Have you ever noticed that on weekend nights in the Xinyi District, there is always a place that is particularly lively? It’s as crowded as a New Year’s Eve celebration, with people dancing to music and, most importantly, drinking alcohol! This is a flash mob event called „Outdoor Drinking Party“ initiated by the public, held every second Saturday of the month.
On the other hand, the Columbia Hike Society, known as the „Columbia Hike Society玩徒公社,“ organizes hiking events with different themes to lead everyone deep into the mountains and enjoy the fun of hiking. One day, Columbia proposed a unique hiking event, inspired by a spontaneous idea we had during a meeting. The idea was to hike during the day and then enjoy drinks on the way down the mountain. Surprisingly, the proposal was well-received, and the plan became a reality!
The second event organized by the Columbia Hike Society, titled „Four Beast Mountain Hike x Taipei Outdoor Drinking Party,“ aims to not only take you into the outdoors but also lead you on a city drinking tour. The goal is to promote mountain knowledge and establish a personalized outdoor lifestyle, embodying the spirit of the Columbia Hike Society.
City Hike: Four Beast Mountain Traverse
The Four Beast Mountains refer to the Tiger Mountain, Leopard Mountain, Lion Mountain, and Elephant Mountain in the Xinyi District of Taipei. Among them, Elephant Mountain and Tiger Mountain are the most well-known. These four mountain trails are popular choices for many people due to their proximity to the Taipei city center and the nearby MRT stations. Starting from the Columbia counter at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi A11, the urban jungle guides of the Yes Man, along with Ryan, lead the members of the Hike Society on a journey through the mountains.
The hike involves traversing all four mountains, which may sound challenging at first. However, with low altitudes and minimal elevation changes, the hike can typically be completed in about two hours. The trails offer stunning views of Taipei City and Taipei 101 from all three mountains except Lion Mountain, making it a rewarding experience for hikers.
The Four Beast Mountain Traverse offers a variety of terrains, including stone steps, wooden boardwalks, industrial roads, and muddy forest paths. The smooth and easy-going trails provide a brief escape from the office on a sunny Friday afternoon, despite the heat and constant sweating, the experience is enjoyable and energizing.
Humanity Trail: Tiger Mountain
The hike begins at Tiger Mountain, which boasts lush greenery and rich ecological resources. The trail passes by several temples and former mining sites, with many famous temples in the vicinity attracting pilgrims daily. The trail also offers views of exposed rock formations, distant views of Taipei City, and a rich ecological environment along the Tiger Mountain Creek.
At each mountain top, a Mocktail supply station is set up for the hikers to enjoy a refreshing drink. Each mountain has its representative drink, paired with sweet and sour dried fruits to provide a cool and invigorating experience, enhancing the enjoyment of the hike.
Biological Trail: Leopard Mountain
The Leopard Mountain trail focuses on wetland exploration, scenic views, and geological appreciation. The route includes visits to the Yongchunbei Wetland Park, observing the Leopard Mountain Creek, fern ecology, and geological formations, making it an ideal area for natural conservation and ecological education.
Forest Tunnel Trail: Lion Mountain
Lion Mountain is the least popular of the four mountains, but its trail offers a more primitive and natural hiking experience. The trail is less developed, with a lack of artificial elements, providing a more authentic hiking atmosphere. Lion Mountain’s trail features mostly asphalt roads and stone steps, allowing hikers to experience a diverse forest environment.
101 Scenic Trail: Elephant Mountain
The hike culminates at Elephant Mountain, known for its geological observations, scenic views, and recreational opportunities. The area is home to the Taipei tree frog and fireflies, making it suitable for family outings and environmental education. Elephant Mountain is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world, and offers stunning views of Taipei City and Taipei 101.
After reaching the endpoint, the group returns to the starting point at the Columbia neighbor outdoor beer garden, the Master Craft Brewery. The outdoor brewery, with its commitment to craft beer and a 200-square-meter rooftop garden with unbeatable views, provides the perfect setting for a post-hike celebration.
A group of strangers who came together through the Columbia Hike Society shared a memorable experience of hiking the Four Beast Mountains and enjoying drinks together on the way down. The event created new friendships and unforgettable memories, embodying the spirit of outdoor adventure.
Stay tuned for the next event organized by the Columbia Hike Society and OUTSiDERS by following their Facebook and Instagram pages!
About Columbia
With 86 years of history, Columbia is the top-selling outdoor sports brand in the United States, with products available in over 50 major cities worldwide. The brand has been recognized by Forbes as one of the top 100 most trustworthy brands globally and received the top 100 innovation award from the prestigious Scientific magazine in 2020. Columbia is the designated apparel brand for seven national Olympic teams and is favored by Hollywood stars like Zachary Levi, singer Kesha, and South Korean actor Nam Joo-hyuk. In 2022, Columbia introduced the space-grade insulation technology „Omni-Heat Infinity Gold Aluminum Dots,“ enhancing heat reflection and insulation while regulating excess body heat and sweat, even used on NASA spacecraft. This technology helped protect the spacecraft from extreme temperatures in outer space and successfully landed on the moon in February 2024.
In conclusion, the Columbia Hike Society’s Four Beast Mountain Traverse and Taipei Outdoor Drinking Party event was a unique and memorable experience that combined hiking, nature exploration, and socializing. The event showcased the beauty of Taipei’s urban mountains and provided participants with a fun and rewarding outdoor adventure. Joining the Columbia Hike Society is a great way to meet new people, explore nature, and create lasting memories.