The Adventure Group
Mission Statement: "The Adventure Group is a group of gays, lesbians, and bisexuals who promote a positive attitude about themselves through outdoor activities."

History: The Adventure Group was started in 1986, by Jamail. Every Sunday, for seven years, Jamail led an informal hike or cross-country ski outing. These trips attracted a diverse group of people who built friendships as they enjoyed the outdoors. In the Fall of 1993, Jamail chose to "retire" and turned the group over to its members. Your membership will continue this tradition of camaraderie and love of outdoor activities!

Membership: The Adventure Group is a local, Portland group, which is run by its volunteer members. We are over 200 members strong. The group has a formal structure that attends to the business of administering the club. The primary purpose of this Leadership Committee is to provide a framework in which members can volunteer to lead outdoor oriented events. As a paying member you are encouraged to participate and contribute. You are also entitled to these benefits:

  • The camaraderie of others in the community, who share common interests.
  • No paperwork to fill out at events you attend.
  • The ability to tailor events to your interests. Event leaders decide what events will be offered, the locations, starting times, level of difficulty and other important details.
  • You are eligible to receive The Adventurer, our group's monthly newsletter, which will keep you informed on all our upcoming events.
  • You receive a membership roster, so you can network with fellow members.

(Note: Certain events require fees that are not included with your annual membership dues, such as reimbursing drivers for gas, campground fees, equipment rentals, and similar expenses. These expenses vary from event to event and will be announced in The Adventurer or AdventureGroup.org)

What is an event? An event is any organized activity that The Adventure Group sponsors.

Who decides what we do? You do! If there is an outdoor activity that you would like to pursue, the Events Coordinator will help you organize that event. The purpose of this arrangement is to promote member participation and to prevent a small "elite" leadership from deciding what we do and when we do it.

What events are common? On average, the club offers one or more events each week. Here are some of the events you can expect, depending upon leader and member interest.

  • Traditionally, we offer weekend hikes beginning in March and running through mid-October. These hikes vary in distance, difficulty, starting times, and location.
  • Thursday evening hikes, during the Summer, to destinations within the Portland metropolitan area, and Winter day hikes as weather permits.
  • Weekly walks throughout the year
  • Biking trips throughout the season.
  • Overnight camping trips in the summer.
  • Downhill and cross country ski trips throughout the winter.
  • Overnight ski trips.
  • River rafting trips.
  • An annual event with our sister club in Vancouver BC., as well as events with our sister organizations in Seattle, Salem, and Eugene.
  • And more, as members suggest events.

Membership Dues: Membership dues are charged annually basis of twenty or thirty dollars per year. Dues cover the costs of administration, producing and mailing the newsletter, website costs, and for other club activities that the membership deems to be beneficial. 

Safety: The Adventure Group is pleased to be able to help coordinate and offer events for its members. However, event leaders are amateur volunteers, not paid professionals. In addition, the nature of outdoor activities exposes you to hazards such as cliffs, fast moving water, injuries, temperature extremes, insects, poisonous plants, etc. As a result, you need to take responsibility for your own safety while participating in any event that is coordinated by the group. We do have some reasonable safety guidelines that members are asked to adhere to in order to help insure the safety and enjoyment of the events. However, you should familiarize yourself with appropriate safety guidelines, which are available from numerous sources such as the National Park Service, retail stores like REI, and other similar organizations. In addition, you should bring any equipment necessary to ensure your personal safety and comfort when attending any Adventure Group event.

How do I join? To become a member you must complete a membership form, pay your dues and sign a Liability Waiver. You can do that ONLINE at our home page (bottom of page) or print out and mail in the membership application form in the "Club Forms".  Once you have become a member, you can join, participate in, or lead any events that are of interest to you. All membership information is held strictly confidential within the group.

Thank you for your interest in The Adventure Group. We look forward to having you join our group and to seeing you at upcoming Adventure Group events.