Mazamas Magazine - September 2015

SEPTEMBER 2015

VOL. 97

NO. 9

Fall Color in the Pacific Northwest Mountain Running Camp Recap Burning More Than Forest Rare Pacific Marten Documented

FEATURES

Portland Alpine Fest, p. 6 Glitter, Glow, Shimmer, and Quake, p. 8 Education Committee Seeks New Members, p. 11 Mountain Running Camp, p. 12 Burning More than Forest, p. 17 Mt. Cruiser Climb Documents Presence of Rare Pacific Marten, p. 20 Intermediate Snow Skills, p. 24

MONTHLY COLUMNS

Volunteer Opportunities, p. 5 20s & 30s, p. 14 Classics, p. 18 Trail Trips Info, p. 22 Membership Report, p. 27 Successful Climbers, p. 27 Outings, p. 28 Mazama Lodge Notes, p. 29 Executive Council Minutes, p. 30

SEPT. 4–6—CRAGGIN’

CLASSIC AT SMITH ROCK STATE PARK.

This event by the AAC and CAMP offers clinics, climbing, games, food, beverages, and more.

The Mazamas host REEL Rock 10 at Revolution Hall. The films are amazing–don’t miss it!

More details: tinyurl.com/MazRR10

Lee Davis • Executive Director • lee@mazamas.org Jamie Anderson •Member Services Manager jamie@mazamas.org Adam Baylor • Stewardship & Advocacy Manager • adam@mazamas.org Sarah Bradham • Marketing & Publications Manager sarah@mazamas.org Mathew Brock • Library & Historical Collections Manager mathew@mazamas.org Laura Burger • Membership & Development Assistant • laura@mazamas.org Kati Mayfield • Volunteer Manager • kati@mazamas.org Charles Barker • Mazama Lodge Manager mazama.lodge@mazamas.org

CONTACT US Mazama Mountaineering Center 527 SE 43rd Ave., Portland, Oregon, 97215 • 503-227-2345 • adventure@mazamas.org Hours: Mon.–Thu. 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Fri. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Mazama Lodge 30500 West Leg Rd. •Government Camp, Oregon, 97028 503-272-9214 • mazama. lodge@mazamas.org Hours: Thu. Noon–Mon. Noon

Publications Committee publications@mazamas.org

Committee Members: Bob Breivogel, Catherine Diaz, Ken DuBois, Joe Fox, Sue Griffith, Pam Monheimer, Lacy Turner

New to the Mazamas?

Thinking about joining?

This program is for you.

7 p.m. at the MMC.

OCT. 14—REEL ROCK 10

Mazama Staff

Committee Chair: Kristie Perry,

SEPT. 30—MAZAMA WELCOME NIGHT

Cover: Intermediate Snow Mini-course on the White River Glacier on Mt. Hood. Photo: Steve Heikkila. This page: An alpine start with Kirk Newgard leading the team up the Snow Dome on the Sunshine Route. Photo: Eric Bruckbauer.

NOV. 17–22—3RD ANNUAL PORTLAND ALPINE FEST

Five days of top level athletes, clinics, presentations, movies, and much more.

Get all the details: portlandalpinefest.org

Everyone Can Enjoy & Protect the Mountains Dear Members, September marks the end of the summer climb season for the Mazamas and the time of year when we ask ourselves if we’re meeting our goals and are headed in the right direction.

Are we working on the right projects, and are we’re making sufficient progress towards our strategic plan? Our highest guiding statements when making these judgments are our mission and vision statements.

Our vision statement is “Everyone enjoying and protecting the mountains.” For almost two years I believed that this statement was way too broad and far afield to be a useful tool. A few years ago I even lobbied to change it with our strategic planning committee, but they pushed back.

Recently though, I’ve come to realize that our vision statement is an excellent compass point for the Mazamas. One that keeps us reaching out and diversifying our programs and services while staying focused on the mountains. If we really mean everyone, then we need to aim not just at serving the people and demographics we’ve traditionally served, but the community at large. This is a wild idea for a membership organization founded 120 years ago on the summit of Mt. Hood as an exclusive club.

It means that we must aim to serve more than just our members. It means we need to broaden our reach and welcome new communities. And it means we need to provide programs and services that meet the needs and expectations of newer, younger, and much busier volunteers, students, and participants.

This year, we initiated several projects in our strategic plan that are pointed in this direction.

The plan revolves around three core strategies: Expanding current programs, enhancing the way we do business, and exploring new ADVERTISER INDEX Active Adventures, p. 32 Base Camp Brewing Company, p. 29 Centered in Motion, p. 15 Classifieds, p. 26 Climb Max Mountaineering, p. 31 Embark Adventures, p. 4 Green Trails, p. 16

programs and services. All together our plan is about changing our program and service model to be modern, scalable, and relevant to a broader community.

I’d like to quickly highlight a few of our strategic plan projects our staff members have been working on this year and especially those that are helping us broaden our reach in the community.

After a year of research and program development Kati Mayfield, our Volunteer Manager, spearheaded a pilot program, the Mazama Mountain Science School. The program is a partnership with the Multnomah Education Service District Outdoor School and works by getting classes of 5th graders from the Portland area up to the Mazama Lodge learning core science curriculum during a normal winter school week. We bring kids and teachers to the Mazama Lodge at a time when it is usually empty, and share our knowledge and care for the mountain environment with our community. It was a big success and one we’re hoping to expand to four weeks next year.

Next our Stewardship and Advocacy Manager Adam Baylor utilized his PSU graduate school project to analyze the Mazamas stewardship and advocacy programs and to identify solutions to revitalize and enhance these programs. In the year ahead, we will initiate several of these ideas. This will result in the rebuilding and enhancement of our trail and crag stewardship services, as well as consistently communicating with all of you about conservation and access issues that are important to the Mazamas.

Our Membership Services Manager Jamie Anderson and I each went to the Indiana University School of Philanthropy for a week of training in development as part of a project to build Mazamas internal capacity for

Advertise with us! tinyurl.com/MazamaAdvertising Massage with Eugene, p. 28 Montbell, p. 10 Mountain Shop, p. 21 Next Adventure, p. 19 Oregon Mountain Community, p. 26 SMC Gear, p. 25 Sunny Freeman Real Estate, p. 23

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

development work. We hired Laura Burger as our part-time Membership and Development Assistant to ensure smooth and consistent communications with members and donors.

Sarah Bradham, our Marketing and Publications Manager, coordinated a needs assessment for our IT project and continues to help improve our publications and build support for the Mazamas through sponsorships and partnerships. Our presence at community events has increased and overall support from the outdoor industry to Mazamas has nearly tripled.

We also hired Mathew Brock to restore management of our Library and Historical Collections, and to share historical stories through the Bulletin, social media, and our blog.

We have had a fantastic year, and we believe that if we stay on track with our strategic plan that membership in the Mazamas will be an overwhelming value, that membership and overall financial support will continue to increase and that the influence of our voice on important issues will grow throughout our region and beyond.

Lee Davis, Executive Director

MAZAMA (USPS 334-780) Editor: Sarah Bradham (mazama.bulletin@mazamas. org). Advertising: mazama.ads@mazamas.org.

Subscription: $15 per year. Bulletin material must be emailed to the editor. All material is due by noon on the 14th of the preceding month. If the 14th falls on a weekend, the deadline is the preceding Friday.

The Mazama Bulletin is published monthly by the Mazamas—527 SE 43rd Ave., Portland, OR 97215.

Periodicals postage paid at Portland, OR. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MAZAMAS, 527 SE 43rd Ave., Portland, OR 97215.

The Executive Council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are open to members. The Mazamas is a 501(c)(3) Oregon nonprofit corporation organized on the summit of Mt. Hood in 1894. The Mazamas is an equal opportunity provider.

SEPTEMBER 2015

3

Mazama Publications Changes in 2016

by Sarah Bradham, Mazama Marketing & Publications Manager In 2016 you are going to notice some changes to Mazama publications. As many of you know, this publication continues to increase in quality—and size—each year. In 2015 so far you have been treated to 338 pages of content, including feature articles and photos, along with regular monthly reports. That’s an increase of 17 percent compared to the same time last year, and we are on track to end the year with a 20 percent increase. In addition to more articles and photos each month, we have changed the way the Bulletin is produced, with more time for working with authors to edit their articles, and additional time for final copy editing.

To continue along this track, and keep the quality of the monthly articles and photos high, we need to change the way we produce the year-end Annual. In the past, the Publications Committee has devoted significant time to sourcing articles for the Mazama Annual. In order to allocate time to the Bulletin each month, here’s what you can look forward to in 2016: ▶▶ A Year-In-Review insert in the January Bulletin. This Year-In-Review will contain all of the reports from what you currently know as the Mazama Annual, including: committee reports, administrative reports, and hike and climb lists.

▶▶ The Mazama Annual will transition to an online publication. The front half of the book will include 12–13 “best of ” articles from the previous year of Mazama Bulletins along with photos. The back half will be the Year-In-Review insert. You will have the option to purchase a printed copy of the revamped Mazama Annual through a printon-demand provider. We expect the cost for a full-color book to be between $15–$20.

The Mazamas will have five copies printed for use in the Mazama Library and archival purposes. Look for more details in an upcoming issue and in the Mazama emails. ▶▶ The Mazama Directory will move fully online in 2016. You will be able to print a copy of the PDF of the Directory at home.

The member pages of the Mazama website are now updated monthly which provides you with the most up-to-date contact information. Five copies of the Directory will be printed for the Mazama Library and archival purposes.

With these updates to our publications, we can continue to provide you with quality printed material each month while keeping our Publications Committee sane and meeting our budget.

If you have any questions, please email me at sarah@mazamas.org.

MAZAMA ANNUAL MEETING & VOLUNTEER DINNER Oct. 5; 5 p.m. at the MMC

The Executive Council hosts this dinner, catered by Charles Barker of the Mazama Lodge, to honor our volunteers for all they have done this year. We strongly encourage committee chairs to attend the dinner and annual meeting to give your annual reports and share what your committee has accomplished. Date: Monday, Oct. 6. Food service begins at 5:30 p.m. at the MMC. Meeting begins at 6 p.m. Please RSVP for the dinner to dyfozter@gmail.com.

Agenda: Annual reports: president, treasurer, secretary, executive director, foundation, and committees. Results of the voting for Executive Council. Regular October Executive Council meeting to follow, in lieu of Oct. 13.

4

MAZAMAS

Classic Mazamas Monday, Sept. 21, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Join the Classic Mazamas for their September committee meeting to brainstorm and plan the year ahead. We’ll be reviewing the results of surveys distributed to the Classics group to better understand what types of activities and excursions are of interest to our constituents.

We are also looking to fill a few committee roles and welcome new volunteers! Contact Rose Marie Gilbert, gilbertrosemarie@ centurylink.net, to rsvp to the meeting or with questions.

New Hike Leader Volunteer Orientation Thursday, Sept. 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Have you ever wanted to lead hikes for the Mazamas? We have a number of wonderful groups leading hikes – Families, Classics, 20s&30s and Trail Trips Committee – and the basic requirements to lead are the

same for each. Join us for an evening orientation to discuss these general steps, and then to hear from each of the groups about the specifics for leading their activities. Contact Kati Mayfield, kati@mazamas.org, with questions or to rsvp.

Youth Climb Volunteer Orientation

Wednesday, Sept. 30, 6:30–8 p.m.

In the coming year we will run climb classes for community youth (through partners such as Friends of the Children, Betties360 and Adelante Mujeres) and we would like to get all interested volunteers together for a working orientation. We’ll review roles and curriculum, then run through a mock course to get a good sense of our roles and responsibilities and the flow of the class. AR, ICS and BCEP grads needed, please contact Kati Mayfield, kati@mazamas. org, if you are interested in learning more or to rsvp.

Curious about volunteering but don’t see an opportunity which interests you? Fill out the Mazama Volunteer Survey, tinyurl.com/MazVolSurvey, to let us know more about your skills and interests, and we’ll be in touch to brainstorm with you

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Education Core Committee Third Wednesday of the Month

Education Committee manages the educational programs at the Mazamas. The committee is looking for volunteers with a background in education (teachers, trainers, professors) and experience with Mazama classes to join our committee.

Specific projects which need point volunteers are: Scope and Sequence, Evaluations, and Skill Builders. The committee meets every-other month and works on projects remotely in between meetings. For more information see the article on p. 11 or contact Education Committee Chair, Andrew Bodien, education@ mazamas.org.

MMC Helpers Needed Ongoing and short-term

We need an arborist or landscaper with professionallevel skills to help us assess the status of our plants around the MMC, and specifically to assess whether some trees need to be removed. We also need a few handy volunteers to help with supervised maintenance projects around the MMC before winter arrives. Contact Rick Craycraft, leftfield5@juno.com, if you’re available to pitch in.

Office Volunteers Needed Ongoing

Dues processing season is upon us, and we need data entry volunteers to help process membership renewals, as well as other data tasks in the office.

Flexible shifts, 2-3 hours/week.

Contact adventure@mazamas. org if you’re available to help out.

KATI MAYFIELD VOLUNTEER MANAGER KATI@MAZAMAS.ORG Kati Mayfield joined the Mazamas as Volunteer Manager in 2012. In this role she supports Mazama volunteers by connecting them with the resources and information they need to fulfill their duties; and by helping new volunteers engage in meaningful ways. Kati also manages the Youth Outreach Program, geared towards creating opportunities for kids in our community to learn about and play in the mountains.

KHUMBU, NEPAL SERVICE TREK Oct. 14–Nov. 11, 2015

28 day trip: Fly to Katmandu and stay in Thamel, an historic district near world heritage sites. A short domestic flight along the Himalayas lands in Lukla and there the trek begins. Trek along the Duh Kosi River on the Mt. Everest Base Camp Trail on the way to the center of the Khumbu: Namche Bazar. The destination is Phortse where we will spend 13 days working to complete the shell of the Khumbu Climbing Center (an Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation project) and help with reconstruction of homes in the village. We will have time to explore Katmandu and take a side trip from Phortse to the Goyko Lakes region.

This is a wonderful opportunity to work with the Sherpa villagers of Phortse to rebuild their lives after the recent devastating earthquake and avalanches and support Nepali expedition workers by working on the KCC. Seeking people in great condition who possess a sense of adventure and good construction skills.

For more information contact Mike Pajunas, 503-260-2693, mikepajunas@gmail.com Estimated cost: $4,000, including airfare.

SEPTEMBER 2015

5

Portland Alpine Festival Nov. 17–22

All will be revelead starting Sept. 1!

Tickets available: Sept. 15 portlandalpinefest.org

The 3rd Annual Portland Alpine Fest is a week-long celebration of alpine recreation in the Pacific Northwest hosted and organized by the Mazamas. Consisting of professional athletes offering clinics, presentations, and seminars, along with a trail running race and the Portland Ice Comp. The week concludes with The Summit at the Oregon Convention Center with two keynote presentations by incredible athletes, a vendor fair, silent auction, great food & drinks, and social time.

Whether you are a lifelong Mazama member, currently enrolled in the Basic Climbing Education Program, reading this Bulletin at your local climbing shop, or somewhere in between, you should make sure you know all of the benefits of Mazama membership.

Are you ready to join? Get all the details on how to become a member of one of the oldest mountaineering organizations in the country: mazamas.org/join

6

MAZAMAS

1 2

DISCOUNTED rates on all Mazama activities—climbs, hikes, classes & outings.

3

DISCOUNTS at local retailers and gyms.

4 5 6 7

Access to MAZAMA LODGE at the base of Mt. Hood along with great member rates.

This MAGAZINE, filled with activities, events, and articles, delivered to your door monthly.

Icebreaker, Mountain Hardwear, The Mountain Shop, Mountaineers Books, Next Adventure, Oregon Mountain Community, Portland Rock Gym, Prana Portland, Redpoint Climber’s Supply, Rock & Ice Magazine, Sharp End Books, Trail Butter, US Outdoor Store

INFORMATION Access to special member pages on the Mazama website.

Receive free RESCUE INSURANCE anywhere in the world below 6,000 meters.

Gain full access to the world-class mountaineering LIBRARY.

Presented by

Hosted by

Athletes • clinics movies • presentations • slideshows • silent auction raffles • vendor fair Portland ice comp • trail race

TH ADVENT EAR

rt had

ven tur es

. co

m

RAR E

ES UR

eea

r ar

DRY ICE Tools ®

Like the Portland Alpine Fest Facebook page to keep up with the day to day festival news. facebook.com/portlandalpinefestival

SEPTEMBER 2015

7

Photo: Hoyt Arboretum

Glitter, Glow, Shimmer, and Quake: Indian Heaven and Other Fall Color Hikes

by Lacy Turner

I

moved here, 26 years ago, with a built in love of fall color, but I had never in my life seen the fall oranges and reds of wild huckleberry. These low to the ground shades are the ones that thrill me now, and my friend Jan and I like to take our “huckleberry trip” to Trout Lake the first weekend of October. We hike Little Huckleberry on Friday, spend Saturday in Indian Heaven, and scramble up to the true summit of Sleeping Beauty on Sunday.

Little Huckleberry Mountain is a mighty short hike (5.4 miles roundtrip, 1800 feet elevation gain) for such a big payoff. Goose Lake is front and center in an expansive view of the southern end of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, with Mounts St. Helens, Adams and Hood holding up the sky. Only one block of foundation remains of the former fire lookout perched at 4,781 feet.

In early October the summit hill is solid red and the mid-afternoon sun shines through the huckleberry leaves so they look like stained glass. Little Huckleberry is accessed out of Willard, Washington on Forest Road 66; we get back on 66 to Forest Road 60 to Highway 141 to Trout Lake.

This particular trip is a leisurely affair

8

MAZAMAS

wherein Jan and I settle into the Trout Lake Valley Inn with a pile of books and notebooks (we write), and try to fit huckleberries into every meal. To this end we make liberal use of Heavenly Grounds and the Café, both behind Andy’s Valley Service Station, for espresso, burgers, huckleberry pie, huckleberry shakes, huckleberry pastries, huckleberry jams and syrups. Camouflage clothing is de rigueur in Trout Lake in the fall, but the only time I even thought I spotted a hunter in Indian Heaven—a loud orange jacket was heading our way on the first day of hunting season—it turned out to be Richard Getgen leading a group of Mazamas!

Indian Heaven Wilderness is 20,782 acres on a high forested plateau (4,500 to 5,500 feet) scattered with more than 150 lakes and ponds and an abundance of open meadows. Lava once flowed from the volcanic knobs that dot the high spine (Lemei Rock, at 5,925 feet, is the highest point) so the area has the acidic, volcanic soil that wild huckleberry loves.

The berries brought Native Americans to “Sahalee Tyee” (the chief ’s high, heavenly ground) 10,000 years ago; well into the 1920s, the Klickitat and Yakima peoples

came every August to harvest berries, hunt, fish and race horses. Most of the Sawtooth Berry Field in the north is set aside for the use of Native peoples.

I love the palette of coral to orange around the shallower lakes so we usually spend Saturday hiking the 10-mile loop from the Cultus Creek Campground: south past Cultus and Lemei Lakes to Junction Lake, then north up the PCT with a stop at Bear Lake. The trail back to the campground steps down through yellow mountain ash. Other best loved routes include the Thomas Lake Trail through meadows of huckleberry and heather to Blue Lake (a deep azure blue), and East Crater Trail, the easiest trek to huckleberry-rimmed Junction Lake. (I fear that Junction and other pond-like lakes may be nonexistent by fall of this drought year.)

On Sunday morning we pack up and head to the Sleeping Beauty Trailhead, on 10 miles of gravel curves (Forest Roads 88 and 8810) that always feel like 20, especially for such a short hike: 3.2 miles round trip, 1,410 feet elevation gain. Once it comes out of the forest the trail offers plenty of huckleberry, but we’re on Sleeping

Fall Color, continued from previous page Beauty for the jaw-dropping close-up view of Mt. Adams. The final half-mile to the summit is a cool series of switchbacks between rock cliffs, topped with 100 feet of scrambling to the highest point.

For Mazamas hardwired to squeeze as much hiking into three days as humanly possible: substitute Big Huckleberry (11.8 miles, 2,935 feet elevation gain) for Little Huckleberry, and on Sunday, drive to Lyle, Washington for brilliant fall foliage on the 31-mile Klickitat River Trail.

OTHER FALL FAVORITES The high sections of the Eagle Creek Trail, in the Columbia River Gorge, have a special fall magic. I love being up on the basalt ledges with yellow leaves floating down all around me. Horsetail Falls to Triple Falls is a great loop for autumnturning big leaf maple.

For amazing color without the crowds, head to tiny Trapper Creek Wilderness (6,050 acres) north of Carson, Washington.

Big leaf maple dominates the canvas on lower routes with huge yellow-gold leaves

underfoot and above. The Mazamas put years of work into these trails but I have most often hiked them in solitude. Twice, near the top of Observation Point, I have heard bugling from Trapper Creek’s herd of Roosevelt Elk. Blazing vine maple lines the trail up Silver Star Mountain and the dominant late wildflower, explorer’s gentian, might have one last bloom through September. The most direct route to the summit is only 6½ miles roundtrip; from the top you can pick out the crest of the Cascades running through Indian Heaven.

Salmon Butte Trail, near Welches in the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness, is lined with vine maple, and huckleberry in colors burgundy to crimson. It’s a bit of a slog in its new 12-mile incarnation, but the summit offers grand views of the Salmon River Basin. On the other side of Highway 26, the hike from Vista Ridge Trail to Wy’East Basin can seem like a bit much driving for six miles of hiking, but visitors are few and far between on the north slopes of Mt. Hood in the fall and the crisp

air makes the views go on forever.

Opal Creek, in the Willamette National Forest east of Salem, is well worth four hours in the car. It is the ultimate “walk in the woods,” for more big, old trees than you will see anywhere else in Oregon. Giant firs and cedars are skirted with low fall color; luminous maples and creeks are scattered throughout.

MUCH FURTHER AFIELD If aspen trees shake sweet music out of their leaves then I say the tinkling of the gold leaves is even sweeter. The most beautiful fall display of aspen I have ever seen was on the Kaibab Plateau heading to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon; the second best was the aspen grove at Fish Creek on Steens Mountain. Late September, both sides of Steens Mountain offer gorgeous aspen displays: Fish Creek and Big Indian Gorge on the west, lower Wildhorse Canyon on the east.

Two hikes much further afield in Washington are on the top of my fall wish list. Four years ago, I hiked up Granite

continued on next page

Larch fall color. Photo: Hoyt Arboretum

SEPTEMBER 2015

9

10

MAZAMAS

Fall Color, continued from previous page Mountain near the end of August and ran into a slew of Seattle-ites picking huckleberries. I loved the gold/green palette of late summer but just knew that the fall color would blaze. And according to the Washington Trails Association website, early fall marks “the eruption of a psychedelic blast of color” on Granite Mountain (near Snoqualmie Pass). The Maple Pass Loop is my favorite hike in the eastern half of North Cascades National

Park. I have yet to see alpine larch in the fall and I can’t wait to get back to Maple Pass and see those dazzling yellow larches bursting up through the blazing undergrowth.

BACK IN PORTLAND I will miss the turning maples at the Portland Japanese Garden (closed from September through March 2016) but I can still check out the Japanese Larch on the

Education Committee Seeks New Members

Redwood Trail at Hoyt Arboretum, along with 8,000 or so other trees and plants from around the world. Saturday guided tours will continue through October, with additional fall color walks. Maple Trail is the obvious choice but I love wandering into a surprise of color on a trail “less traveled by.” Mr. Frost was right: it really does make all the difference.

Navigation practice during a BCEP conditioning hike. Photo: Tamara Ross.

by Andrew Bodien, Education Committee Chair The Education Committee is looking for new members.

Specifically we’re looking for professional educators to help the committee support the Mazama Education Program.

Helpful skill sets for members of the Education Committee include: form development, adult learning, curriculum development, class development, online form experience, and budget experience.

Education is a central tenant of the mission of Mazamas and is part of our legacy. Every year hundreds of adults and children, no matter what their experience level, learn how to safely recreate in the mountains every year. We would like to expand those programs, but before we do so we need to solidify our base. That is why I am writing to you. Here are some of the positions that we need to fill on the committee: ▶▶ Evaluations: The Education Committee collects feedback from students on our programs. We need an educator with database and spreadsheet skills to organize and disseminate the results.

▶▶ Risk Management: We need a liaison to attend Mazama Risk Management Committee meetings to offer an educational perspective. Ideally this person has at least an intermediate level of climbing experience. ▶▶ Scope and Sequence: The Education Committee is in the process of developing the Scope and Sequence of its climbing schools. This scope and sequence document is meant to be a living, evolving work that documents what skills are taught and in what classes. We need a committee member to help complete this process. Ideally

this committee member would have intermediate or advanced climbing experience in both rock and snow/ice. ▶▶ Skill-Builders: We are looking for an educator to coordinate our SkillBuilder program. This individual would have experience with Project Management. They, along with the Mazama Staff, would help support the people who are leading the various Skill-Builders that the Mazamas offer.

If you have an educational background and any of these positions look like a good fit for you, please reach out to me at education@mazamas.org.

SEPTEMBER 2015

11

mountain CAMP

by Amy Urban

T

he first weekend of August brought together seventeen trail runners and four elite trail running instructors for the second annual Mazama Mountain Running Camp. The camp was targeted “for beginner to intermediate runners looking to explore running/training in the mountain environment.” For me, a slow-ish but experienced road marathoner and a long-time mountain hiker, it held promise of improving my skill and allow me to further combine two of my great loves.

On Friday afternoon, our gang assembled at the Mazama Mountaineering Center, loaded up in two vans and headed to Mazama Lodge. During the drive we got acquainted by casually comparing running resumes. There were several Boston

Marathon qualifiers, an impressive road running accomplishment. Several people, like me, had recently converted from road to trail running. Others were already experienced at distances of 50-miles and beyond, and at least one was in training for a 100-mile race. And all, unsurprisingly once you get to know the personality of a trail runner, were welcoming and supportive to everyone regardless of level.

After settling in at the lodge—most of our group seeing the beautiful Mazama Lodge for the first time—we did our “get acquainted” power hike (an integral part of mountain running) up to Silcox Hut where we introduced ourselves to the group and, to break the ice, each shared an embarrassing running story. After a quick run back down, we had dinner at the lodge and then some relaxation and songs around the piano

before heading to bed early knowing we’d need a good rest in preparation for the two coming days.

Saturday morning started with a quick prebreakfast run to wake us up and allow us to enjoy the beauty of Mt. Hood. After breakfast we broke into two groups, allowing us to have closer interaction with our instructors.

While one group did “boot camp” exercises targeted for runners, the other group learned about mountain safety, including examples of what gear mountain runners could carry for their “10 Essentials”. When the first round was finished, we swapped and did the other session.

After lunch and a brief siesta, we headed out for hill training. Both downhill and uphill running have their secrets and tricks. For me, this part of the camp was overwhelmingly the most valuable part. Never having formal

(clockwise, from left page): Selfie of the author on the descent into ZigZag Canyon. Team 2 just before setting off on their run from Timberline. Photo: Jacob Raab. Team 1 having some fun at Ramona Falls. Rebecca Guiao during the hill running clinic with Mt. Hood in the background. Photo: Jacob Raab. Main photo: Instructor Yassine Diboun and Aaron Sieczkowski. Photo: Jacob Raab.

running training, each part of the instruction was entirely new for me. Hills will never be easy, but since I’ve come home from camp I’ve practiced these new techniques and found an enormous difference in what I’m able to do.

Our camp coincided with the early-August 100-degree+ days in Portland. And while it was considerably cooler up at Mt Hood, it was still a hot day for running up and down the mountain. Sweaty and smiling, we piled back in the vans for a quick trip to cool off in Trillium Lake. After clearing the sweat and cooling our muscles, we gathered in the shady forest there to talk about training loads and strategies.

After a hearty dinner at Mazama Lodge, we enjoyed trail running movies, some shot by or including our instructors running around Mount St. Helens, the Columbia

Gorge, and even Mt. Blanc. The main movie was Finding Traction about elite-runner Nikki Kimball’s inspirational quest for the fastest time on Vermont’s Long Trail. Post-movies, we tried out a variety of Petzl headlamps on the trails near the lodge.

Sunday, our final day of camp, started early, with a fortifying breakfast before we headed up to Timberline Lodge for our 14-mile group run to Ramona Falls. Per mountain regulations, and to account for the various skill levels of our group, we split into two small groups for the day. And we ran. Mt Hood and her glaciers were glowing in all her glory. It was a beautiful run.

Sometimes people talk about trail running negatively, assuming that if you’re running through the scenery, you’re missing the beauty that brought you out in the first place.

And, to be honest, I originally agreed. “Slow

down and smell the flowers!” Over the course of the weekend though, I came to clearly refute this criticism. To a person, the runners in our group remarked on the beauty, stopped to take pictures, paused to take in the views…the same things that non-runners also do in the mountains. But this was also a group of people who found pleasure in running, in the physical sensation of moving exuberantly through the mountains. They weren’t running because they were in a hurry, they were running because running feels great. Feeling great in a place of great beauty, what more could you ask for?

At the end of our run, we again loaded up in the vans to head back to Portland, bidding a fond farewell to our new friends, our generous instructors, Mazama Lodge and the beauty of Mt. Hood and her trails…until next year’s camp.

20S & 30S

Upcoming Trips & Activities

Join the fun—get involved today!

The 20s & 30s Mazamas have had a fun and memorable summer. We have offered a variety of activities all of which have been well attended. Below are highlights of three of our events in the past month: PARADISE PARK HIKE On July 25, Mike Kacmar completed his provisional hike lead by taking a group of 11 to Paradise Park. It was the only wet weekend of summer. One of our participants wisely took an umbrella on the hike. The hike began at Timberline Lodge, continued through Zig Zag Canyon, and looped through Paradise Park Loop before returning to Timberline. We could not see Mt. Hood itself, but the low clouds provided an interesting background to the blooming wildflowers. In celebration of Mazama Anniversary Week, we took a side trip to the Split Rock memorial where plaques commemorating William Hardesty and Charles Sholes are located.

EPIC MT. RAINIER WEEKEND July 31–Aug. 2 hike leaders Cabe Nicksic and Anna Revolinsky led a car camping trip to Mt. Rainier National Park. The highlight of the trip was a 16.5 mile section of the Wonderland Trail. We did the “pass the key” option in which one group, led by Cabe, started at the Fryingpan trailhead and traveled south, while the other group,

14

MAZAMAS

led by Anna, started at Box Canyon and traveled north, meeting halfway at the Indian Bar shelter to exchange car keys.

This section of the Wonderland Trail had spectacular views of Mt. Rainier along the entire route. We also had views of Mt. Adams, the Goat Rocks, and Mt. Hood from various points along the trail. The next day, we completed a 6 mile hike of the Skyline Trail above Paradise inside the park.

ONEONTA GORGE RAMBLE On Aug. 7, hike leader Paul Kallmann led the annual Oneonta Gorge Ramble and potluck. Paul took a group of 17 people into the gorge itself, climbing over boulders and a log jam, followed by wading through waist deep water to get to the Lower Oneonta Falls. Since the weather was 88 degrees that day, it ended up being a perfect day to swim in the pool by the falls.

Afterwards, we had a potluck at the picnic area by Wahkeena Falls.

We are fortunate this year to have added a number of hike leaders and our schedule has contained more activities than in past years. The 20s & 30s has been popular both within the Mazamas and in the larger community. We now have 1,959 followers on our Meetup page. Our challenge now is having enough hike leaders to meet the demand for hikes, rambles, camping,

20s & 30s adventuring near Mt. Rainier.

and backpacking trips. If you have ever thought of being a hike leader for the 20s & 30s group, send Kati Mayfield an email at kati@mazamas.org or stop by our committee meetings held the last Monday of the month at the MMC. In September, we have two very exciting overnight trips to offer. Our most up to date schedule is on our website at tinyurl. com/max20s-30s FRIDAY, SEPT. 4–MONDAY, SEPT. 7: LABOR DAY CAMPING TRIP: CLACKAMAS RIVER How well do you know your own backyard? Our annual tradition is to explore a destination far away on Labor Day Weekend, but this year we are staying close to home. We have reserved a group campsite far up the beautiful canyon of the Clackamas River, and we will make this our base camp for exploring the best of what the area has to offer. Expect everything from leisurely strolls nearby to long treks in the Bull of the Woods and Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Areas. We’ll offer a variety of activities every day, and back at camp, expect swimming, barbecues and camaraderie. Don’t miss out on the best way to end the summer! Members: $20/ Nonmembers: $30. Leader: Matt Reeder (mareede@gmail.com). Email leader to sign-up.

Meet Your Hike Leaders

Karl Langenwalter We are proud of our fantastic hike leaders! Last month you met Elly Pederson. This month, we’d like to introduce you to Karl Langenwalter. Karl grew up in Stow, Massachusetts. He has been a leader with 20s & 30s Mazamas for nine years, and has led nearly 100 events. Join his hikes and overnights, and maybe you will happen to be there for the hundredth!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MAZAMA?

Karl: I’ve been a member since my esteemed brother hauled my sorry backside up Old Snowy ten years ago.

I had no idea what I was doing, wearing tennis shoes and cotton socks. My blisters were immense, and the experience was totally worth it! I’ve learned a bit since then...

WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE LEADS?

Karl: I think the trips to the Wallowas and Smith Rock have been the highlights of my time as a leader.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT YOU ALWAYS BRING WITH YOU ON A TRIP THAT IS NOT ONE OF THE 10 ESSENTIALS?

Karl: I’d say chocolate, but I’m pretty sure that’s one of the ten essentials.

IF YOU WERE A SUPERHERO, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR SPECIAL POWER?

Karl Langenwalter. Photo: Matt Reeder.

WHAT IS ONE SURPRISING THING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE DON’T USUALLY KNOW ABOUT YOU?

Karl: I am an accomplished stained glass artist, even though circumstances don’t allow me to create right now.

PEOPLE SHOULD SIGN UP FOR A TRIP WITH YOU IF....

Karl: ...you like fun! I enjoy taking people to places they’ve never seen, trying things they’ve never experienced, and I’ll chat your ear off about the hilarious things the kids at my school have done.

Karl: I really wish I could fly. Oh, the places I’d go!

FRIDAY, SEPT. 18–SUNDAY, SEPT. 20: SMITH ROCK WEEKEND Climb on! We’re gearing up for our annual autumn weekend car campout at Smith Rock State Park in central Oregon. Smith Rock has hundreds of different routes and is one of Oregon’s premiere rock climbing destinations. Weather permitting, we’ll be climbing both days and roughing it car-camp style at the Crooked River Grasslands with campfires on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Ropes will be provided and we’ll be setting up a number of toprope stations for a variety of skill levels. You bring your harness, helmet, rock shoes and other gear. Prerequisite for those climbing: Mazamas BCEP class or equivalent climbing experience.

Like to come, but not into climbing or don’t feel you have the necessary experience? We’ll also be offering several hikes in the area. Weekend fee is $20 members/$30 nonmembers. We’ll be sending a detailed prospectus out before the trip with the general battleplan, what to bring, and info on carpooling. Trip will be cancelled if the weather is looking uncooperative for the weekend.

Advance sign-up required, please contact Andrew Bodien. (andrew@bodien.org).

503.684.9698

SEPTEMBER 2015

15

WHAT’S MISSING FROM THIS PICTURE? (besides the top of the mountain.)

ANSWER: YOU Get in the picture! Pick up MAP 332S – Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument, brand new for 2015.

Waterproof, tear resistant, ultralight, solar powered, and just mapped by Green Trails boots on the ground crews in 2014.

Available at select bookstores and all the best outdoor stores.

Burning More Than the Forest BLM Photo.

by Adam Baylor, Mazamas Stewardship and Advocacy Manager

W

ildfire season started early this year and the statistics from the National Interagency Fire Center are startling. The total amount of land that has burned so far in 2015 is 6,471,748 acres. This total from throughout the U.S. is higher than the 10-year average and will only increase by the end of the year.

While we recognize fire is a natural process in a forest, there are impacts that go beyond reduced air quality, impacts to ecosystems and watersheds, inconvenient road closures, and evacuations. Behind the scenes, and deep into the budgets of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the impacts are there too.

For many years, federal agencies have been forced to transfer money from nonfire related programs to fund the big wildfire fights in the West. This so-called “fire borrowing” has reached a tipping point. That is why members of Congress, led by Oregon’s delegation, have introduced the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act.

This bill would change the way wildfire suppression is funded so that “fire borrowing” from recreation programs, for example, would not take place. The legislation would amend the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 and allow major forest fires to be funded similar to FEMA’s process for hurricanes or other natural disasters. The Wildfire Disaster Funding Act is gaining momentum and could pass the House (HR 167) and Senate (S. 235) in September.

All this “fire borrowing,” and increased wildfire season exacerbated by global warming, will continue to create a bleak situation for the USFS and BLM if the funding situation is not corrected. The hidden impacts of wildfires will also continue to impact Mazamas programs.

As we try to increase our capacity at the Mazamas in the areas of trail stewardship and leadership for more climbs and hikes in wilderness areas, we constantly face the same situation. The USFS, for example, lacks resources to help volunteers like Mazamas engage in trail maintenance. The latest trend has been to rely almost entirely on volunteer support for trails rather than hire USFS trail crew teams to do the work.

One reason this is happening is because of wildfire funding.

The USFS also lacks capacity to issue new recreational use permits for organized groups. Why not hire more permit administrators so that groups like the Mazamas can have permission to take more people into the mountains, forests, and rivers safely and respectfully? Instead, lack of resources because of fire borrowing practices have created a stalled-out situation for outfitters and guides looking to organize outdoor adventures.

At the heart of these problems for the USFS and BLM is money. That’s not much of a surprise for those who have experienced wildfire seasons and watched these land management agencies’ collective capacities dwindle when it comes to supporting recreation. So let’s fix the problem and see what happens!

We could use more trail crew leaders teaching new Mazamas how to fix trails.

Hundreds of groups like ours need permits throughout the West to get people outside.

The Wildfire Disaster Funding Act could be part of a bigger solution. Read it online, and if you support this new direction for wildfire funding call Senator Wyden (202224-5244) and Senator Merkley (202-2243753) today and tell them what you think.

SEPTEMBER 2015

17

CLASSIC MAZAMAS

Hikes, Walks, and Lunch at the Lodge For members with 25 years of membership, or for those who prefer to travel at a more leisurely pace Share years of happy Mazama memories with our group. All ages are welcome to join the fun.

CONTACTING THE CLASSICS ▶▶ Lanning Russell, 503-775-1164, lanning16@gmail.com (co-chair) ▶▶ Rose Marie Gilbert, 503-762-2357, gilbertrosemarie@centurylink.net (co-chair) ▶▶ Kate Evans, 503-635-6540, kateevans97@gmail.com (EC Liaison) ▶▶ Main email: classics@mazamas.org.

If you are interested in leading an event in October, please contact Rose Marie Gilbert or Lanning Russell by Sept. 12.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 11 LUNCH AT THE LODGE, 12:30 P.M. Join the Classics for lunch at Mazama Lodge. You can drive or travel in a van or bus provided by the Mazamas. The lunch is free; transportation is $10 and will leave from the MMC at 10 a.m. If you are interested in transportation you MUST contact Dyanne Foster at dyfozter@gmail.com or 503-267-8937

by Friday, Sept. 4 and RSVP (there are limited spots available; if you don’t RSVP you may have to provide your own transportation). Those providing their own transportation must RSVP by Tuesday, Sep. 8.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 17 NORTHWEST ALPACAS/ OAKWOOD GARDENS TOUR, 10 A.M. Visit alpacas on a several-acre formal garden at the farm where Dick and Jane Miller’s two alpaca “boys” Fito and Toyo were born. Meet at 10 a.m. in the farm parking lot. We’ll spend several hours strolling in a loop through the gardens

18

MAZAMAS

and by the pastures. Bring a sack lunch.

If available, the farm owner or manager will talk about alpacas. Mike Safley, the owner, is the most highly-regarded and experienced judge for alpaca shows worldwide. The farm manager, Steve Johnson, and his daughter, Jamie, have their own herd of more than 100 alpacas.

Directions: From Highway 217 take Scholls Ferry Road westerly for 7 miles to a roundabout at the junction with SW River Road. Exit onto River Road (toward Hillsboro) and go 1.5 miles to Northwest Alpacas on the left. The address is 11785 SW River Road.

Leader: Dick Miller, 503-590-3598.

MONDAY, SEPT. 21 COMMITTEE MEETING, 11 A.M. Are you interested in being an event leader, a committee member (a one year commitment), or a friend of the committee (a flexible commitment)? Or do you have any suggestions for the Classics? Please come to our next meeting, Sept. 21, 11 a.m. in room 3.

SATURDAY, OCT. 10, LAKE OSWEGO WALK, GEORGE ROGERS PARK, 10 A.M. This three-mile walk from George Rogers Park to Foothills Park will focus on historic places and art in Lake Oswego. Learn how Sucker Creek became Lake Oswego. See the Oregon Iron Company’s first charcoal iron smelter, built in 1867, Lake Oswego’s first school from the early 1850s, the 1929 home of George Rogers, a 1900 worker’s cottage, and the 1890 Odd Fellows Hall. We will also visit Lee Kelly’s sculpture “Angkor 1” in Millennium Park and Frank Boyden’s “Stafford Stones,” honoring poet William Stafford, in Foothills Park. Bring a lunch;

we’ll be eating in Foothills Park.

Access George Rogers Park from State and Middlecrest/Wilbur. Go east on Wilbur to Furnace, turn right and continue to George Rogers Park. Park and meet at 10 a.m. near the smelter.

Leader Kate Evans, 503-635-6540.

MONDAY, OCT. 19, 4T TRAIL HIKE (TRAIN, TRAIL, TRAM, TROLLEY) We will start the loop at the station on the train. However if you are on the west side of town, you may wish to meet us as we come up the elevator at the zoo about 9:35-ish depending on the train schedule.

From the zoo we will follow the 4T signs on the forested Trail. This Trail is about 4.1 miles long and has appx. 800 feet of elevation gain. Dress for the weather and wear good shoes—there could be some mud. With luck and good weather we could have some great views from the top of Council Crest and some nice fall colors.

This hike will take about 3 hours. Bring water and snacks.

We will pick a place for lunch on this trip. There are plenty of possibilities.

Meet at 9 a.m. at the NE 42nd Ave MAX station. Park at NE 42 and Senate—free parking on south side of freeway near ramp to the station. Tri-Met all day ticket: $5 adult/$2.50 seniors.

Leader: Buzz Lindahl, 503-781-8956, erlindahl@gmail.com OCT. 2017 HIKING THE DRAGON KINGDOM – WEST Fifteen days of day hikes in Bhutan.

For more information contact David Christopher at David.R.Christopher@ gmail.com.

Membership Renewal & Annual Election All current Mazama members: On or near Sept. 10, 2015 you will receive your Membership Renewal and Annual Election information in the mail. This envelope will contain: dues renewal page, 2016 membership sticker, voter pamphlet, ballot, secrecy envelope, and a return envelope (see example below). Watch your mail closely so that you don’t miss this important information!

MAZAMA MEMBER IDENTIFICATION STICKER (PEEL OFF STICKER AND PLACE ON ANY CARD YOU ALREADY CARRY IN YOUR WALLET)

DUE DATE: OCT 1, 2015

Renew Your MEMBERSHIP As Mazamas, we believe in building a community of people who love to play in and protect the mountains. We have a 120-year legacy of promoting exploration, research, conservation, and adventure in the Pacific Northwest. You are a Mazama and you are a part of that legacy.

Outdoor recreation is booming, with more people participating in climbing, hiking, and skiing in the mountains every year. The need for Mazama programs to teach safety, skills, and outdoor ethics is greater than ever.

Renew your membership today and help us continue to be the most important organization in our region for everyone who loves to play in and protect the mountains!

MEMBER 2016

RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP TODAY! No stamps? Renew online at tinyurl.com/mazrenew Name

Your Member BENEFITS DISCOUNTS on Mazama activities Monthly delivery of the MAZAMA BULLETIN DISCOUNTS at local retailers and gyms MAZAMA LODGE access and member rates ACCESS to special member pages on the Mazama website FREE RESCUE INSURANCE anywhere in the world below 6,000 meters Access to the world-class MOUNTAINEERING LIBRARY & HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS

Help the Mazamas CLIMB HIGHER The Mazamas have embarked on an aggressive strategic plan to expand core programs, enhance the way we do business, and explore new opportunities.

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE THIS PLAN A REALITY. We encourage you to think hard about these options: SUPPORT THE MAZAMAS. Give to Mazama core programs, including education and activities, which work to create safe, responsible recreationalists and build a community of outdoor leaders.

SUPPORT YOUTH OUTREACH. These programs get kids who have never been to the mountains up to Mt. Hood, and teach science and outdoor ethics to our next generation.

SUPPORT STEWARDSHIP & ADVOCACY. Help us conserve the mountain environment and maintain access to our public lands, trails, and crags.

SUPPORT AND PRESERVE OUR HISTORY. Help the Mazamas protect and preserve our stories and legacy by investing in our historical collections, archives, and museum.

As a MAZAMA MEMBER You Are: Part of a VIBRANT COMMUNITY • Helping PROTECT the mountains • Supporting OUTDOOR EDUCATION • Helping get KIDS OUTSIDE • PRESERVING the Mazamas legacy

Join Year

ID#

Address City

State

Mazamas Membership Renewal

Zip

Preferred Phone

Type

Secondary Phone

Type

$

Email

If your membership information is incorrect, please correct it here, or go to our online form: tinyurl.com/mazcontactinfo

Occupation

MAKE A CONTRIBUTION GIVING AMOUNT $40

$100

$600

$200

$1,200

$3,600

Other ___________

Contribution Amount

GIVING OPTIONS One Time

12 monthly installments

MAZAMA PROGRAMS Apply my gift where it is NEEDED most

I’d like to setup a meeting to discuss options.

I would prefer to direct my gift to YOUTH OUTDOOR EDUCATION

STEWARDSHIP & ADVOCACY

$

HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS

JOIN THE AAC AT A DISCOUNTED RATE Join the American Alpine Club or renew your AAC membership to double your rescue benefits ($10,000!), gain access to international hut systems, and receive two great publications: the American Alpine Journal and Accidents in North American Mountaineering.

Regular Member $50 (ages 29–65)

Reduced rate $40 (spouse, student, youth, senior)

Are you currently, or have you ever been, an AAC member?

Yes

Add AAC Amount

$

No

PAYMENT INFORMATION CHECK ENCLOSED

Total

CHARGE MY CREDIT/DEBIT CARD

Credit Card #

exp. date

$

Signature

VOLUNTEER! I AM INTERESTED IN Leading Hikes & Activities

Helping on a Committee

Trail Tending & Stewardship

Special Projects

Kati Mayfield, Mazama Volunteer Manager, will contact you regarding volunteer opportunities.

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!

Complete this form and your voter ballot and drop it in the mail by Sept. 30 to be sure it will get to the MMC in time!

The list of Executive Council and Nominating Committee candidates for our upcoming 2015 election, listed alphabetically, is as follows: Executive Council Jon Jurevic Chris Kruell Barbara Weiss Darrell Weston

Nominating Committee Matt Carter Hannah Seebach Joan Zuber

You may view candidate biographies for Executive Council online; they will also be mailed out with your ballots, which will be arriving around Sept. 10, 2015.

SEPTEMBER 2015

19

Mt. Cruiser Climb Documents Presence of Rare Pacific Marten

by John Rettig

T

he mantra to “climb and return safely” is well known by probably all Mazamas. Bag the summit. Have fun. Return safely. Achieve all three of these at the same time, and we usually call it a good climb or perhaps even a great climb.

The eight Mazamas on a June 20 climb of Mt. Cruiser in the Olympics, had exactly that—a great climb, thanks to leader Glenn Widener, assistant Thomas Dodson, and a very spirited team. And to top it off we had a totally unexpected bonus drop right into

binocular eyes and very slender build, indicating a carnivore from the Mustelidae family (this includes wolverines, badgers, otters, skunks, minks, martens, fishers, weasels, ferrets, etc.). The size of the individual observed suggested it was a marten or fisher. I knew that sightings in the Pacific Northwest have been very rare for any of the Martes genus, as they are known to live at a very low population density, even within their normal range.

But this was also an individual living at the extreme of its documented range. The sighting was therefore doubly significant.

Fortunately one member of the team, Shem

reporting it.

According to Dr. Patricia Happe, Wildlife Branch Chief at Olympic National Park, “Neither I nor any of my crew is likely to go near there [Mt. Cruiser] - we are all hikers, but no one is a climber - maybe that is why we have not been finding any marten after all these years of looking…The last verified sighting of a marten in our region was in 2008 near Mt. Rose...[And then] the Fisher study JUST (June 3, 2015) picked up a marten in the upper Hoh valley.

Your sighting [on top of this one] near Mt. Cruiser, in a completely different area, is really exciting.”

The elusive Pacific Marten on Mt. Cruiser. Photo: Shem Harding.

our lap! We saw a Pacific Marten.

The Pacific Marten, Martes Caurina, is a rarely-seen mammal. We discovered it in a rocky area above tree line between The Needle and Mt. Cruiser (the exact location is being withheld, in agreement with National Park Service (NPS) and US Forest Service (USFS) scientists, to protect the individual marten). To be completely honest, I first dismissed it as just another marmot or pika. But after a second, more careful look, I recognized the narrow-set

20

MAZAMAS

Harding, already had his camera ready and caught this series of photographs. When we returned to Portland, I quickly submitted a report of the sighting and pictures to the USFS, not knowing if there would even be any follow-through.

How rare was this sighting? On the Tuesday following the climb, within a half hour of the report reaching the NPS and USFS wildlife scientists, my email inbox ignited with descriptions of how meaningful this sighting was, along with kind words of thanks for documenting and

Betsy Howell, Wildlife Biologist with the Olympic National Forest wrote, “We have been trying for many years to get information on where marten are residing in the park and forest and haven’t had much luck...Olympic National Park and National Forest, along with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and U.S. Geological Survey, are planning more marten surveys this winter and we’ll be having a meeting soon to discuss. We’ll definitely be talking about your sighting.”

The irony wasn’t lost on those of us on

“We have been trying for many years to get information on where marten are residing in the park and forest and haven’t had much luck … the climb: wildlife scientists sometimes make it their career to study and document an individual species, but might go for years without once personally witnessing an individual in its natural environs.

Meanwhile, we stumble up Mt. Cruiser on a weekend climb, sit down for a break, and this rare animal puts on a show for us over a period of five minutes, including demonstrating his climbing prowess with a breathtakingly exposed four-foot jump.

Buried in the email clamor was the suggestion that future studies might be able to take advantage of the Mazamas

frequent access to the rocky summit areas above tree line. Indeed, we can and will cooperate. We’ve already arranged for a follow-up private climb to gather samples for the scientists in the form of scat for DNA and other studies, which will help them to evaluate the diversity, diet, and health of the population. We will also attempt to gather higher-resolution photos, if possible, to determine gender.

Other climbers can help us out as well. If any of you have experienced marten or fisher sightings anywhere on the Olympic Peninsula, send the report

to conservation@mazamas.org, and we’ll make sure it gets forwarded to the scientists. Please include date, time, GPS coordinates, the animal’s behavior, and of course, the all-important photographs and collection of scat!

It’s not every climb that you get to summit AND observe a rare animal. Our Mt. Cruiser climb was a good reminder that, although focusing on achieving a summit is great, if you keep your eyes open along the way you might discover something even more significant than a summit.

SEPTEMBER 2015

21

TRAIL TRIPS SCHEDULE

Join us! Mazama Trail Trips are open to members and non-members alike.

Contact Trail Trips Committee co-chair Terry Lawson at 503819-9250 with any questions. To lead a hike next month, log on to https://mazamas2.org.

CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR UPDATES HK B2 Sep 01 (Tue) Mt. Hood–Newton Creek Loop.

Rex Breunsbach 971-832-2556 or breunsba@teleport.com.

Wilderness—Limit 12. Great Views of Mt. Hood. We will start Just off Highway 35 and explore the area below Gnarl Ridge and Elk Meadows. 8 miles 1,800 ft. Dr. 150 TH MMC 8 a.m.

HK B2 Sep 02 (Wed) Multnomah Basin. Terry Lawson lawson.terry@ gmail.com. Wilderness—Limit 12. This hike starts at usual start point for Larch Mt. Crater hike, but instead includes a loop using Larch Mt., Multnomah Spur, and Oneonta and Franklin Ridge trails, as well as separate visit to Sherrad Point.

E-mail leader to reserve a spot. 7.6 miles 2,218 ft. Dr. 50 TH MMC 8 a.m. MU HK B2 Sep 05 (Sat) Herman CreekCascade Locks. Terry Lawson lawson.terry@gmail.com. This hike involves a shuttle. We start on the Herman Creek trail, go on Herman Creek Bridge trail to PCT, where we visit Pacific Crest Falls, Herman Creek Pinnacles, and Dry Creek Falls (lunch here) before ending in Cascade Locks. 6 miles 1,800 ft. Dr. 80 TH Gateway 8 a.m. MU HK B2 Sep 06 (Sun) WahkeenaMultnomah Creeks Loop. Terry Lawson lawson.terry@gmail.com.

This gorge classic features multiple falls and the rushing waters of Wahkeena and Multnomah creeks.

5.4 miles 1,700 ft. Dr. 48 Gateway 8 a.m. MU BP Sep 08 (Tue) Wallowa Lakes Region Backpack. Brett Nair 503847-9550. Wilderness—Limit 12. See Backpacking Trips for full details.

Brett Nair, brett.nair@gmail.com.

HK B2 Sep 09 (Wed) Bull of the Woods. Bob Breivogel 503-292-2940.

Wilderness—Limit 12. Moderate

22

MAZAMAS

Leaders may schedule a hike after the Bulletin is published, or occasionally a hike location will change. Visit mazamas.org/ activities-events/hike-schedule/ for updates!

20S & 30S MAZAMAS ARE ALSO HIKING Everyone is welcome. See the separate list at mazamas.org/ activities-events/20sand30s

WILDERNESS DESIGNATION Wilderness—Limit 12 inidicates that the hike enters a Forest Service-designated Wilderness Area and the number of participants is limited to 12, including the leader.

hike starting at Pansy Lake trailhead on a loop visiting two lakes and an old lookout. Located in Bull of the Woods Wilderness 70 miles SE of Portland. 7.1 miles 2,000 ft. Dr. 142 MMC 8:30 a.m.

HK A2 Sep 12 (Sat) Heritage Tree #8 Portland Heights. Tom Guyot 503-761-9519. Join us on an urban hike from Vista Bridge to see some Heritage Trees in southwest Portland. We’ll visit 11 trees from 11 different species as we hike thru beautiful neighborhoods. The hike will be at a moderate pace and is dog friendly. Meet at corner of SW Vista Ave. and Carter Lane. Park on nearby side streets. 3.5 miles 700 ft. Dr. 0 none 9 a.m.

HK B1.5 Sep 12 (Sat) Indian Heaven (Sawtooth Mountain).

Richard Getgen teambears@frontier. com. Wilderness—Limit 12. Follow PCT from north to south, taking in the views from Sawtooth Mtn. and vista near Wood Lake junction. No sign-up list for this hike. 9.5 miles 1,200 ft. Dr. 165 TH Gateway 8 a.m.

HK C2 Sep 12 (Sat) Paradise Park from Hwy 26. David Nelson dkbmnelson@gmail.com.

Wilderness—Limit 12. We will begin at the Paradise Park Trailhead, just off Hwy. 26 (near the Kiwanis Camp) and gain 3,100 ft to reach Paradise Park. We will enjoy the flowers and views at the top, have lunch near split rock. Depending upon party, we may continue on the Paradise loop before heading back to the cars.

Plan for a full day. Contact leader at dkbmnelson@gmail.com to register your spot 13-16.3 miles 3,100 ft. Dr. 89 Gateway 7:30 a.m.

HK A1.5 Sep 13 (Sun) Rodney Falls & Beacon Rock. Jim Selby 828-5085094. Need Washington Discover Pass for parking; I have one but we

A Trail Trips hiking group at Ridgefield NWR on Aug 8 next to the 400 year-old oak tree. will divide costs if we need more.

Beacon Rock trail first with lunch on top followed by great Hamilton Mountain trail to Rodney Falls and back. Quite the views! 5.2 miles 1,150 ft. Dr. 90 State Park Gateway 11 a.m.

HK B2 Sep 13 (Sun) Eagle Creek–Twister Falls. David Nelson dkbmnelson@gmail.com.

Wilderness—Limit 12. Popular hike in the George with easy access from Portland. We will wander up the Eagle Creek trail passing half a dozen waterfalls, crossing the High Bridge and continuing until we reach Twister Falls (just past Tunnel Falls). Have lunch and then head back for the cars. Remember to bring food, snacks, water, including the 10 essentials. Contact leader at to sign up or first come, first served at Gateway. 12.6 miles 1,200 ft. Dr. 74 TH Gateway 7:30 a.m.

HK B2 Sep 16 (Wed) Harts Cove– Cascade Head. Rex Breunsbach

971-832-2556 or breunsba@teleport. com. Oregon Coast. We will travel through old-growth spruce forest and bluff-top meadows, and pass rocky shores. Plan on a full day and any kind of weather. 12 miles 2,000 ft. Dr. 190 TH MMC 8 a.m. MU HK A1.5 Sep 19 (Sat) Heritage Tree #9 Sellwood. Tom Guyot 503-761-9519. The last Heritage Tree hike this summer stops at 15 trees representing 10 species, 6 of which we’ve not seen on previous hikes. In addition, we’ll see some of Westmoreland and Sellwood Parks, walk in Oaks Bottom and see unusual Sherrett Square. The hike is at a moderate pace and is dog friendly. Meet at the corner of SE 22nd and Lambert Streets. Park in the adjacent lot. 4.5 miles 100 ft. Dr. 0 9 a.m. MU HK B1.5 Sep 19 (Sat) Indian Heaven (Partial Loop). Kelly Marlin mazamamama@frontier.com or 503-

Class A: Easy to moderate; less than 8 miles and under 1,500 feet elevation gain

STREET RAMBLES Tuesday and Thursday Rambles

Mt. Tabor Ramble Eastside

SEPTEMBER DATES ▶▶ Tuesdays: Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22 ▶▶ Thursday: Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24

Walk at a brisk pace from the Mazama Mountaineering Center (MMC) to the top of Mt. Tabor. Then spend 30 minutes on the 280 stairs climbing up and down to get (and stay! fit for climbing and hiking. Bring water and layered clothing. We may stop at the Belmont carts at the end of our walk; bring cash if interested in grabbing a quick bite. Total time 2 hours. 5 miles 500 ft. Dr. 0 MMC (SE 43rd & Stark) 6 p.m. Leader: Meg Linza, 503-5028782. $2 (arrive a little early to sign in).

Dates: Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Various leaders will lead walks every Tuesday and Thursday. Multiple groups will be led at different paces.

Bring a headlamp. 4-8 miles, 500-1,500 feet. Meet at REI-Pearl, NW 14th and Johnson. Group leaves promptly at 6 p.m.

WALLOWA LAKES BACKPACKING TRIPS

Brett Nair 503-847-9550. Wilderness—Limit 12. We will hike on established trails past nine or more alpine lakes.

Plan includes summiting Eagle Cap–5 miles and 2,000 ft of elevation gain from Mirror Lake. Plan for 4 days and 3 nights of backpacking in the Wallowa Lakes Basin Region of the Eagle Cap Wilderness. We will leave our homes in time to arrive at Wallowa Lake in the afternoon of Tuesday, Sept. 8. Departure will be from the Wallowa Lake State Campground on Wednesday morning, Sept. 9, and return to our cars on Saturday, Sept. 12. Return home on the following day, Sept. 13. Contact leader for prospectus and application. Brett Nair, brett.nair@gmail.com.

665-6778. Wilderness—Limit 12.

This is a great time to visit Indian Heaven. Beginning on the East Crater side, we can expect a cool morning, splendid fall colors and serene lakes. 9.5 miles 1,400 ft. Dr. 120 TH Lewis & Clark State Park 7:30 a.m.

HK A1.5 Sep 20 (Sun) Umbrella Falls Loop. Carolyn Jenkins 503422-6456. Beginning near Mt. Hood Meadows nordic ski parking lot we will hike through forest and meadows to Umbrella Falls for lunch. 4.6 miles 800 ft. Dr. 125 TH Gateway 8:30 a.m.

HK B2 Sep 20 (Sun) Indian Heaven Racetrack. Wayne Lincoln 503-245-9193. Wilderness—Limit 12. Easy paced hike with lake and meadow views. We will enter off Road 65 on the west side of Indian Heaven, hike trail 111 through meadows and past numerous lakes to Blue Lake, and thence south on the PCT Trail to the racetrack and finish at the Falls Creek Horse Camp on trail 171. Car shuttle. Contact leader to reserve place on wilderness hike. 9 miles 2,000 ft. Dr. 140 TH Gateway 7:30 a.m.

HK B2 Sep 23 (Wed) Tarbell to Hidden Falls. Rex Breunsbach 971-832-2556 or breunsba@ teleport.com. Near Silver Star Mountain, we will hike to a hidden destination. Great vistas.

10 miles 1,100 ft. Dr. 75 TH MMC 8 a.m. MU

HK B2 Sep 25 (Fri) Siouxon Creek (to Wildcat Falls). Rex Breunsbach 971-832-2556 or breunsba@teleport. com. Canyon walk along a beautiful stream, lush old growth with solitude. 10.2 miles 1,000 ft. Dr. 70 MMC 8 a.m. MU HK A1.5 Sep 26 (Sat) Eagle Creek (High Bridge). Jim Selby 828508-5094. Very pretty hike in late Sept. and we’ll get an early start to beat the crowds. We will take our time to include walking down to Punchbowl Falls and spending a leisurely lunch at High Bridge. 6.6 miles 700 ft. Dr. 74 TH Gateway 8 a.m. MU HK B1.5 Sep 26 (Sat) Indian Heaven (Thomas/Bear/ Junction or Blue). Richard Getgen teambears@frontier.com.

Wilderness—Limit 12. Hike from Thomas Lake TH into lake basin.

Depending on conditions, we’ll

either go to Blue Lake or to Bear Lake, returning via Junction lake.

No sign-up list. 10–11 miles 1,500 ft.

Dr. 148 TH Gateway 8 a.m.

HK B2 Sep 27 (Sun) McNeil Point (Top Spur to Tie-In).

Bob Breivogel 503-292-2940.

Wilderness—Limit 12. Moderate paced hike up through forest and meadows to McNeil Point for lunch, then up a bit more to a glacier viewpoint. 9 miles 2,900 ft.

Dr. 100 TH Gateway 8 a.m.

HK B2 Sep 30 (Wed) Wilson River Trail. Rex Breunsbach 971832-2556 or breunsba@teleport. com. We will hike from the Kings Mountain trailhead thru the forest to the Tillamook forestry center.

This area has totally re-grown since the fires in the 30s. Car Shuttle. 8 miles 1,500 ft. Dr. 75 Target/185th 8 a.m. MU

Sunny Freeman sunnyfreeman@windermere.com SunnyFreemanHomes.com twitter.com/sfreemanhomes

Your Mazama Realtor

Class B: Moderate to difficult; less than 15 miles with 1,500–3,000 feet elevation gain OR 8–15 miles with less than 1,500 feet of elevation gain Class C and Cw: Difficult to strenuous: 15+ miles in distance OR 3,000+ feet elevation gain; Class Cw indicates winter conditions Class D and Dw: Very difficult, strenuous trips in challenging conditions. No specific distance or elevation gain. Special equipment, conditioning, and experience may be required. Contact leader for details before the day of the trip is mandatory. Dw indicates winter conditions.

Numeral after class indicates pace. All pace information is uphill speed range; e.g.

1.5 = 1.5–2 mph: a slow to moderate pace; 2 = 2.0–2.5 mph: a moderate speed common on weekend hikes; 2.5 = 2.5–3.0 mph: a moderate to fast pace and is a conditioner.

“Wilderness—Limit 12” indicates the hike enters a Forest Service-designated Wilderness Area; group size limited to 12.

MU: Hike is posted on Meetup.

Hike fees: $2 for members, each family participant, and those belonging to clubs in FWOC; $4 for non-members. No person will be turned away if they are unable to pay. Street Ramble fees: $2 per person; $1 per person if over 55 or 14 and under. Both members and nonmembers are welcome at all trail trips. Trail Tending events are free.

Meeting Places: Gateway–SE corner of P and R Garage near 99th and Pacific (I-84 Exit 7); Land C–Lewis and Clark State Park (1-84 Exit 18); Oswego TC–Boones Ferry Rd at Monroe Parkway; Salmon Creek P and R–Vancouver P and R at 134 St (1-5 Exit 7 or 1-205 Exit 36); Parkrose/Sumner Transit Center–Sandy Blvd. and 98th Ave. (1-205 Exit 23A); Durham–P and R at Boones Ferry and Bridgeport (1-5 Exit 290); MMC–Mazama Mountaineering Center, 527 SE 43rd at Stark; Pendleton–Pendleton Woolen Mills in Washougal; REI–Pearl, NW 14th and Johnson; Target185–Target P/L Sunset Hwy at 185th. Dr.–round-trip driving mileage. ft–Hike elevation gain. TH Pass–USFS parking pass needed for trailhead; SnoPass–Snow park pass.

Trail Trips Hike Rules: Hikers are encouraged to carpool and share costs. The maximum suggested total rate each is a donation of ten cents per mile for up to three people per vehicle. Dogs are not allowed except for hikes designated as “dog-walks.” Alcohol and firearms are not allowed. Participants should wear appropriate hiking shoes; carry lunch, water, rain gear (umbrella, parka, or poncho), and the 10 essentials (whistle, extra food and clothing, sun protection, map, compass, flashlight, first aid kit, pocket knife, waterproof matches, fire starter). Participants should be in a physical condition appropriate for the difficulty of the hike. Leaders may decline anyone not properly equipped or judged incapable of completing the hike in a reasonable time frame. Hikers voluntarily leaving the group are considered nonparticipants. In case of accident, illness, or incapacity, hikers must pay their medical and/or evacuation expenses whether they authorize them or not. Hikes leave the meeting place at the time listed. Adverse conditions, weather, and combined circumstances can affect difficulty.

SEPTEMBER 2015

23

Intermediate Snow MiniCourse on White River Glacier, Aug. 8–9. Photos: Steve Heikkila.

Intermediate Snow Mini-Course: AN EXCITING WEEKEND ON MT. HOOD

by Steve Heikkila, Intermediate Snow MiniCourse Coordinator As the three rope teams work their way westward on the upper part of Mt. Hood’s White River Glacier, their path narrows to a catwalk between two huge crevasses. The catwalk is pointed in the center, with right and left sides sloping off like a steep pitched rooftop.

Climbers must place a cramponed boot on either side of the peak to maintain balance and avoid sliding off one side into a crevasse. It’s a little bit tricky.

When I ask who wants to lead across the catwalk to build a fixed line for the team, Walker eagerly volunteers.

He strategically places pickets along the catwalk as Chris belays him out.

They’re both smiling widely.

This is Sunday, and everyone is feeling pretty confident. It’s a stark contrast from our initial arrival on Saturday morning when students surveyed the steep, heavily crevassed terrain with a look of apprehension.

On Saturday some students looked skeptically at the prospect of protecting the descent of a 40-degree slope above a crevasse. On Sunday these same students were solo down-climbing a 50-degree slope using front point and low dagger technique.

24

MAZAMAS

“This is how we descended the Old Chute,” one of the students, Kaitlin, told me. “It was pretty terrifying, actually.

I’ll be way more confident next time.”

This is what I love about teaching the Intermediate Snow Climbing MiniCourse. The learning curve is fast and steep. Students enroll possessing BCEP level skills, and by the end of the weekend they’re negotiating high angle glacier terrain, employing French technique, managing running belays, traveling on a fixed line, and lead climbing.

This is the third year the Mazamas have offered the Intermediate Snow Climbing Mini-Course. The curriculum is essentially the same as ICS’s glacier travel, snow anchors, and high angle snow curriculum. It’s ideal for people who want to advance in their alpine climbing skills, but are unable to commit to ICS’s demanding eight month schedule. However, this is the high angle snow ICS never really gets to experience. Rather than working in deep, soft, wet snow off of the parking lot at Timberline Lodge in January and February, students in the mini-course climb on a glacier at 9,000 feet in August. The glacier is steep and heavily glaciated. The snow is knife hard. As far as high angle snow climbing is concerned, this is not a simulation.

This is the real deal.

This year is the first year we camped overnight on the glacier. We did so primarily due to the fact that you have to climb to nearly 9,000 feet to safely access the White River glacier, and that’s not a commute you really want to make twice in a weekend wearing a heavy pack. That’s a good 800 feet higher than the area we were able to access the glacier in the previous two years. The glaciers on Mt. Hood are shrinking at an alarming rate, which makes access a bit more difficult every year. This is unfortunate for a course with a lot of pent-up demand.

Wilderness boundary rules stipulate a team size limit of 12 people. That allows for only nine students and three instructors. I’ve tried to double capacity by sending two teams to two different glaciers in the past. However, the Eliot Glacier has simply become too steep and icy for students at this level of experience. For now, that leaves the White River Glacier.

If you’re interested in this course, I recommend you take it soon—while we still have glacier access. Send your application in early next year (applications are accepted from midJune to mid-July). Demand is high.

PICKETS - SNOW ANCHORS - PULLEYS - DESCENDERS - EDGE PROTECTION - CARABINERS - RIGGING PLATES - RINGS

PHOTO BY: DEAN FLEMING

The Spire’s ability to easily lower a climber while in auto-block mode leads the pack in ease of use, and its right at home on your skinny alpine rope.

• • • • •

Auto-block mode for 1 or 2 seconding climbers.

Lowering a seconding climber is quick, simple and secure Certified for ropes from 7.5-10.7mm (optimized for ropes 8.9-9.5) Ultralight (56 grams) Made in USA

SEATTLE MANUFACTURING CORPORATION | FERNDALE, WA | 360-366-5534 | INFO@SMCGEAR.NET | WWW.SMCGEAR.NET

Dottie and her daughter DeeAnn on the Orient Express.

OBITUARY

FERD JACOB ZURCHER July 21, 1922–July 23, 2015

OBITUARY

DOTTIE MELLON GIBSON

Ferd was born in the Silverton area in 1922. He entered the Army in 1942 during WWII, and served valiantly in the 11th Armored Division in the European Theater. Ferd was among a small group of soldiers who liberated Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria.

Ferd worked for Oregon Public School Districts until his retirement in 1985. He was an avid outdoorsman and mountaineer, and a proud Mazama member (joined in 1972). He served on the Old-Timer’s (now Mazama Classics) Committee from 2002–07.

Ferd was preceded in death by his wife Wilma who passed in 1998, and is survived by his wife Mary. He is also survived by his 3 children, Jonathan (Marcella), Sherri (Douglas) Neve, and Timothy (Lisa), 5 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.

June 18, 1919–July 21, 2015

by DeeAnn Gibson Hoff (member since 1963) Dottie Mellon Gibson was born in Creston, Iowa, and began her amazingly varied, adventurous exploration of life experiences!

As a child and teen, she studied ballet, tap, and toe-tap becoming the youngest member of the Dance Masters of America. Attending Drake University, she studied early childhood education, playing saxophone in the marching band.

After graduation, she married Chuck Gibson and they moved west to Portland in 1943. She taught kindergarten in the Portland Public Schools system until retirement. In her free time, she won Portland City Championships in tennis and table tennis. An avid golfer until last year, she loved skiing on Mt. Hood until she was 93!

Widowed in 1951, she became a member of the Mazamas in 1958, going on to hike, climb, trek, and ski all over the world, including completing the famous 53 km Milford Track in New Zealand.

Super Dot led her children on a life of adventurous enrichment!

Her son, daughter, and five grandchildren continue to try to keep up on the trail she cleverly left for us to follow!!

Dottie was unable to recover from a broken hip sustained chasing a ball during a rousing game of ping pong!

Holder of the Guardian, Oregon Cascades, and Ten Peak climbing awards, she and her daughter, DeeAnn, participated in the first All Woman Climb of Old Snowy and Ives, enjoying the area and the beauty of Loowit (Mount St. Helens) prior to its eruption.

Dottie served on the Lodge Committee in the era that found Margaret “Obie” sleeping in a chair for her asthma, Klindt and Betty Vielbig’s babysitter smoldering the children’s mittens on the fire screen ... and, OK, her own children sneaking into the downstairs pantry to munch on raw potatoes after skiing! She gave my brother and I the JOY of growing up MAZAMA!!

“Toodles for now,” she would say . . . Now, with love and admiration, we say: “Toodles for now. See you at the mountain!

THANKS, MOM!!!

26

MAZAMAS

Classified Advertising THESE LISTINGS ARE PAID ADVERTISEMENTS. THE MAZAMAS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR CONTENT.

FOR SALE: Forested land in Gifford Pinchot NF. 70 miles from Portland. 2–13 acre lots, some on Trout Creek. Nice cabin, private.

Contact: acunatpdx@gmail.com.

HOUSE AND PET SITTING BY BILLIE GOODWIN—Mazama member since 1986. Call 503-254-6121 or email oriongood@aol.com.

Portland’s premier shop on the East Side.

Oregon Mountain Community 2975 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR Hours: M-F 10-7 SAT 10-6 SUN 12-5 503-227-1038

Welcome New Mazamas!

NE

Aaron Bailey—Mt. W Adams Kathy Burns—Old Snowy Christian Buss—Mt. St. Helens Charlie Case—Mt. Hood David Clemans—South Sister Kimberly Crowell—Mt. St. Helens Brandon DuBois—Mt. Baker David Duncombe—Mt. St. Helens Lauren English—Middle Sister Charles Fettig—Mt. Hood Nicole Fink—South Sister Ben Fraticelli—Mt. St. Helens Luis Gimenez—South Sister Mary Godwin—Mt. Adams Dependable Hickory Strongheart— Broken Top Tyler Hochstein—Mt. Hood Kalin Karich—South Sister Alexandra Koch—Old Snowy Ria Kotze—Mt. St. Helens Diane Lewis—Mt. St. Helens Jamie Marthaler—Mt. St. Helens John Mooney—Pico Aneto Danielle Olsztyn—Mt. Adams Jules Papp—Mt. Adams Jan Roethle—Mt. Hood Mariela Szwarcberg—Mt. Adams Katie Wicks—Old Snowy Stephen Zadrozny—Mt. St. Helens

Reinstated Edward Jeffery (1980), Hye Kwon (2008) Deceased (year joined) Dorotha Gibson (1956)

, 2014 31

3,367

28

TATED NS

REI

Micallef. Micheal Domeier, Martin Gillen, Linda Man July 28, Hidden Lake Peak, North Ridge. Leader: Bob Breivogel, Asst: Seeger Fisher. Bri Berglund, Jason Havelka, Sabrina Hickerson, Adam Hunter, Steven Loos July 28, Denman, Lane, Wahpenayo, Tatoosh Traverse.

Leader: Doug Wilson, Asst: Dan Crisp.

Kate Evans, Marty Scott, Shirley Welch, Saralinka Rejholec July 29, Sahale Peak, Sahale Arm. Leader: Bob Breivogel, Asst: Seeger Fisher. Bri Berglund, Jason Havelka, Lisa Hemesath, Sabrina Hickerson, Steven Loos, Mark Salter Aug. 1, Mt. Jefferson, Whitewater Glacier. Leader: Josh Lockerby, Asst: Cody Shotola-Schiewe. Judith Baker, Terry Barclay, Sojo Hendrix, Michael Levis, Elizabeth Pedersen, Thomas Sandahl, Leslie Shotola, Alexander Smirnov, Steven Wagoner, Lawrence Welsh Aug. 2, Pinnacle Peak, East Ridge. Leader: Richard Bronder, Asst: Ted Slupesky. Gary Ballou, Morgan Harvey Aug. 7, Three Fingered Jack, South Ridge. Leader: Matt Carter, Asst: Alicia Imbody. Ann Marie Ames, Kyle Johnson, Jerome Leedy, Megan Oberle, Mason Purdy, John Rettig, Jonathan Skeen, Lea Wilson Aug. 7, Broken Top, NW Ridge.

Leader: John Godino, Asst: Dave Groudle. Cheryl Frankenfield, Kathleen Hahn, Rachel Nolan, Jeffrey Shuman, Gregory Simons, Johanna Thompson Aug. 7, Mt. Thielsen, West Ridge. Leader: Ellen Gradison, Asst: Whitney Lindahl. Debra Sankovitz, Kris Simbajon, Jimmy Cleveland Aug. 8, South Sister, Devils Lake.

Leader: Lori Freeman-LaDuke, Asst: Elizabeth Copeland. Mary Godwin, Richard LaDuke, Linda Prinsen, John Shatzer, James Stevenson, Katie Wicks, Dwain Clifford, Kristin Garrett, Rowan Schatzer Aug. 8, Mt. Stuart, Cascadian Couloir. Leader: Joseph Eberhardt, Asst: Patrice Cook. Mark Beyer, Liz Crowe, Seeger Fisher, Grant Garrett, Brad Hupy, Rico Micallef, Kirk Newgard Aug. 15, Three Fingered Jack, South Ridge. Leader: Alexander Fox, Asst: Paul Steger. Lynny Brown, Alyssa Hursh, James Pitkin, Jeffrey Shuman, Kris Simbajon, Johanna Thompson

2

ASED CE

DE

July 19, Mt. Shuksan, Fisher Chimneys. Leader: Matthew Sundling, Asst: Eric Bruckbauer.

Stephanie Bruckbauer, Stephanie Spence, Brian Thackeray July 19, Middle Sister, Hayden Glacier. Leader: Rico Micallef, Asst: Lynne Pedersen. Darren Aboulafia, Mahesh Dasarath, Matt Fogarty, Kaitlin Rupert, Daksha Sharma, Rohan Sharma, Theodore Sindzinski, Svetlana Motsiff July 19, Del Campo Peak, South.

Leader: Donna Vandall, Asst: Jean Cavanaugh. Sherry Aanerud, Jennifer Johnson, Kalin Karich, Linda Man, James Pitkin, Mark Wilson July 19, Barrier Peak, Owyhigh Lakes. Leader: Bob Breivogel, Asst: Seeger Fisher. Kate Evans, Pam Gilmer, Greg Graham, Lisa Hemesath, Brett Nair, John Rettig July 20, Dent du Geant, SW Face. Leader: Justin Brady, Asst: Lee Davis. Chuck Aude, Jonathan Barrett, Elisabeth Bowers, Lisa Brady, Amad Doratotaj July 21, Mt. Shasta, Clear Creek.

Leader: Dan Schuster, Asst: Aaron Morgan. Yun Long Ong, Celerina Tinajero July 24, Pyramid Peak, Tahoma Creek. Leader: Doug Wilson, Asst: Rick Craycraft. Judith Baker, Scott Britell, Kate Evans, Steven Loos July 24, Olallie Butte, West Side. Leader: Joe Whittington, Asst: Kathleen Welland. Greg Baker, Wes McNamara July 24, The Tooth, South Side.

Leader: Jeff Litwak, Asst: James Jula.

Krista Curtis, Margaret McCarthy, Jeff Nastoff, Aaron Nelson, Rob Sinnott July 25, Bispen (Norway), Northwest Ridge. Leader: Paul Steger, Asst: John Leary. Tom E. Bennett, Jon Arne Oren, Audun Halaas, Hans Myrabo July 26, Mt. Jefferson, East Face.

Leader: Glenn Widener, Asst: Kirk Newgard. Ann Marie Ames, Cameron Brown, Mark Fowler, Jean Hillebrand, Carmen Nale, Bradley Noren, Scott Osbron July 26, Middle Sister, Hayden/ North Ridge. Leader: George Shay, Asst: Rae Lantsberger. Stephen Baker, Pierre Blouin, Sasha Burchuk, Gowri Chitllor Parathasathy, Eric Dattoli, Marie Dion, Byron Oates, Chaitanya Sathe, Kirstofel Simbajon July 28, Mt. Jefferson, South Side. Leader: Steve Warner, Asst: Rico

July 3

June 7, Mt. Hood, Old Chute.

Leader: Amy Mendenhall, Asst: Dave Aerne. Chris Jaworski, Tyson Butler, Aron Goffin, Nate Levin, Paul Stadnik, Greg Winterrowd, Gody Winterrowd July 2, Shuksan, Sulphide Glacier. Leader: Patrice Cook, Asst: Amanda Crochet. Rick Busing, Shane Harlson, Brad Hupy, Rich Schuler July 3, Mt. Adams, South Side.

Leader: Amy Mendenhall, Asst: Amy Graham. Eric Chapman, Alison Elliott, Tracy Gagnon, Maggie Woodward, Jennifer Plitzko July 4, Mt. Baker, Easton Glacier.

Leader: Lynne Pedersen, Asst: Jonathan Myers. Karen Graves, Andrew Leaf, Meggan Low, Sarah Lydecker, Jeff Maag, Sandee Myers, David Roche July 11, Mt. Adams, Mazama Glacier. Leader: Joseph Eberhardt, Asst: Larry Beck. Karen Graves, Kathleen Hahn, Andrew Leaf, Kirk Newgard, Andrew Schiestl July 11, South Sister, Devils Lake.

Leader: Lori Freeman-LaDuke, Asst: Barry O’Mahony. David Church, Luiz Gimenez, Kenneth Huang, Richard LaDuke, Yuming Ma, Lara McLaughlin July 16, Diamond Peak, Summit Lake. Leader: Patrice Cook, Asst: Shane Harlson. Brad Hupy, Chris Kilmaer, Rich Schuler July 16, Aiguille de I’Index, Southeast Arete. Leader: Justin Brady, Asst: Laura Bax. Tyler Bax, Lisa Brady, Alicia Imbody, Jonathan Skeen July 18, Mt. Adams, South Butte. Leader: Alexander Fox, Asst: Matt Carter. Jeffery Gordon, Scott Sandberg, John Shatzer July 18, Sahale Peak, Sahale Arm. Leader: Bruce Yatvin, Asst: Martin Gillen. Tammie Gillen, Terrance Harrelson, Jeff Maag, Roger Sharp, Justin Thibeault, Mary Beth Turner July 18, Burroughs & Skyscraper, Frozen Lake. Leader: Bob Breivogel, Asst: Seeger Fisher. Kate Evans, Pam Gilmer, Greg Graham, Lisa Hemesath, Allison Legg, Brett Nair, John Rettig, Jeanne Shults July 18, South Sister, Green Lakes. Leader: John Meckel, Asst: Vincent Marianiello. Pailyn Brown, Jennifer Cox, Jean Hillebrand, Mike Treadwell, Charissa Yang July 19, Broken Top, Northwest Ridge. Leader: John Meckel, Asst: Pailyn Brown. Jennifer Cox, Jean Hillebrand, Mike Treadwell, Charissa Yang

July

SUCCESSFUL CLIMBERS

1

2015 1,

3,451

SEPTEMBER 2015

27

ADVENTURE TRAVEL— FOREIGN & DOMESTIC

MAZAMA CLIMB AWARDS

Enjoy affordable adventure travel with qualified trip leaders this fall.

Want to go on an outing? Contact the leader for more information. Forms you will need: application, liability release, and a medical information form.

Send those forms to the leader and then, upon acceptance for the trip, send payments directly to the Mazama office with the name of the outing written on the check. As a service to our members, we are providing links to the following organizations that may also offer trips of interest: Seattle Mountaineers—seattlemountaineers.org, Colorado Mountain Club—cmc.org, Appalachian Mountain Club—outdoors.org, and the American Alpine Club—americanalpineclub.org. “As an incentive for leaders to put in the time and effort to arrange and lead outings, the leader and assistant leader costs may be paid by the participants.”

TECHNICAL SLOT CANYONEERING Oct. 13–18

Explore the hidden and mystical world of slot canyons in the remote deserts of Southern Utah.

During six days the group will take on several technical and challenging routes in areas around Lake Powell, San Rafael Swell, Robber Roost, and Canyonlands National Park. Desert Navigation and skills in technical canyoneering will take you to amazing slot canyons to experience some fascinating rock formations in intriguing ambient light.

Get full details online—mazamas.org/ activities-events/outings.

MAZAMA AFFILIATE OUTING ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREKKING TOUR Oct. 26–Nov. 13, 2015

This will be a 19-day trip, fully supported by local guides and porters, with 13 days of trekking in the Annapurna Sanctuary, the very heart of the amazing Annapurna Massif, home to more than 30 individual peaks, some over 26,000 ft. in elevation. We will visit numerous Garung villages along the way and stay overnight at two of the massif ’s many climbing base camps, including Machhapuchhre (summit elevation 22,943 ft.) at 12,139 ft. and Annapurna South (summit elevation 23,684 ft.) at 13,550 ft. The remaining days will be available to explore on our own in exotic and chaotic Kathmandu and the charming, lakeside city of Pokhara—the two largest population centers in Nepal. The cost is $2,995. This is a chance to visit one of the highest and densest concentrations of mountain peaks anywhere in the world. This is a true adventure travel bargain. Led by Mazama Jim Ronning.

Therapeutic Massage supports conditioning improves immune system Integrates mind and body MassageWithEugene.com

Eugene Lewins

LMT 16438

28

MAZAMAS

503-939-9657

LMT 16438

Every year the Mazamas recognizes climbing accomplishments and gives out climbing awards in various categories. The Climbing Committee is now accepting applications for all climbing awards. All qualifying climbs for these awards must be successful official Mazama climbs.

CLIMBING AWARDS ▶▶ Guardian Peaks: Mount. St. Helens, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. ▶▶ Seven Oregon Cascade Peaks: Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, Three-Fingered Jack, Mt. Washington, North Sister, Middle Sister, and South Sister. ▶▶ Sixteen Major Northwest Peaks: Mt. Shasta, South Sister, Middle Sister, North Sister, Mt. Washington, Three-Fingered Jack, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Stuart, Glacier Peak, Mt. Olympus, Mt. Baker, and Mt. Shuksan.

LEADER AWARDS Terry Becker Award: Successful leads on the 16 Major Northwest Peaks 5, 10 and 15 Point Leadership Awards: Leading and assists on sixteen major Northwest peaks.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Application deadline for the Sixteen Peaks and Terry Becker Award is Sept.

20. For all other awards, the deadline is Oct. 15.

Submit your application (including scanned copies of your summit certificates) online.

Login to the Mazama Member section of the website, click on Awards, and then Awards– Climbing.

MAZAMA LODGE

Your Home on the Mountain

by Charles Barker, Mazama Lodge Manager One of the pleasures of working at the lodge is learning about the adventures of some of the Mazamas.

One such member is Mike Fajer, who stopped by the lodge for a few nights while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. He started in Mexico and he’ll be well on his way to the Canadian border by the

time you read this. Mike is taking a work sabbatical to complete the trail all in one section. Thank you Mike for stopping by!

Pictured below is Mike Fajer and his wife Cynthia (who is not hiking the PCT but will join Mike for a night at Timberline Lodge).

Thank you to lodge member Bob Stayton who introduced the YMCA Teen Program to Mazama Lodge this summer. This is a great group of young adults who love being at Mazama Lodge but still enjoy the chance to cook their own meals outside. Pictured at right are YMCA kids getting ready for dinner.

The lack of snow ends summer ski season early! August 3 was the last day of skiing on the Palmer snowfield for the season. Typically we have camps staying at the lodge through the third week of August. As the snow on Mt. Hood continues to retreat so too are the ski camps.

As a reminder, we’ll return to our winter lodge schedule starting in September. The lodge is open from noon on Thursday until noon on Monday.

Clockwise, from upper right: YMCA students getting ready for dinner. New pellet stove in the lodge basement. Mike Fajer and his wife Cynthia.

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

A Mazama committee providing support services to Mazamas. If you or your group have had a traumatic experience contact the Mazama office (503-227-2345) or Marina Wynton. All debriefs conducted through CISM are confidential.

SEPTEMBER 2015

29

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MINUTES—AUG. 11, 2015

The Executive Council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are open to members. Draft Minutes.

Attending: Sojo Hendrix–president, Judith Baker–vice-president, John Rettig– secretary, Steve Hooker–treasurer, Sunny Freeman, Marty Hanson, Amy Mendenhall, Joan Zuber. Absent: Kate Evans. Staff: Lee Davis, Jamie Anderson, Sarah Bradham, Adam Baylor.

The meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m. by President Sojo Hendrix. It was noted that a quorum was present.

The agenda was reviewed. There were no requested changes. It was moved by John Rettig and seconded by Marty Hanson to approve the agenda as written; motion carried unanimously.

The general minutes from July 14, 2015 were reviewed. It was moved by Judith Baker and seconded by Marty Hanson to approve the minutes as written; motion carried unanimously.

BUSINESS AND STAFF REPORTS: ▶▶ The Secretary’s July 31 membership report was read verbally into the record (see page 25). ▶▶ John Rettig also presented the quarterly summary of the longer term trends in our membership, incorporated herein by reference, and focused on the long term declining trends in the 16 Northwest Peaks and 7 Oregon Cascades awards by year, which are off a factor of 2-3 in absolute numbers relative to the 1960s and 1970s. ▶▶ The Treasurer’s report was reviewed.

As of the end of June, the Mazamas total operational revenue is $688,993 ($20,270 for the month) and total operating expenses are $892,529 ($108,802 for the month). Current total assets are $1,353,998. ▶▶ Lee Davis presented the Executive Director’s report. ▷▷ A meeting was held with Sen. Wyden and Rep. Blumenauer regarding replacement of the Ramona Falls Bridge, which is

30

MAZAMAS

considered key to a continuous connected trail system on the south side of Mt. Hood. Other factors are also in play, such as budget, wilderness character, and utilization numbers. ▷▷ The Ice Wall project is nearly complete. A replacement Ice Wall sponsorship contract has been drafted and signed by CAMP USA; Lee will circulate to EC members for approval prior to president and secretary signing. ▷▷ The Outdoor Retailer show was attended by Lee Davis and Sarah Bradham and was productive, both for sponsorship and advocacy goals. ▷▷ Alex Kosseff with the Outdoor Safety Institute has taken a position as the Executive Director of the American Mountain Guides Association and we likely will need to finish our contract with a different project consultant. ▶▶ Adam Baylor presented and updated: ▷▷ Owyhee Canyonlands is 2.5 million acres, of which 900,000 has been a long-term wilderness study area (WSA). Key players include ONDA, Keen, and the Mazamas.

Keen is now pushing a National Monument (NM) status, which can be done by the president and avoid congressional action. Joan Zuber raised the issue of mountain bikes being allowed in NM areas, and the fact that this would change land usage significantly. ▷▷ A Big Tent recreation coalition has been formed in response to the Mt. Bachelor litigation, and the manner in which Oregon courts have looked at liability around outdoor activities. This will likely evolve into a longer-term focus on a recreation development

advocacy. Mazamas have been asked to be on the board of directors for the Oregon Big Tent Recreation Coalition. This group is being organized primarily by longtime Mazama Greg Leo. ▷▷ The Columbia Gorge recreation coalition will be updating the recreation plan, which has been long overdue. The Columbia River Gorge Commission is rolling out its recreation policy strategy next month at a meeting in The Dalles, Sept. 11, 2015. This process may lead to an update of the CRGNSA recreation management plan which has been long overdue.

OLD BUSINESS: The Consent Agenda was reviewed; there were written reports from the following committees: ▶▶ Education ▶▶ Families ▶▶ Governing Documents ▶▶ Lodge ▶▶ Nominating ▶▶ Publications The reports not requesting action were approved by consensus. ▶▶ Sarah Bradham presented the Publications committee’s plan to restructure the Mazama publications.

The Publications committee will continue to work with the Marketing & Publications Manager on improvements to the Mazama Bulletin, with the goal to increase revenue to cover the printing and postage for the Bulletin through advertising. The Mazama Annual will be moving to an online journal with a print-on-demand option that members can choose to buy; archival copies will be printed for

Executive Council minutes are abridged and subject to approval; for official version, go to mazamas.org/members/executivecouncil-reports/.

the Mazama Library. A Year-in-Review publication will be added as an insert into the January Bulletin and will contain administrative and committee reports. In 2016 the Mazama Directory will be an online publication; with appx. 100 copies printed for members who request them. All members may print the PDF of the directory at home if desired. It was strongly encouraged to communicate these changes to the membership, so they are known in advance. ▶▶ Ally Imbody gave an update on the 2015 Portland Alpine Festival planning and budget, incorporated herein by reference. There is $58,500 projected revenue, and $58,300 projected expenses, both up about 23 percent year over year. (previous year was $47,500 in and out). ▶▶ The Employee Handbook final draft changes were reviewed and a few final changes made. It was moved by Judith Baker and seconded by Sunny Freeman to approve the draft with the following changes; motion carried unanimously.

▷▷ Page 9, vacation accrual: Restore the ED’s authority to change vacation accrual at hire; sentence now would read “The standard accrual schedule is as follows. The Executive Council or Executive Director has the right to negotiate the vacation accrual at the time of hire.” ▷▷ Page 24, Employee Handbook Acknowledgement form: Leave strikeout language as-is (i.e. cut out) “.... except as stated in my “Terms of Hire” agreement ...,” and Judith Baker requested that she be allowed to investigate and see if it should indeed be put back in. If this is reversed, it will come back again for review.

NEW BUSINESS: ▶▶ Steve Hooker, Treasurer, presented a report on the status of the 201516 budget. The budget submission period ended July 24, and he is now working with staff on finalizing a proposal. Included in the analysis were

a summary of historical and current positions; the strategic plan projects; status; the budget as it would be if all program and committee requests were approved, and a balanced budget with a net asset change of zero, with a discussion of the major income and expenses of both. A draft recommended budget between these two extremes was presented, and, although neither is necessarily recommended, we want to understand what these limits are. Approval will be at the September EC meeting, prior to the start of the new fiscal year. ▶▶ The three one-year terms for the Mazamas Foundation Board Members were discussed. There is a three-year limit on consecutive terms, and this year all three director seats must turn over. It was moved by Marty Hanson, and seconded by Joan Zuber, to approve Rick Schmidt, Karen Natzel, and Jeff Litwak to one-year board terms with the Foundation; motion carried unanimously.

We adjourned at 8:49 p.m.

MAZAMAS®

Mazama Periodical Postage Paid in Portland, Oregon

527 SE 43RD AVE. PORTLAND OR 97215 WWW.MAZAMAS.ORG

Nov. 17–22

STAY CONNECTED! Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ mazamas.pdx

Keep up with us on the Mazama blog. Mazamas. blogspot.com

Share your photos on Instagram! Follow mazamaspdx.

Hashtags: #mazamas, #mazamalodge, #weclimbhigh

Portland Alpine Festival

Explore New Zealand with the locals – it’s our backyard

L D’ S B E

D

V

T

A

RI

PS

THE

T

W

OR

S

Get your FREE BROCHURE at: activenewzealand.com or call 1 800 661 9073

ACT12345 5/15

gh Hike, bike and sea kayak throu ss on New Zealand’s pure wilderne our incredible adventures d and - New Zealand’s most experience trusted adventure operator - Off-the-beaten track by day and cosy lodgings by night - Uber-fun, talented local guides

EN

E TUR