The Mountaineers is a great place to learn new outdoor hobbies but not much more beyond that. The classes are structured to learn and "graduate" from your class, as well as meeting people who are also interested in what you're getting into. The people are largely great overall and the facilities are kept up very well. Where this organization fails time over time is in getting people out on trips once you've graduated. On glacier climbs, for example, new trips are posted with all spots reserved and a wait-list multiple people deep. I've also had trip leaders reject my request to join simply because they didn't feel like I was good enough for the trip despite being qualified via badge. It's completely impossible to get out with this organization and develop your skills to the point where you can be a leader. I left this org after three years because I finally just gave up on them.

They don’t accept people that aren’t in their standards as ‘in shape’. There are many people, like myself, that can hike long distances and elevations but don’t have the body type and speed that the Mountaineers says is efficient. None of the classes welcomes people of larger sizes. Even the beginning winter camping course is for people who have a ton of hiking experience, can hike 8 miles in a very fast speed. This shouldn’t be considered a non-profit since they exclude so many people in this organization.

My kids have been going to Mountaineers programs since they were in elementary school through an agreement with the YMCA's childcare program. They have consistently provided such good programming that we've been pursuing more of their summer camp and trip opportunities as my kids have gotten older and older. The staff does an amazing job of running trips and the organization is incredibly thoughtful around safety, COVID regulations, emotional learning and wilderness enjoyment. My kids always come back from their trips feeling accomplished and with new, good friends to join them on future adventures, and as a Girl Scout leader myself, I know how difficult it can be to do the trip planning alone, let alone managing group dynamics in a healthy way (with middle schoolers!). Their fees are pretty steep but in my opinion, they're more than worth the cost for the literal mountain top type experiences that my kids have had with The Mountaineers.

This Seattle icon is now easier to access, it's in a city park, and the new facility is amazingly iconic... rock climbing wall and all!

I’ve been taking my classes out of the Olympia branch even though I live in Seattle due to timing. First time at the Seattle branch...didn’t realize they have their own climbing wall.

Great outdoors educational and conservation organization providing opportunities to learn, instruct, and give back to the community. They have all sorts of classes (mountaineering, rock climbing, kayaking, sailing, canyoneering, backpacking, hiking), programs for kids, a gear closet, and put on fantastic events. I've taken a few classes and currently volunteer. Anyone can use the outside climbing walls.

I've been a member of the Mountaineers for 30 years. It's a great club and an excellent facility. The staff are great. The courses and activities are led by club members and the costs are reasonable, so you need to set your expectations accordingly

My first time rock climbing. Great experience, and I highly recommend this place.

Nice climbing walls!

Had my fathers memorial service here. He was an avid mountain climber and outdoorsman. They were incredibly helpful and very nice.