At the spry age of 86, Auburn’s Dick Richards continues to take challenging steps and follow a road less travelled.

By frequently hiking through some of the region’s most scenic places, Richards and friends stay active, build relationships and defy Father Time.

“You feel good, make others feel good about themselves and meet some beautiful people,” said Richards, a longtime Auburnite and avid recreational participant with his chums at the Auburn Senior Activity Center. “It’s a great group of people to be with.”

Hiking is among the many things Richards does to stay young and agile

The retired businessman and World War II veteran switched to a healthier diet and vigorous lifestyle after suffering a heart attack six years ago.

Regular day hikes are part of his routine. Richards, formerly an avid skier, discovered the senior center’s hiking and walking program at the center in 1999, and has been a steady adventurer ever since.

Richards hopes to reach the 1,500-mile career mark in hiking with the senior group this fall. He is the oldest hiker among the mostly 70-something group.

“The No. 1 reason I enjoy it is the camaraderie – and that is true for so many activities we have here,” Richards said. “As we get older, we don’t have as much interest in dollar items, on how much we have in the bank.

“What’s more important is the friendships you make,” he said. “What’s also important is helping others and making others feel good about themselves.”

Year-round hiking does just that. The senior group meets regularly at the center for day-long adventures. A bus takes them to and from nearby destinations, each within two hours of Auburn. Day hikes typically stretch seven miles, with time allotted for lunch and rest breaks.

Last year alone, 81 hikers logged 3,851 miles in the senior center hiking program.

“We’re family,” said hiker Ilene Atkinson, who has covered 1,000 miles since becoming a regular with the group. “We’re brothers and sisters. We rely on each other.”

The senior hikers have covered a lot of ground, visiting regional lakes, rivers, streams, forests and trails, including the popular Sunrise Meadows and Paradise Park trails in the Mount Rainier National Park area.

“It’s mostly for the camaraderie between the seniors,” said Rocky Kirwin, the Senior Activity Center’s recreation coordinator who helps guide the hikes. “They all want to get exercise, but this is mostly a family feeling and a chance for friends to connect. Most of them make friendships that carry on outside of hiking.”

The group recently hiked around Annette Lake in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, a 7.8-mile expedition that included a 1,900-foot elevation game for the first three miles.

The hikers come well prepared, with the proper equipment, such as warm clothing, rain gear, reliable boots and, for those who need them, trekking poles for balance. The group packs food and water. And it stays together.

“We don’t take chances. We really have a lot of fun,” Richards said. “We care about one another.”

Each trip creates lasting memories.

“You meet the most beautiful people on a hike. They are so enthusiastic, positive, and they make me feel welcomed,” he said.

“We’ve lost some of our members, and they are missed,” Richard added. “But we also get new members and new friends. It’s really like family.”