What we’re about
We are an inclusive and diverse group of people who enjoy sharing our love of exploring Oregon and southern Washington’s trails and byways with other like-minded folks. You’ll find experienced hikers and those who are new to hiking; young and finely-aged; single and coupled; fair-weather hikers and all-weather hikers; those who think nothing of doing a quick 15-mile Alpine loop and those whose idea of a good time is a gentle 4-mile stroll; birders, wildflower specialists, geologists, landscape photographers, and more. Everyone brings a unique perspective and their own special talents to the group in a spirit of camaraderie and sharing. Beginners, experts, locals, and new transplants are welcome. Join us in our next adventure.
Membership Rules: Members must post their real name and photo on their profile that shows their face - Not a flower, mountain or animated character (last name not required).
RSVP policy: If you sign up for any event, then decide you will not be going, you must update your RSVP to "Not Going". If you are a No-Show for an event, hike leaders may remove you from their hikes for up to 6 months. 2 no-shows and you may be removed for a year. It's very disrespectful to the hike leaders as well as other members to hold a spot on a hike and then not show up. Members with a pattern of late cancellations or signing up and cancelling frequently or holding spots for multiple hikes in other groups on the same day will also be removed from the group.*
Be considerate: Do not keep grabbing spots on most group hikes just because you can. Limiting yourself no more than 1-2 of PHMG hikes per week is a good practice. Be willing to give up your spot on hike that has a long waiting list, if you have already been on a hike with the group recently.
Show up on time.
Show up prepared: Read the entire hike description before signing up. Don't ask the hike leader to change the itinerary just to accommodate you.
The organizers of the PHMG put a high priority on the safety and comfort of our members. HIKERS WHO SHOW UP AT THE CARPOOLING SITE UNPREPARED AND/OR IMPROPERLY ATTIRED MAY BE TURNED AWAY AT THE HIKE LEADERS DISCRETION. This is a matter of safety; not just for you, but also for the entire group. If an unprepared or improperly attired hiker is injured or incapacitated then the safety of the group may be put at risk by having to stage a rescue.
While we appreciate feedback and constructive criticism about our hikes, rude, condescending comments or trying to stir up drama will not be tolerated and may result in your being removed from the group.
This is a group to meet friends for outdoor adventures. It is not a dating site. Not everyone in this group is single and looking for a partner. Anyone who sends inappropriate messages or causes others to feel uncomfortable or unsafe will be removed from the group.
This group exists due to countless hours spent by hike headers, and they are taking members on hikes for free. It is absolutely necessary you show respect and gratitude for their work, and their rules, or risk being banned from the group permanently. In addition, the group Organizer also has to pay Meetup fees every month. Be willing to give back in some way, and share responsibility of keeping the group going.
A hike leader can chose to remove anyone from his hike for any number of reason: not meeting fitness requirement, incomplete profile, history of showing inconsideration by signing up and cancelling frequently, showing negative attitude on a previous event, no-shows or leaving disrespectful comments. No one is entitled to a spot on a hike, solely because you are a member and managing to grab a spot every time.
Donations: While the membership is free, it cost money to run this group and makes hikes possible. Meetup fees plus other incidental charges are paid by the group's Organizer. We like to rely on small voluntary donations from those who join our group's hikes. If you have enjoyed a few hikes with the group, consider making a small donation (about $1 per hike attended, $5/year or $20/lifetime is a reasonable amount). You can pay to your hike leader, and he can pass on your donation the current Organizer. Every dollar ever collected in accounted for and the Organizer will be happy to share the details.
Liability Waiver: The leadership team assumes no liability since they are just volunteers. Every member is complete responsible for all their loss, damage, injuries, or all cost they incur while attending an event. Attending any event implies your complete acceptance of this liability waiver (link below)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e9K3R6KkepF8BFHmLdcTnPzou42_x2DEu38XqzlGfJ8/edit?usp=sharing
For additional details, go this this link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qUj8BgSFGEGzLx0v7h3QERzzGGD7E238TGJPcv7hQ68/edit?usp=sharing
Distance: 5-6 miles
Rating: Difficult
Elevation Gain: 1200 feet
Hike Type: Out & back
Hiking Speed: ~1.5mph depending on snow conditions.
Start point: White River West Sno-Park
Permit: Oregon Sno Park permit (per car)
On Dec 14th, Saturday, sunset time is 4:27 pm, and full moon (99%) rise time is 3:32 pm. Hopefully we'll get get clear sky. We expect to start hiking from 4:00 pm and reach back to trailhead by around 9 pm.
This classic snowshoe trip climbs the west shoulder of White River Canyon, known as Boy Scout Ridge for the nearby Boy Scout lodge. This snowshoe hike begins along the White River, and climbs 1,200 feet to a soaring overlook of the White River Canyon and Mount Hood. See the following link for more details
https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Boy_Scout_Ridge_Snowshoe
CARPOOLING:
We will meet at Gateway Transit Center parking garage at 2:00 pm for carpooling. Or people can drive by themselves and meet at White River West Sno Park parking lot at 3:30 pm. If carpooling, contribute $12 each to the driver (~120 miles return trip) to share the car/gas cost.
What to bring:
- Snowshoes (Mandatory)
- Hiking poles with snow-baskets (mandatory)
- Sturdy water-proof hiking boots/shoes
- Food, water
- 4-5 Clothing layers, gloves, hat [No cotton]
- Gators
- Micro-spikes/Yaktrax (mandator)
- Headlamps with new batteries [Mandatory]
- If you wish to drive, traction tires and/or chains are required
++ Positive attitude and a spirit for adventure are a must!
• Always a good practice to be equipped with The 10 essentials during hikes. Here is the link.
My hiking style is to stop frequently by creeks, wild-flower meadows, geological marvels and conversation, and not to rush through it. We stay together as a group. I give preference to new members, and those with good attendance record and complete profile. I value those who had a very positive impression on me during my previous hike. Please don't feel entitled to a spot. I reserve the right to remove anyone from the hike if there are not a good fitness or social fit with my hikes. Canceling after 8 pm on the the day before hike will result in a no-show on your record.
Disclaimer: Hike leaders are volunteers to do their best to make it an enjoyable experience for everyone, but assume no liability for any loss, damage, or injury, during the event or getting to or back from an event. Each member is required to read and approve the waiver when agreeing to become a member, and is completely responsible for their own safety and well-being.
Link to liability waiver below:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e9K3R6KkepF8BFHmLdcTnPzou42_x2DEu38XqzlGfJ8/edit?usp=sharing
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- A quick jaunt up Hamilton MountainGateway transit center, Portland, OR
Saturday morning is our best change to hike in a little sun? Let's do a quick jaunt up Hamilton Mountain for a lollipop loop hike. We will hike at a fairly good pace so please make sure you are willing and able to keep up. It will be muddy and we may get a little rain so dress accordingly.
We will meet at Gateway Transit Center and carpool over, unless you wish to meet at the trailhead, you can put this in comments.
https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Hamilton_mountain_loop_hike
https://parks.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/BeaconRockStatePark_HamiltonMountainTrailhead_03.02.2023.pdf
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Skamania&state=WA&site=PQR&textField1=45.6173&textField2=-122.042&e=0
Total distance: roughly 8 miles round trip
Elevation change: roughly 2100 Ft.
Time to Complete: 4 hours depending upon group pace
Rating: moderate to difficult
Permit: https://www.discoverpass.wa.gov
Transportation: carpool at Gateway Transit Center or meet at the TH
Driving Distance: 70 miles RT
CARPOOLING: We will meet at Gateway Transit Center to carpool. Drivers should be paid 10 cents per mile. no one will be turned away if unable to pay.My Style:
I normally hike at a pace of 2.5-3 mph depending on terrain, keeping safety as a priority while managing to have some fun along the way. There will be photo opportunities, and snack/water breaks as needed.Necessities:
Please make sure you bring the ten essentials+ (see below).
Ten Essentials:- Navigation ( map, compass, awareness of route)
- Sun protection-sunscreen and glasses
- Insulation ( extra clothing, layers)
- Illumination (headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries)
- First aid supplies
- fire (waterproof matches, lighter, candles)
- Knife, tools
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency whistle
- Rain Gear
Please understand that you are responsible for your safety and preparedness, know your abilities and limitations. My goal is to get everyone through the hike without injury, but this requires you to know your limits. If we do this, we will have an amazing day.
- Weekend Adventures in Olympic PeninsulaSalmon Creek Park and Ride, Vancouver, WA
Gorgeous beaches, lush forests, and a massive national park afford plenty of things to do on Washington’s diverse Olympic Peninsula.
Bounded on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north by the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is home to temperate rain forests, pristine beaches, multiple ecosystems, coastal communities, and a massive national park.**If you are interested, add your name to waitlist. We will select people based on fit with our group, expecting group size to be 4-8.
Expecting the cost of staying at a nice Airbnb will be around $115/person with individual separate bedrooms. Since Airbnb cost is not-refundable, you will need to prepay to get a spot on this trip. And around $40 per person to split the cost of car/gas
Still finalizing plans for things to do from all the possible options:
https://stateofwatourism.com/things-to-do-on-the-olympic-peninsula/
https://olympicpeninsula.org/drive-the-loop/top-15-loop-sees/### Explore rain forests in Olympic National Park
### Wander epic beaches
### Soak up history and culture
### Sample seafood and more
CARPOOLING: 7 am - Salmon Creek Park and Ride
What to bring:
- Sturdy hiking boots/shoes
- Overnight stay stuff
- Snacks, nutrition bars
- Clothing layers, gloves, hat, rain jacket
- Hiking poles, gaiters
- Backpack, rain cover
- Microspikes or Yaktrax
- Positive attitude and a sense of adventure goes a long way
• Always a good practice to be equipped with The 10 essentials during hikes. Here is the link.
My hiking style is to stop frequently by creeks, wild-flower meadows, geological marvels and conversation, and not to rush through it. We stay together as a group. I give preference to new members, and those with good attendance record and complete profile. I value those who had a very positive impression on me during my previous hike. Please don't feel entitled to a spot. I reserve the right to remove anyone from the hike if there are not a good fitness or social fit with my hikes. Canceling after 8 pm on the the day before hike will result in a no-show on your record.
Disclaimer: Hike leaders are volunteers to do their best to make it an enjoyable experience for everyone, but assume no liability for any loss, damage, or injury, during the event or getting to or back from an event. Each member is required to read and approve the waiver when agreeing to become a member, and is completely responsible for their own safety and well-being.
Link to liability waiver below:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e9K3R6KkepF8BFHmLdcTnPzou42_x2DEu38XqzlGfJ8/edit?usp=sharing
