Branch Activities

The Olympia Mountaineers offer many activities and courses. Branch members hike, scramble, climb, cross-country ski, backpack, and explore the waterways of Western Washington by kayak. Branch meetings are held quarterly at the Olympia Center, 222 N. Columbia St., Olympia.

Search all Olympia branch activities

Alpine Scrambling

Scrambling Committee Chair: Dean Taylor (360) 705-1857

Alpine scrambling trips are off-trail, often on snow or rock, with a non-technical summit as a destination. They are scheduled primarily for Scrambling Course students to complete course requirements. Trips are also open to Mountaineer members who are scrambling or basic climbing graduates (or equivalents) and intermediate climbing students or graduates. Sign up and arrange carpooling with the leader no later than two days before the trip if it is on a weekday and by Thursday if the trip is on a weekend. Boots and clothing appropriate for the season and weather conditions, along with the Ten Essentials and the equipment identified by the scramble leader, are required. USGS maps listed are 7.5 minute, unless otherwise noted. Contact the leader for other useful and appropriate maps.

• (C) Conditioner
• (RS) Rock Scramble
• (SS) Snow Scramble

Some classifications may change due to season, change in route, etc. Those scramblers requiring credit for a certain classification should verify with the leader.

Climbing

Basic Climbing Chair: Rich Irwin (360) 580-8694

Club climbs vary from nontechnical ascents to high angle rock and ice. Depending upon the classification, they are open to Alpine Scramble graduates, Basic Climbing course graduates, basic equivalents, and Intermediate Climbing Course students and graduates. Sign up directly with the leader. For additional information and required equipment, contact the leader. Club climb Classifications:

• (BA) Basic alpine/mountaineering (scrambling grads O.K. on some)
• (BR) Basic rock
• (BG) Basic glacier
• (IM) Intermediate alpine/mountaineering
• (IR) Intermediate rock
• (I) Intermediate ice

The Leader Classification Application is now available for print or download. It allows current or new leaders to apply for an appropriate leader level. It can be mailed to the branch PO box, ATTN: Leadership Committee.

Leaders may also access the Climbing Report Form here.

Hiking

Hiking Committee Co-Chairs: Carla Jonientz (360) 359-8412, Vera Sutton (360) 426-0231

The Hiking and Backpacking Committee offers hikes year-round and backpacks during the warmer months. Enjoy day hikes or extended trips in the wilderness. Enjoy fishing, photography and the simple pleasures of carrying your camp on your back. Hikes are scheduled year-round. Mid-week outings are also offered. The Committee is also looking for people interested in leading hikes.

Naturalist

Naturalist Committee Chair: Dee Ann Kline (360) 432-8401

The Olympia branch's newest Committee, Naturalist programs use outdoor activities as a means to study and learn more about the fauna, flora, geology and geography that comprise the natural wonders of the world. Activities range from local field trips to hikes/excursions. All are designed with the purpose of exploring and learning. The outdoor program is usually supported by lectures/workshops from both professionals and hobbyists.

Sea Kayaking

Kayak Committee Chair: Carolyn Burreson (360) 705-2055.

Olympia Mountaineer Sea Kayakers explore the many islands and inlets of South Puget Sound, as well as the Washington Coast and local rivers. Trips are typically one day, but several multiple day trips are offered each year.

The Olympia branch offers sea kayaking Paddle Pins.

See how the Wednesday Summer Paddles build community.

Winter Travel

Winter Travel Committee Chair: Judson Lang (360) 352-2794.

Nordic Skiing
Snowshoeing

Most tours are one day and off the beaten track. Some tours head to groomed slopes for telemark practice. In addition, some overnight tours are offered.

• Easy (E): 0-500' gain; 6 mi. RT maximum.
• Moderate (M): 500-2000' gain; 10 mi. RT maximum; ice axe and training in its use required.
• Strenuous (S): 2000'+; no maximum distance; ice axe plus training required Must be a graduate or a student of Winter Travel or Scrambling or Basic Climbing Course.
• Winter Scrambles (WS): Must be a scrambling or Basic Climbing graduate, or "equivalent", ice axe required. Required Equipment: Crampons and/or avalanche beacons may be required by the leader. Ten essentials and wool or synthetic pile clothing are required on all trips. Rope may be required on S and WS trips. People who are not properly equipped will not be allowed to go. All drivers must carry chains and a snow shovel. Riders are expected to assist in putting on chains, pushing, digging the car out, etc.

Trail Maintenance

The Olympia Branch does maintenance on trails in the Olympic National Forest through day and weekend maintenance trips.

Check Olympia Information on Homepage for more information.

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