The Wildside of MHCC

Exploring Outdoor Sports

Whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, hiker, rock climber, or a complete newbie to outdoor sports, MHCC’s Wildside Club has something for you.

We welcome anyone who is interested in learning new skills – or improving them – and is a bit of a thrill seeker to join our adventures. It’s the perfect way to meet amazing people who have the same passion for the outdoors and become a part of our supportive community.

In the few months the club has been active, we have led cross country ski trips, snowshoeing events, a kayaking night, and climbing sessions at the MHCC rock wall.

During the cross-country trip we went to Teacup Nordic Snow Park at Mount Hood, skiing for about 5 miles round-trip. The kayak night wasn’t as long of an event, but just as much fun. We spent time learning about paddling basics, safety in the water, and playing a game of kayak polo.

We also have our skilled club members and leaders teach in their areas of expertise. Just a week ago, we had a session about mechanical advantage systems (how to use ropes, pulleys, and other equipment to rescue another person during rock climbing or mountaineering).

Other topics covered include roped rock-climbing skills, avalanche safety, and crevasse (meaning a deep crack in a glacier) rescue techniques.

Wildside is the perfect way to gain a bit of experience if you haven’t done these activities.

The club provides all of the equipment, education, and transportation, so good news: Even if you’re a broke college student like most of us, you can still join in on the fun. After all, why would you want to be stuck at a computer doing homework all day when you could be coming to our meetings and rock climbing with us?

During the upcoming Spring Term, the group hopes to plan hikes, overnight camping trips, and more climbing sessions. It’ll give newcomers a chance to explore Oregon, seeing places they never knew about. Speaking from experience, this club has been an amazing opportunity. The views we get to see on our trips make it time well spent. Truly, there is nothing more incredible than the peace and beauty nature has to offer.

Our club’s regular meetings run the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the MHCC Aquatic Center rock wall (for more, email faculty adviser Josh Stratman, at [email protected]).

You might as well take advantage of this remarkable club we have here at Mt. Hood, and see what it’s like to be a part of Wildside, yourself!

Brooklyn Noel