New here? Start with these.

Just moved to Portland, or getting back into it after a while? These groups are beginner-friendly and welcoming — no need to be fast, experienced, or know a soul.

Climbing⚠ Needs verification

Climbing Classes & Member Climbs

Mazamas

Seasonal courses and ~1,000 member climbs a year — see schedule

Mazama Mountaineering Center, SE Portland

Beginner-friendlyPaid

Basic Climbing Education Program plus rock, alpine, and ice offerings.

Hiking⚠ Needs verification

Scheduled Hikes & Outings

Trails Club of Oregon

Year-round club hikes and backpacks — see the trip calendar

Rotating trailheads; Gorge and Mt. Hood lodges

Beginner-friendlyDog-friendlyCost varies

Guests welcome on all scheduled club activities.

Hiking⚠ Needs verification

Educational Hikes & Work Parties

Forest Park Conservancy

Seasonal guided hikes and volunteer trail days — see events

Forest Park, Portland

Beginner-friendlyDog-friendlyFree

Topics range from photography and mushrooms to insects and park history.

Hiking⚠ Needs verification

Guided Nature Hikes

Metro Parks and Nature

Free naturalist-led hikes year-round — register on the calendar

Oxbow, Smith and Bybee, Cooper Mountain (rotating)

Beginner-friendlyFree

Twilight hikes, mushroom hunts, and family programs across Metro parks.

Road Run⚠ Needs verification

Run with Paula Race Series

Run with Paula Events

Several signature races a year — see the calendar

Around Portland and Beaverton

Beginner-friendlyPaid

Starlight Run, Rose Festival Street Mile, Hippie Chick, PRC Winter 5K Series.

Trail Run⚠ Needs verification

Daybreak Run Club

Daybreak Racing

Free monthly group runs — RSVP for location and time

Rotating Portland-area spots and race courses

Beginner-friendlyFreeSummer

Mix of in-town social strolls and trail runs on Daybreak race courses.

MTB⚠ Needs verification

Community Rides & Clinics

Northwest Trail Alliance

Seasonal group rides, skills clinics, and dig days — see calendar

Rotating trailheads in NW Oregon and SW Washington

Beginner-friendlyFreeSummer
Cycling⚠ Needs verification

Daily Club Rides

Portland Bicycling Club

Up to two dozen rides a week — every day, on the online calendar

Rotating start points around the metro

Beginner-friendlyFree

Membership not required to try a ride; e-bikes welcome.

Birding⚠ Needs verification

Volunteer-Led Birding Outings

Bird Alliance of Oregon

Free outings year-round; spring Bird Song Walks — register online

Rotating sites across the Portland metro

Beginner-friendlyFree

Beginners welcome; loaner binoculars and field guides on request.

Paddling⚠ Needs verification

Ross Island Guided Kayak Tour

Portland Kayak Company

Daily in season at 10am, 2pm, and 6pm · 2.5 hours

Willamette River, Portland

Beginner-friendlyPaidSummer

Circumnavigates Ross Island past the heron rookery and Oaks Bottom.

Nordic⚠ Needs verification

Guided Day Tours & Trips

Oregon Nordic Club – Portland

Winter day tours by skill level plus overnight trips — see calendar

Mt. Hood and beyond (rotating)

Beginner-friendlyCost variesWinter

Novice through advanced tours; lessons and family trips offered.

Backcountry⚠ Needs verification

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course

The Mountain Shop

Winter AIARE Level 1 sessions — see course dates

The Mountain Shop, Portland + Mt. Hood field days

Beginner-friendlyPaidWinter

Beacon use, companion rescue, and decision-making in avalanche terrain.