Learn about day hiking and backpacking with Tri-City group’s free school

Interested in learning how to backpack? Join the Inter-Mountain Alpine Club (I-MAC) for its 2026 Backpacking School. The two-day weekend event is free and open to the public.

Perfect for beginners as well as the more experienced, the program spans two full-day indoor & outdoor education sessions to equip you with the most current information and essentials for safe and comfortable day hiking and overnight multi-day trips.

When & Where

Day 1: Saturday April 11, 2026, 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (In Class Lectures at Columbia Basin College in Pasco)

Day 2: Sunday April 12, 2026, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (Hands on outdoor field demonstrations of equipment and techniques at Leslie Groves Park, Richland)

What You’ll Learn

The 10 Essentials, Leave No Trace, clothing, conditioning, packs, tents, sleeping systems, map and topography basics, compass and route planning, navigation strategy, digital navigation using smart phones, cooking and nutrition, hygiene and water purification, using the Internet, GPS, cell phones, stoves, other gear, first aid, safety, pets, children, and rescue techniques and more.

No prior experience is needed, but a basic fitness level is highly recommended.

The school culminates in overnight backpacking trips led by I-MAC trip leaders.

The course includes lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and optional overnight backpacking trips guided by I-MAC experts.

Experienced club members teach each topic, ensuring you’re ready for weekend adventures. The school is free and open to the public!

Before You Start

Read The Backpacker’s Field Manual by Rick Curtis.

Join I-MAC for access to more trips and a vibrant outdoor community.

Registration in advance is required. Backpacking School 2026 - Inter-Mountain Alpine Club

Children under 18 can attend with an adult. Please sign up by April 10, 2026. The Inter-Mountain Alpine Club (I-MAC) has over 225 members and was organized in Richland in October 1948. The Backpacking School is an annual event they offer to encourage the safe enjoyment of the outdoors in the Pacific Northwest.

Questions? Contact Backpacking@imacnw.org.