ruined stone building and see the house of the founder of The Oregonian.  Be sure to bring a headlamp, a dessert to share and your appetite!  This hike is beginner friendly.  4.5>1400^Dr-0.  Depart from the west end of NW Upshur St at 6:30pm.  $1 members / $2 non-members.  Leaders: and - 503-504-1486.



Mon, June 30 - AYM Committee Meeting
The AYM committee generally meets the last Monday of the month at 6:30pm at the Mazama Mountaineering Center (527 SE 43rd Ave) in one of the upstairs conference rooms.  Anyone is welcome to attend, to come see what’s going on and to help us plan future events.



Fri, July 4 - Adventure Hike:  Silver Star Mountain & Sturgeon Rock
Loop hike from Grouse Vista with several adventurous detours along the way.  We’ll scramble Pyramid Rock and check out the grassy ridge north of there and continue on up to the summit for wildflowers and 360-degree views.  We’ll take an alternate route on the descent stopping off briefly to tag our second summit of the day:  the impressive looking Sturgeon Rock.  Participants should be prepared for some off-trail travel, scrambling and potential bushwhacking.  10>3000^Dr-70.  TH Pass.  Depart Gateway (meet SE corner on the ground floor of the parking garage) at 8am; back in plenty of time for the fireworks & festivities.  Leader: 


Wildflowers on Silver Star Mountain


Not enough going on for you?  AYM is but one small corner of the Mazamas:  check out the summer climbs, the Trail Trips hiking schedule, the year-round Tuesday/Thursday evening street rambles in northwest Portland—or volunteer to lead an event of your own!  The Mazamas run almost entirely on the efforts of volunteers—and we’re always looking for new leaders!