Join the Forever Young Hikers for a the required Orientation Program.
A Forever Young Hiking program orientation is required prior to participation and registering for hikes. Learn difficulty categories, what to bring and what to wear. The orientation will include about one hour of classroom time and approximately a 1.5 hour easy hike paced at an 18-20 minute mile. Three-hours total for the day.
This hike is about 3-4 miles and will qualify participants for their completed easy hike.
Volunteer hike guides will evaluate the ability of new hikers.
Once the classroom meeting is complete, we will meet at a parking lot near the Fort Vancouver to complete the hike. More discussion on this at the classroom portion of the day.
Once you have successfully completed this hike orientation and easy first hike, a barcode will be added to your customer account, which will qualify you to register for hikes.
Bring a bottle of water, backpack, and wear appropriate hiking clothes, and hiking shoes/boots.
The hike orientation fee is non-refundable.
For questions contact Jana at 360-487-7025 or email jana.wilson@cityofvancouver.us
How to Join:
Check the City of Vancouver's Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services website for upcoming orientations.
Get your customer account barcode to unlock registration for other hikes.
Registration required HERE
The "Forever Young Hikers" in Vancouver, WA, is a popular City of Vancouver program for adults 50 and better, offering guided hikes of varying difficulty (easy to difficult) led by volunteers to keep seniors active and exploring local trails; participants need to complete a mandatory orientation and qualifier hike before joining. It's part of the city's broader "50 and Better" recreation activities, featuring trailheads throughout the region for outdoor adventure.
Adults aged 50 and over.
Hikes are rated by difficulty (miles, elevation gain) and led by trained volunteers.
Orientation Required: New members must attend an orientation and pass a qualifier hike (easy pace, specific distance/time) to prove readiness and get registered.
Logistics: Hikes typically meet at trailheads, and transportation isn't provided for most, though older Monday hikes might have van service from the Luepke Center.
Volunteer-Led: Relies on volunteer guides and drivers for its success.
Read about the program: Hikers take to trails to help stay 'Forever Young' - The Columbian