About a year ago, Lee Jacobson noticed a Facebook group for hikers. It had members from all over the world. He liked the idea, but thought it would be even better with a local focus.
So, he told a friend, Michael Restivo, that he wanted to create a local Facebook page and asked if he’d be the first member. Restivo agree and Jacobson created Washington Hikers and Climbers.
Jacobson had modest goals. He figured he’d get 50 or 100 people, and they’d all share hiking photos. Within a month or two, the group was over 100 members. Since then, it’s grown steadily. It now has more than 3,600 members.
The page is active. Members post breathtaking photos and funny snapshots. They ask for the latest on trail conditions, hike suggestions, tips on gear or fitness or help sorting out regulations. On April Fool’s, it was “news” about Mount Rainier exploding and a photo of a coyote asking if anyone had lost a dog.
Rudy Giecek, an avid hiker from Arlington, joined the group in its first week or so.
“I think there are a lot of hikes that pop up that I’ve never heard of, despite being out all the time,” he said.
He appreciates hikers sharing info on their latest trips.
“There’s great up-to-the-minute info of what’s open and what’s not,” he said.
Members have organized some group hikes. But mostly, they know each other online.
“It’s become a great site for hiking ideas, outdoor photography, gear discussion, trip reports, permit questions, and other outdoor information,” Jacobson said. “But beyond that, I think the page has become a place where members can be inspired by the adventures of others, and enjoy the camaraderie of others who love the outdoors. … It’s the shared love of the outdoors which has brought us all together, and you can tell from the posts and comments on the page that most feel part of a larger family.”
You can find and join the group on Facebook.
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