Santiam Alpine Club
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Welcome to the Santiam Alpine Club (SAC)

Who We Are

Founded in 1959 by climbers in Salem, Oregon, SAC is a nonprofit dedicated to mountaineering and climbing education. Our members explore the peaks of the Cascade Range and beyond, including California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.

Climbing education

What We Do

Explore our schedule to join one of our events. Membership is not required. Stay updated by joining our email group for short-notice activities.

Join SAC

SAC is primarily a climbing and mountaineering club - not a general outdoor recreation group - though it occasionally organizes activities such as hiking, skiing, or educational opportunities. You do not need to be a member to participate in SAC activities.

Become a member of SAC to:

Membership Requirements

Applications for membership are reviewed annually at the club's November Annual Business Meeting. To be considered, applicants must fulfill one of the following criteria:

  1. Participate in Club Climbs:
    • Complete at least two climbs with at least three SAC members.
  2. Complete a Climbing School:
    • Complete the Basic Mountain Climbing School (or an equivalent).
    • Complete at least one climb with at least two SAC members.

For the purpose of membership, a climb is defined as an outdoor activity where participants make a deliberate effort to ascend challenging terrain, requiring more than ordinary walking or hiking. The ascent can involve rock, snow, ice, or mixed terrain. Effort and skill are the defining elements, not necessarily altitude or reaching a summit.

Contact Us

Have questions? Reach out to us!

Club Phone Number: 503-446-4557

Santiam Alpine Club, Inc., has been a registered nonprofit in Oregon since 1959.

Jack Hande inked most of the drawings on the site as part of club newsletters when he was the club secretary. Jack's book of cartoons, De Meaning of Words, Illustrated, can be purchased directly from Jack at 503.873.3581.

Santiam Alpine Club

Banquet

E-mail group

GPS routes

Luau

Membership application

Club Dues Payment

Mountain climbing sites

Rope locker

Site map

Trip reports

Club officers

Education

Mountain climbing school

Rock climbing at Smith Rock

Glacier travel and crevasse rescue

Ice climbing

Mountain Climbing School Manual

Mountain climbing terms

Videos