Wylark is a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Outfitter & Guide

JULY 15, 2025 Mt. Hood National Forest, OR: Leave No Trace recently announced the designation of Wylark Mountaineering as a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Outfitter and Guide, an honor awarded to sites, organizations, and programs that demonstrate excellence in implementing the Leave No Trace principles which are essential in minimizing the impact of natural resources and ensuring a sustainable future for natural areas. Wylark Mountaineering earned the recognition for its role as a leader in promoting responsible enjoyment in the outdoors, making it the first outfitter and guide in Oregon to achieve the designation.

“Leave No Trace is thrilled to announce Wylark Mountaineering as a Gold Standard Outfitter and Guide,” said Dana Watts, Leave No Trace Executive Director. “Wylark Mountaineering plays a critical role in Leave No Trace education. Wylark Mountaineering’s hard work and dedication to protecting natural spaces means they are a leading force in the Leave No Trace movement and an example of how to implement education effectively.”

To be designated as a Leave No Trace Gold Standard Outfitter and Guide, organizations must meet the following criteria:

  • Formally train staff in Leave No Trace and outdoor ethics, and provide education to trip participants before and during guided trips
  • Successfully implement Leave No Trace outdoor skills, practices, and ethics across the organization
  • Demonstrate a commitment to preserving the health of the areas where trips are held

“Wylark has been committed to Leave No Trace since its inception and receiving this designation is a profound honor,” said Alexander Vasarab, Director at Wylark Mountaineering. “We believe Leave No Trace is vital to aligning all users of wild lands, public and private, along a sustainable path of resource conservation and shared etiquette.”

About Leave No Trace
The Leave No Trace organization is a national nonprofit organization that protects the outdoors by empowering everyone through science, hands-on training, and simple guidelines. The Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site designation recognizes sites and organizations implementing the highest standard of onsite Leave No Trace education. For more information, visit: www.LNT.org.

About Wylark Mountaineering
Wylark Mountaineering is a Pacific Northwest-based guide service offering guided rock and alpine climbing, guided backcountry skiing, and outdoor education programs ranging from avalanche education to Leave No Trace courses.

Wylark’s mission is to cultivate awe and reverence of the natural world through high-quality outdoor education and guided experiences throughout which risk is managed competently. We are honored to be the first Outfitter & Guide in Oregon to receive the Gold Standard designation. To learn more, visit our website: wylark.com.

This press release was published on July 15, 2025.