Category: Community

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Meet the Mazamas

A native South Carolinian, Duncan lived in Maryland, Virginia and Rhode Island before moving to Oregon. His face is a familiar one at the Mazamas, and we’re fortunate that he is a devoted instructor. He’s a professor at Linfield College and volunteers much of his time teaching and overseeing first aid courses for the Mazamas. He also leads Basic Climbing Education Program teams, leads and assists on many climbs throughout the season and steps in as needed for other programs, like Families Mountaineering 101.

Name:  Duncan Hart

Pronouns:  he/him

Year Joined Mazamas: 2009

Present-day outdoor activities:  Alpine climbing, camping, cycling, gardening, hiking, kayaking, and sandbox play

What’s your earliest outdoor memory?: Riding on the handlebars of my brother’s bike before age 3 and yes, we did not wear helmets back in the day.

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? My manager would drag himself into Monday morning meetings with a big smile where he would spend a few minutes sharing Mazamas weekend adventures stories. At the time, doing the kinds of activities that Mazamas do seemed unimaginable to me. One day he asked where I wanted to be in life, and my response was that I wanted to be in a pair of snowshoes on Mt Hood. The response was priceless, “Well that sounds kind of risky. You really should have some BCEP training before going into the mountains.”  

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Be responsible not only for yourself but for others. Thirty years ago, we moved to the Pacific Northwest for the natural beauty and outdoor access. Today, we might be loving our mountains and outdoors a little too much. The inner drive to get that next great selfie is taking some people beyond their physical limits and into risky situations. The policy response is to place access restrictions on public lands. I feel that more people should be educated on the 10 essentials and that a smartphone is never an adequate substitute for planning and preparation. Having more people in the outdoors with Wilderness First Aid skills would also be a very good thing. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Acts of human kindness. Each of us does simple things every day that can make life better for others. Sometimes it is reaching out to a teammate who was involved in a challenging situation with you. “Hey, how are you doing?”  A casual check-in like this can make a big difference in the first 10 minutes, later in the day, or even the next day after a tragedy or a near miss. Traumatic events affect each of us differently. Pay attention to the subtle details and listen. When we come together as Mazamas for an outdoor or educational experience, we often become a close-knit team. What we do as Mazamas is a dangerous sport, and bad things can and do happen. It is those formal and informal leaders within the teams who have the right sense of timing of when and how to do a check-in that inspire me.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? The Society for Science & the Public is a nonprofit that publishes a monthly Science News magazine that seeks to promote the understanding and appreciation for science and the vital role it plays on people and the planet. The articles are synopses of peer-reviewed white papers published in the last two months. I am interested in following the environmental issues and where this scientific community is focusing. Everyone can make individual choices both big and small that can result in a positive impact on the environment. 

What’s on your adventure bucket list? My wish is to take all of my grandchildren up a glaciated peak. I pick up summit rocks as gifts and tell them that someday they will need to take them back (hopefully with me). Climate change is a reality. If we inspire our youth, someday they will tell their grandchildren stories of the time when there were glaciers on the mountains. Maybe one of those children will grow up with the answers on how to save our planet.

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Meet the Mazamas

Lucky for the Mazamas, Sohaib felt like he was missing out on big mountain adventures and moved to Portland from Atlanta in 2019. His trajectory in the Mazamas organization matches his enthusiasm, taking part in our Basic Climbing Education Program in 2021, followed by Intermediate Climbing School in 2022. He’s now in our Leadership Development program, rapidly moving up the ranks and inspiring others to love and protect the mountains.

Name:  Sohaib Haider

Pronouns:  He/Him

Year Joined Mazamas: 2021

 Present-day outdoor activities: Mountaineering, hiking, on- and off-trail running  

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? Falling asleep watching the stars in the backyard of my home in Sargodha, Pakistan during summer nights. It is (or was) common to sleep in the backyards or rooftops during hot and humid summer nights in the South Asian subcontinent. 

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? Here’s my story. You decide if it was a complete coincidence or if it was destiny. Some of my friends from grad school in Atlanta moved to Seattle and they were skiing and mountaineering a lot. I felt I was missing out on the action, so I moved to Portland in October 2019 for a new job and to have better access to the beautiful mountains of the PNW. I wanted to summit Tahoma/Mt. Rainier and Wy’east/Mt. Hood with guided groups like my friends did, but just as I was settling into Portland, the pandemic happened and there weren’t any guided climbs anymore. 

I was hiking a lot in the spring/summer of 2020 and went to hike the Elk-Kings Trail. The All Trails app said the Mazamas have adopted this trail. I was like, ‘what on earth are the Mazamas?’ So I googled the Mazamas. I realized I can get climbing education with the Mazamas and summit Mt Hood with them, so I applied to the Basic Climbing Education Program (BCEP) in 2021. I got on a Wy’east/Mt Hood as my first climb after BCEP, which was phenomenal experience.  The rest is history, and I have been more involved with the Mazamas ever since and just led my first Mazamas climb as a provisional climb leader.  

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? I am a big advocate of wilderness first aid and accident management training. Accidents happen all the time under perfect conditions. I have witnessed three accidents in my two years of climbing. Please be prepared with the knowledge and tools for accident management and for rescue scenarios. I highly recommend a Wilderness First Aid course with the Mazamas or similar courses with other organizations. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Kind and patient climbers, who climb hard and pay it forward and educate others inspire me. People who are working against climate change are my heroes. In climbing, I am inspired by big snowy mountains and solitary off-the-beaten path alpine routes.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? I have enjoyed many documentaries and books in the past two years, but I have followed and enjoyed Mazama Bulletin and Patagonia publications most consistently. I like the Mazama bBulletin because it’s the news of my community, and I especially enjoy reading articles and posts from friends. Articles like “Strong Long” by Ian McCluskey and “My route to Mazamas & Vanishing Glaciers” by Peter Boag are so well written, humorous, and inspiring. I like many titles from Patagonia books, especially Yvon Chouinard’s books because they’re about preserving the outdoors, climbing, surfing, history, and building environmentally friendly businesses. 

What’s on your adventure bucket list? Big snowy mountains and solitary off-the-beaten path alpine routes : )

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Explore. Adventure. Connect. Join the Mazamas!

New members can waive setup fees by joining before October 31.

Photo/Pushkar Dixit, The Tooth

For nearly 130 years, the Mazamas have been a cornerstone of outdoor exploration, education, and conservation in the Pacific Northwest. From the creation of the Eagle Creek trail in the Columbia River Gorge and providing critical support for the establishment of Crater Lake as a national park to the prevention of the Willamette National Forest’s over-development and myriad first ascents like Smith Rock’s Monkey Face in 1960–the Mazamas were there spearheading and supporting the efforts.

Being a Mazama means you continue to build on this legacy, advancing our story of adventure, education, and preservation for future generations. There are other advantages to being a Mazama as well, such as:

  •  FREE access to adventures – One of the most exciting perks of being a Mazama is free access to all hikes and most climbs. This exclusive privilege allows you to explore the splendor of the Pacific Northwest without the burden of additional fees.
  • Unbeatable rates on courses and programs – As a Mazama, you’ll enjoy the very best rates on our diverse range of courses and programs. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or a novice looking to hone your skills, you can save up to 20 percent over non-member prices. Our courses cover a wide spectrum, from wilderness first aid to rock climbing, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in the great outdoors.
  • Members-only pre-sales and special events – Membership in the Mazamas opens the door to exclusive opportunities. Get a head start on event tickets and enjoy pre-sales, ensuring you never miss out on sought-after adventures. Beyond that, you’ll receive invitations to members-only special events, fostering connections with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Complimentary rescue insurance – Safety is paramount when exploring the rugged landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. As a member, you’re covered with complimentary rescue insurance – where else can you get that for $88 a year? This added layer of protection provides peace of mind, knowing that you have support in case of emergencies during your adventures.
  • Discounts at local outdoor retailers and gyms – Your Mazama membership extends beyond our organization. Enjoy special discounts at more than 20 local outdoor retailers and gyms. Whether you need new gear or a place to stay fit and active, these partnerships will help you save while supporting businesses that share our passion for the outdoors.
  • Conservation and community – By becoming a member, you’re not just investing in your personal outdoor experiences; you’re also contributing to the conservation of our natural treasures. We’re dedicated to preserving the beauty and integrity of the Pacific Northwest’s wilderness. Your membership directly supports our conservation efforts and help us maintain these environments for future generations.

2024 memberships are now on sale –join the Mazamas by October 31 and save yourself the $25 setup fee!

“I became a Mazama because I had hiked to the summit of South Sister with the Mazamas and that experience “hooked” me into wanting to climb. [The] Mazamas then gave  me the training I needed to climb safely. I’ve gained new friends and seen firsthand the beauty of the mountains.”
—Marty Hanson, member since 1993
I am a Mazama because I have met some of my closest friends and most trusted hiking, climbing, and mountaineering partners through this organization. I’m committed to helping others find and build similar connections, as well as making the outdoors a welcoming and fun space for everyone!
—Heather Polonsky & Linus, members since 2018
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Meet the Mazamas

Lindsey is a queer climber in recovery, and the chair of our Nordic Ski committee. She welcomes any and every chance to get out into the mountains! Summer weekends are for hiking, climbing, backpacking and camping. In winter, she trades in her hiking boots for cross-country skis.

She joined the Mazamas to improve her skills and meet other folks who love the outdoors. BCEP introduced her to the amazing Mazamas community, and she is eager to grow and share her love for the outdoors.

Name:  Lindsey Addison

Pronouns:  she/her

Year Joined Mazamas: 2018 

Present-day outdoor activities: Hiking, climbing, cross-country skiing  

What’s your earliest outdoor memory? Sledding for sure – snow days are the best! Swimming till my lips were blue in the summer. Camping in state parks with my dad and sisters.

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization?  I took BCEP in 2018 after summiting Mt St Helens for the first time – I wanted to learn how to glissade because it looked fun!

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them?  Don’t be completely unprepared – do some research on your own, ask friends for advice or find mentors through the Mazamas or elsewhere.  But, don’t get analysis paralysis either.  Get out there and learn by doing – we all were beginners once!

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Watching people learn new outdoor skills!  It takes courage to be a newbie.  But it’s so rewarding when it “clicks,” and you see them light up.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? TV show: The Great British Bake-off.  I’m a baking nerd, and they are just so nice to each other, unlike American reality TV.  Social media: Jessie Diggins (US women’s Olympic cross country skier, @jessiediggins) – she’s amazing!  Trains so, so hard.

What’s on your adventure bucket list? There are a lot of national parks I haven’t visited yet – Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and all the ones in Utah are on the list.  I’d also like to do more hiking abroad – the Dolomites and Japan for example.  And some more destination cross-country ski trips like Methow Valley or Yellowstone.

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Meet the Mazamas

As leader of our Trail Trips committee, Scott gets folks connected and moving with the Mazamas via hikes, rambles and most recently, trail tending. He also spearheaded last year’s Used Equipment Sale, raising a record amount of funds for the Mazamas via that event.

When not hiking or climbing with the Mazamas, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, two of whom graduated high school this past spring. 

Name:  Scott Stevenson

Pronouns:  He/him

Year Joined Mazamas: 2010

Present-day outdoor activities:  Hiking/backpacking, rock climbing, biking and bikepacking

What’s your earliest outdoor memory:  Fishing at Lake Lumina, Ontario, age 5?

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I was researching outdoor options before I moved to Portland in 2009, and I came across the organization. I took BCEP in 2010, mainly to find outdoor partners.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Not every outdoor adventure has to involve the highest/fastest/longest/most scenic. Smell the flowers. Swim in the lake. Take an extra 15 minutes to research the less-traveled spots, and enjoy the quiet and lack of crowds.

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Long-time Mazamas climb and hike leaders inspire me, because they share their love of the outdoors with so many others.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? I’m reaching way back into childhood here, and it’s a cliche, but The Hobbit and Lord of the RIngs trilogy were touchstones for me, and I think they planted the idea in my head that just walking out your door and through forests and over mountains were the grandest adventure one could have….”The road goes ever on…”

What’s on your adventure bucket list? A bunch of alpine rock climbs in wilderness settings, Cathedral Peak and Mt. Conness in the Sierras, Prussik Peak in the Enchantments, Pingora and Wolfs Head in the Wind River Range. Also backpacking in the Wallowas and Sawtooths, I could go on forever…

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Meet the Mazamas

Ray Sheldon leading his last climb for the the Mazamas in 2018 of Plummer Peak.

Raised in Portland, Ray attempted his first climb, Mt. Jefferson, in 1954. He joined the Mazamas in 1960 and has been active and involved ever since. He started leading climbs in 1964 and has taken the Mazamas to the summits of the Cascades, Tetons and Switzerland.

These days, Ray, 90, still spends time outdoors, mostly hiking and trail tending. Married nearly 70 years to his wife, Betty, they have 3 children, 7 grandkids and by his last count, 8 or more great-grandchildren.

Name:  Ray Sheldon

Pronouns: He/Him

Year Joined Mazamas: 1960

Present-day outdoor activities:  Trail tending, hiking, walking

What’s your earliest outdoor memory: I remember living on the Willamette River in a houseboat and fishing for catfish, bass and other warm-water fish at night. There were so many happy times outdoors when I was a kid.

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I started work with the Oregon Fish Commission in 1953 and within a month was transferred to the fish hatchery at Marion Forks. Mt. Jefferson was right next door, and I had the urge to climb that mountain. The Mazamas seemed like the organization to help me accomplish that.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Definitely get involved with the Mazamas.

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Old-time climb leaders who were my mentors definitely were the reason that I led like I did, climbed like I did. Oliver Fursman was one. And later in life, there was a neighbor and Mazama climb leader back in the 50s and 60s, Rony Inderbinen. He was my age, but he was a 4th generation Matterhorn/Swiss Mountain guide. We just hit it off really good, and I used him as a source for other climbs when we’d take Mazama outings to the Alps.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? I dare you to read it. The Ascent of Rum Doodle by W.E. Bowman. It’s down in the Mazama Library,

What’s on your adventure bucket list? There are things I sometimes dream about, but they aren’t important to me anymore. I think everything I really thought I’d like to do I’ve had a chance to do

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Meet the Mazamas

Teresa has mountaineering in her blood. Both her parents were active Mazamas who instilled in her a healthy respect for the outdoors. She was just 6 when she first summited Mt. Hood, motivated by the prospect of keeping the small ice axe her dad had rented.

School and life led her away from the Northwest for many years, returning in 2016. That year, she and her husband enrolled in our Basic Mountaineering Education Program to refresh their skills, reacquaint themselves with the splendor of the PNW and make climber friends.

She graduated from ICS in 2019, enrolled in the Mazama Leadership Development Program, began volunteering for Portland Mountain Rescue and led a BCEP team last year. When not climbing, and even when she is, Teresa loves to take photos and share her love for adventure with as many people as possible.

Name:    Teresa Dalsager

Pronouns:  She/Her 

Year Joined Mazamas:  I was lucky to get to check out some Mazamas activities as a kid with my Dad, but officially joined in 2016, when I moved back to Oregon. 

Present-day outdoor activities:  Mountain climbing, hiking, kayaking, biking, backpacking, rock climbing, skiing and swimming.

What’s your earliest outdoor memory: Creeping into the forest (it was actually the woods) with my siblings and cousins behind my grandparents house in Stevenson, Wash. 

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization?  As I’ve already mentioned, my Dad was a member when I was a kid in the 1970’s.  I moved away after high school and upon returning to Portland in 2016 my husband Fred and I joined almost immediately to meet people who climbed.  It was the best decision.  We joined BCEP, made a bunch of friends, started climbing regularly and got more involved by volunteering and taking courses.  My relationship with the Mazamas was a springboard for joining Portland Mountain Rescue. 

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them?  Learn mountaineering fundamentals and accident prevention through a trusted organization like the Mazamas.  Resist the temptation to learn these skills on the fly through a meet up group or anyone who can’t readily provide their experience and qualifications. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? People inspire me.  We all have different strengths and skillsets.  It’s fulfilling to witness people overcome obstacles and reach their personal goals through determination, commitment, and sometimes sheer grit.

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why?   Book: A Prayer for Owen Meany, written by John Irving.  The main message of the story is “not to judge a book by it’s cover.”  This is a metaphor for not judging people based on the way they look. Check out the book or see the movie based on the book called Simon Birch.  You’ll be inspired too.

What’s on your adventure bucket list? . Patagonia, Nepal (Spring 2024), Kilimanjaro, & Via Ferrata adventures in Europe. 

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Meet the Mazamas

Milton enrolled in our Intermediate Climbing School in 2016. He had previous mountaineering experiences climbing in Colombia and Peru, and some rock climbing in Georgia and North Carolina.

He is part of our Leadership Development team and has helped out with our Basic Climbing Education Program, ICS and crevasse rescue skill builders. When not outdoors, he works as a bilingual information systems specialist.

Name:  Milton Diaz

Pronouns:  He/ Him/ His 

Year Joined Mazamas: 2016

Present-day outdoor activities:  Mountaineering, climbing, splitboarding, snowboarding

What’s your earliest outdoor memory?  Climbing with my dad in Colombia when I was 12.  We climbed Nevado El Ruiz, which is 5,389 meters with his group of friends.  After that, I got hooked climbing snow peaks in the Sierrra Nevada El Cocuy.

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization? I was looking for a mountaineering club when I moved to Portland in 2015.  I could not enroll in BCEP because I missed the registration date, but I signed up for ICS and then got hooked climbing the volcanoes in Washington and Oregon.  After ICS I took the Backcountry Ski class with the Mazamas and started doing more backcountry tours in the North Cascades, Mt. Saint Helens and Mt Hood. Last year I did  the Steep Snow and Ice class, and I’ve been climbing more technical routes,  also doing some ice climbing in Hyalite Canyon and started leading my own climbs like El Dorado.

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them? Take a mountaineering class like BCEP that teaches you the basics like self arrest, climbing techniques, rappelling, and knots, and then take ICS if you want to be on more challenging climbs and start leading your own climbs with friends.  

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? I got inspired when I read climbing reports on Facebook and the Mazama Bulletin.  I like to see people going outside and challenging themselves doing what they love.

 What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why? My favorite book is Touching the Void by Joe Simpson. It is a true inspiration for all, what he did to survive after falling in a crevasse, even crawling on a glacier alone!  

 What’s on your adventure bucket list?  All the peaks in the North Cascades.  So far I have climbed Mt Shuksan, El Dorado, Ruth Mountain and some failed attempts to Sahale but there are some many beautiful mountains out there that I want to climb. I also want to climb the North Ridge of Mt Baker and the Kautz route in Mt Rainier.

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The Mazama Centennial Trail Endures, Delights

Ever since our founding in 1894, the Mazamas wanted a presence on Mt. Hood in an effort to demonstrate the importance of this mountain and our organization’s devotion to it. The Mazama Trail was conceived as a way to mark our 100 years of existence, which began at the summit of Mt. Hood in 1894.

The closure and abandonment of the Cathedral Ridge trail in the late ‘80s made way for the creation of the Mazama Trail, located on the Northwest side of Mt. Hood. It took nearly a decade from conception. In that time, volunteers tended to constant blowdowns, out-of-control huckleberries, rhododendrons and underbrush that overtook the trail. The Mazamas worked on ridge reconstruction, switchback creation and obvious rest spots.

Photo by Mary Spiering

Since the successful completion of the Mazama Trail in 1994, the area has withstood the Dollar Lake fire in 2011 and ongoing winter storms. And every year, we tend to it, to ensure it remains an enjoyable trail, which we did this past weekend.

Photo by Gina Binole

Over the course of three days in July, and an advanced scouting trip in June by Trail Tending leader Rick Pope, more than 30 people, the oldest being 90, cut out 32 logs, brushed back about 3 miles of trail, cleared out 60 drain dips, initiated ¼ mile of tread repair and hauled 50 buckets of gravel, which was spread, or stashed in strategic locations. It required about 257 hours of volunteer time, plus 36 hours of scouting time in June for a total of 293 hours.

For the uninitiated, the Mazama Trail serves as a ridge crest connector to a number of destinations, such as McNeil Point, Cairn Basin, Dollar Lake and the Timberline Trail. It offers the diversity of shady forest, a couple of springs, a talus-filled gully, a rhododendron alley, gorgeous views of Mt. Hood and more.

Photo by Brandy Quinn

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Meet the Mazamas

Lisa has been climbing mountains since she was little kid. She has served our organization in many capacities, volunteer climb leader, BCEP leader, canyoneering leader/instructor, teaching:  ICS, AR, MFA, Crevasse Rescue, Rock Rescue, Skill Builders, FM101, CPR & First Aid and an organizer for our Used Gear Sale.

When not climbing above the earth’s surface she likes to cave and SCUBA dive below it. She also supports other organizations and is rappelling off of the 536-foot U.S. Bancorp Tower this August to raise money for domestic violence survivors and veterans who suffer from PTSD.

Name:    Lisa Ripps 

Pronouns:  She/Her 

Year Joined Mazamas :  I started doing things with Mazamas in the late 90’s but only joined in 2007.

Present-day outdoor activities:   Mountain climbing, Hiking, Canyoneering, Biking, SCUBA Diving, Bird Watching, Snow shoeing, Skiing, Kayaking, Ice Climbing  

 What’s your earliest outdoor memory:  Catching frogs while camping with my family 

How did you first hear about the Mazamas, and what prompted you to engage with the organization?   Mazamas had a reputation in Portland as the best of the best.  Very safety conscious, and a group that was serious about mountain climbing.  I had already climbed a number of mountains including Mt Hood years before I joined Mazamas, then I decided I should take BCEP to learn more and to meet more climbers. 

As more people seek to recreate outdoors, what advice would you offer them?  Get some good training so you can enjoy the outdoors safely and more confidently. 

What activities/situations/people most inspire you? Pick one.  The BCEP students who are non-traditional.  Who have not grown up hiking and spending time outdoors, and who might start out less physically fit.   

What is your favorite book/movie/TV show/social media account that you follow and why?   Deep Survival (Laurence Gonzales) – Led me to consider why we do what we do, and how each of us deals with challenges when they occur. 

What’s on your adventure bucket list?  Kilimanjaro, Borneo, Antarctica, more Pacific NW climbing