The Mountaineers, Seattle

The Mountaineers is a nonprofit outdoor community of 16,000 active members in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1906, they have been getting people of all ages outside safely and responsibly for over 100 years. They host hundreds of monthly courses and activities— all led by volunteers— to offer ways to get outside and connect with others and both the natural and cultural world. The Mountaineers think it is important to introduce people to the outdoors early and often, and they work to protect the outdoor experience for future generations. They believe everyone should feel belonging in the outdoors, and they are striving to connect people, especially those who have been historically excluded, with the transformative power of outdoor experiences.

The Seattle Branch is the largest of The Mountaineers branches. Leaders of its 18 activity committees schedule over a thousand activities a year and over a hundred courses and seminars. Volunteers developed and tested the 120 km Seattle Olmsted Circuit in partnership with Friends of Seattle Olmsted Parks. The Seattle Olmsted 50 five sections run from the Ballard Locks to the Rainier Beach Playground through myriad Olmsted parks and boulevards. And the Seattle Olmsted 70 completes the loop through West Seattle with seven sections back to the Ballard Locks. All sections promote the use of public transportation and turn-by-turn directions identify public toilets and local treats.