Though many Oregon hiking clubs are based in the larger cities, they plan trips throughout every region of Oregon. Small meet-up groups form in smaller communities and tie into the larger clubs' activities. Wherever you are located, you can connect with other hikers. There are opportunities to get out in the open air for every level of ability. You will find overnight hikes, day hikes and even weeknight excursions.
Membership-Based Hiking Clubs
Two of the oldest hiking clubs in Oregon have extra criteria for membership. The Salem-based Chemeketans are a 700-member group founded in 1928. To become a member, you must attend two hiking trips. At that time, you may fill out and application and be voted in. As of 2010, dues are $31, which includes a bulletin, lower fees and voting rights. Visitors are welcome to go on a hike to try out the club. There are activities for every level, including the Dawdlers for those who choose a slower pace. A Portland-based club, the Trails Club of Oregon, has been around since 1915. Its membership of 500 has a lodge near Mt. Hood for winter activities. The club also has a lodge near the Columbia Gorge. Both lodges require a 4-mile hike, so members need to be able to easily reach them. This is one criteria for membership as well as going on a hike with the group. Once deemed physically able, you must be sponsored by two members. At that time, you fill out an application and pay $15. Membership dues per year are $45 as of 2010.
Membership-Based Hiking and More Clubs
The Obsidians are an outdoor club based in Eugene. They have a lodge and schedule hikes. They also schedule biking, climbing, kayaking, camps and bus trips. They have regularly scheduled conservation dates to work on trails and projects in scenic areas. There are educational activities and slide shows scheduled throughout the year. Membership is granted once you complete three trips, pay the $30 dues (as of 2010) and are voted in by the board of directors.
Conservation-Based Hiking Clubs
For those who love hiking in the wilderness, what follows is wanting to protect what they love. The Friends of Oregon are the most well-known hiking group along the Columbia Gorge. Though they hold guided hikes, as a member you can submit an application to lead hikes. You can also go to their website and plan your own hike. Meeting up with this group is one of the best ways to see the wildflowers of the Columbia Gorge. Membership fees are donations to cover conservation costs. There are some activities for members only. Starting donations are $35 a year as of 2010.
Chapters of Larger Clubs
The Oregon Sierra Club headquarters are based in Portland, but there are chapters throughout the state. The club is based on the late John Muir's vision: If you bring people into the wilderness, they will want to protect it. The hikes and activities arranged through Sierra's chapters combine hiking with activism. One example is the Tillamook chapter's project to remap the book "50 Hikes of the Tillamook Forest." The outdated version leads hikers through day hikes with maps and descriptions. Other projects consist of working with the Bureau of Land Management to help preserve high desert regions.
Hiking Associations
There are a number of hiking associations in Oregon. The Pacific Northwest Trail Association is part of the larger Pacific Crest Trail Association. The focus is to enjoy and protect this hiking trail that spans from Mexico to Canada along the Pacific Ocean. The chapter's focus is on the trail section that passes through Oregon. Member dues start at $35 as of 2010 and include a subscription to "Backpacker" magazine.
Member Comments