Understanding Pacific Northwest (U.S.) mountain climbers’ motivations: Mount Baker, Washington, and Mount Hood, Oregon

Abstract

Mountaineers are motivated to climb for myriad reasons, both intrinsic and extrinsic. This study examined the motivations of recreationists to climb on Mt. Hood, Oregon, and Mt. Baker, Washington, and how these motivations varied between mountain wilderness locations. Data were collected through onsite, mail and online surveys at two separate mountain settings (N = 865). The survey instrument included 22 motivation items designed to measure seven motivational domains. The results found that the primary motivations of all climbers focused on the aesthetic quality of mountain locations, physical fitness, escaping normal routines, and gaining a sense of accomplishment. An independent samples t-test revealed differences in the motivations of climbers at Mt. Hood versus Mt. Baker, while a Linear regression tested the role of motivation on participation. Most notably, climbers at Mt. Baker gave greater importance to recognition and catharsis as motivations. These findings showed that while recreationists climb for many of the same reasons, they are motivated to climb for different experiences offered by different alpine settings. The motivation regression model was a weak predictor of participation. This information on motivations could assist federal land management agencies in gaining a better understanding of how to balance climbers’ needs with preserving high-altitude environments. Research eco.mont – Volume 12, Number 1, January 2020 ISSN 2073-106X pr int vers ion – ISSN 2073-1558 onl ine vers ion: ht tp://epub.oeaw.ac.at/eco.mont ht tps://dx.doi.org/10.1553/eco.mont-12-1s4 4