On this date in hiking history: Mazamas established atop Mt. Hood

In 1894, the Mazamas held their inaugural meeting atop Mt. Hood, the highest peak in Oregon. To become a charter member of the prospective club, hikers were required to attend this meeting.

On June 12, 1894, organizers published an advertisement in the Morning Oregonian announcing the forthcoming meeting, which was to include a “typical mountain banquet.” On July 17th, more than 300 people responded to the advertisement by arriving at one of two staging areas along the flanks of the 11,249-foot mountain. Two days later, a total of 193 climbers (155 men and 38 women) reached the snow-capped summit, of which 105 would become charter members. Before descending the peak, the newly minted organization released three homing pigeons with notes announcing to friends in Portland that the club had been successfully established.

Today, the Mazamas are one of the largest hiking and mountaineering clubs in America.

Here’s a photo of prospective members climbing the Cooper Spur on Mt. Hood to take part in the inaugural meeting atop the mountain:

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Virtually no one went hiking before the 19th century. What occurred that inspired ordinary people to take a walk through the woods for pleasure? Ramble On: A History of Hiking explores the rich history of hiking, and how it evolved into one of the most popular pastimes in the world.