Our history
The PNW Chapter has a rich history of fostering Explorer Club member camaraderie in the region encompassing Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
Established in 1990 under Don Ryan’s leadership, our chapter held gatherings every other year, and it went through a period of growth under Ed Sobey from 2002 to 2012. Achieving nonprofit status in 2003, our chapter hosted regular meetings and organized expeditions such as the Explorers Columbia River Expedition in 2004. We continued to thrive with notable contributions from Lynn Danaher, John Lawrence, Ron Zuber, and John All. Specifically, Ron focused on community-building initiatives such as the Chapter Student Section, while John steered our chapter through the challenges of COVID-19, initiating virtual meetings and a chapter website.
Today, Eric Rasmussen leads the chapter of more than 100 members into a new era of exploration in the Pacific Northwest.
Committee 2023-2024
Chapter Chair: Eric Rasmussen
Treasurer: Gay Mathews
Membership Chair: Mark Kerr
Program Chair: Chris Morrison
Executive Administrator: Jackie Delie
Social Media Manager: Melanie Boling
Grants/Awards Coordinator: Constance Scharff
Our committee comprises Explorer Club members across the PNW who are volunteers elected by our chapter members. Each committee member comes from different disciplines of exploration and science, with a central focus on serving our chapter and its members.
Past Chapter Chairs
1990 - 2001: Don Ryan
2002 - 2011: Ed Sobey
2012 - 2013: Lynn Danaher & John Lawrence
2014 - 2018: Ron Zuber
2019 - 2022: John All
Logo
Our chapter logo is a design that encapsulates the essence of the Pacific Northwest through its incorporation of iconic elements: an orca representing Washington, Mount Hood representing Oregon, and a Douglas-fir representing Idaho.
Crafted in 2018, the logo design process was a collaborative effort of our chapter members.
Coin
Our chapter coin was crafted in 2024. On one side, there is The Explorers Club logo, and on the reverse is the PNW Chapter logo. This coin is presented to individuals who support our chapter, including guest event speakers. It is also available for purchase at $12 a coin, with all the proceeds supporting chapter events. Contact us for more information.
Get Involved
We foster a strong sense of community through regular events and social activities in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. These gatherings are designed to connect individuals with a shared interest in exploration and to promote exemplary storytelling, education, and fellowship. We warmly welcome you to join our vibrant community!
How to Join
To become an Explorers Club member, visit the headquarters website to review the membership qualifications and download the application form. The application requires two sponsors from within the Club, and each application is assessed at the Club headquarters quarterly meeting. Feel free to contact our chapter (PacificNorthwest@Explorers.org), and we will liaise with you on possible support.
“The Club has an outstanding reputation for international multidisciplinary advancement of field research and promotion of the ideal that it is vital to preserve the instinct to explore. I’ve always gravitated toward stories of historic exploration and adventure and when given the chance, my adventure-hungry, soul-searching, always on the move character emerges. I also know that my enthusiasm can get infectious. In all my journeys I have met befriended people across an array of social, cultural, professional, and economic circles, and make a habit of introducing people who work or live in different circles. ”
