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The Mountaineers — Olympia Branch

The Olympia branch of The Mountaineers — volunteer-led courses and outings spanning hiking, sea kayaking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and backcountry winter travel.

Hiking⚠ Needs verification

Day Hikes & Backpacking

The Mountaineers — Olympia Branch

Year-round branch hikes & trips — see activity calendar

📍 Rotating Olympic/Cascade trailheads

Beginner-friendlyNo-dropCost varies

Volunteer-led day hikes, the Conditioning Hiking Series, family hikes, and backpacking trips of all difficulties.

Hiking⚠ Needs verification

Snowshoe Trips

The Mountaineers — Olympia Branch

Winter snowshoe course & trips — see activity calendar

📍 Rotating Rainier/White Pass-area trailheads

Beginner-friendlyNo-dropCost variesWinter
Paddling⚠ Needs verification

Basic Sea Kayaking Course

The Mountaineers — Olympia Branch

Seasonal sea-kayaking course & student paddles — see calendar

📍 Budd Inlet, Olympia

Beginner-friendlyNo-dropPaidSummer
Nordic⚠ Needs verification

Basic Cross-Country Skiing

The Mountaineers — Olympia Branch

Winter XC-ski course (Jan–Feb) + group outings — see calendar

📍 Rotating Cascade nordic centers

Beginner-friendlyNo-dropCost variesWinter

Basic Nordic skiing instruction with field trips to Cascade trail systems (White Pass, Summit, Stevens Pass nordic centers).

Backcountry⚠ Needs verification

Winter Travel & Avalanche Skills

The Mountaineers — Olympia Branch

Winter-travel course with avalanche training — see calendar

📍 Rainier/White Pass-area backcountry

Cost variesWinter

Winter-travel skills including avalanche-terrain recognition and avoidance (avalanche-awareness class required to graduate).