
What we’re about
SOA hikes everywhere from cities to mountains to deserts. We go backpacking, biking, and climbing; ski and snowshoe, kayak, sail and swim, and in many other ways celebrate nature and the great outdoors.
While exploring the Pacific Northwest is thrilling and restorative, we care about our delicate environments and promote Leave-No-Trace principles and good trail etiquette.
To better protect ourselves from injuries and other life-threatening conditions, all members should take safety and preparedness seriously, carry the Ten Essentials, and be self reliant.
Check our calendar and join us on an upcoming adventure. We're eager to welcome new friends and hope to meet you in person soon.
Your Organizer, Michael Songbird
DISCLAIMER: All activities hosted by Seattle Outdoor Adventurers (SOA) involve risk. Becoming an SOA member and/or participating in events offered by our Meetup group, you agree to release, hold harmless, and indemnify SOA, its members, and its organizers from any and all liability. You alone are responsible for your safety, comfort, and health.
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SOA Event Attendance Disclaimer
S.O.A. is not a professional guide service. SOA meetup organizers function, as facilitators only, to enhance the collective group outdoor experience. By participating in any SOA event you agree to release, hold harmless, and indemnify SOA, its members, and its organizers from any and all liability in the event of injury or loss. Reports of trail and weather conditions are available to all (internet) and subject to change. You are responsible for your own safety and the overall safety and wellbeing of the group. We respect the environment we adventure in. We collectively know that hiking involves risks and that weather changes quickly in the mountains. We know the more prepared we individually are, the better the chance we will remain safe as a group. We leave no trace.
[signing up for any S.O.A. organized event indicates that you have read, understand, and agree to the terms of this disclaimer and hold harmless all S.O.A. Organizers and Event Hosts in the event of injury or loss].
Additional information about our group, Member responsibilities, and clarification of the role of Organizer:
Seattle Outdoor Adventurers (SOA) activities may involve certain dangers including but not limited to: hazards of travel in rugged terrain, physical stress, mental stress, inclement weather, and intended and unintended actions of other Members and Organizers.
Participating Members agree to the following statements:
- I am physically capable of safely participating in SOA events that I join.
- I am equipped with the appropriate gear and clothing for SOA events that I join. If not, I have pre-arranged required gear with the Organizer.
- I hold responsibility for my own safety while participating in SOA events which I join.
- I assume all risks while participating in SOA events that I join.
- SOA is not a guide service.
- SOA Organizers are not guides.
- Per Meetup.com's Terms of Service Agreement, SOA organizers are released from all forms of liability related to SOA events.
- I am 18-years-old or older. Note: Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Tips on preparing for a safe outing:
Before venturing into our state's amazing backcountry check the Weather Forecast. During winter, spring, and early summer, check the Avalanche Forecast.
If you're new to Washington state, be advised that Search and Rescue teams are busy year-round assisting lost, injured, and/or ill-equipped backcountry recreationists. You can increase your chances of a safe outing by equipping yourself with (and knowing how to use) the Ten Essentials. The Mountaineers offer an excellent low-cost hands-on navigation training course which teaches backcountry map and compass use.
Your feedback is important and welcomed!
If you have any questions or comments about our group you're welcome to email the main organizer or post your question or comment on our group's Message Board. It is our Members and Organizers who make this group a great one so thank you for making it one of Seattle's best!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Ice Caves, Lava Tubes, LandBridge, Huckleberries, and Mushrooms CampingNeeds location
Description:
Embark on an unforgettable camping adventure that takes you deep into the heart of nature's wonders. Your journey begins at the Guller Ice Caves and Lava Tubes, where you'll explore the mesmerizing underground world of ancient lava formations and glistening ice sculptures. As you navigate through these natural marvels, you'll be captivated by the unique geological features and the cool, otherworldly atmosphere of the caves.
After your subterranean exploration, the adventure continues to the Huckleberry Sawtooth Berry Fields. Here, you'll find yourself surrounded by lush berry bushes, ripe for the picking. The sweet, juicy huckleberries are a true delight, and you'll enjoy the simple pleasure of gathering these delicious fruits in the serene, picturesque setting of the Sawtooth Mountains.
But the excitement doesn't end there. Your trip also includes a relaxing fishing experience in the pristine lakes and rivers of the region. Cast your line and enjoy the tranquility of the water as you wait for the fish to bite. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice, the thrill of catching your own fish is an experience you won't forget.
And for those with a taste for adventure and culinary delights, the trip offers the opportunity to forage for wild mushrooms adding a unique and flavorful touch to your camping meals.
This camping trip to the Guller Ice Caves and Lava Tubes, combined with berry picking, fishing, and mushroom foraging, promises a perfect blend of exploration, relaxation, and culinary adventure. It's an experience that will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Are you ready to embark on this enchanting journey?Itinerary:
- Friday 6:00 PM Drive to Camp
- Friday: For people who arrive early Friday, start grilling some food
- Saturday 8AM: Visit Ice Caves, Lava Tubes, and Land Bridge
- Saturday 10AM: Harvest Berries at Sawtooth Berry Fields
- Saturday 12PM: Eat Lunch. Can eat our own lunch or go to trout lake town
- Saturday 1PM: Harvest Mushrooms using this map. We will likely split up so we don't cover same areas.
- Saturday 6PM: Cook up harvested food for the night.
- Sunday 8AM: Harvest Berries or mushrooms
- Sunday 11AM: Pack out camp
- Sunday 12PM: Visit town of trout lake
- Sunday 1PM: Go home
Equipment to bring
- Headlamp
- Free Berry Permit
- Mushroom Permit and map
- Cooking ingredients
- Cooking equipment. There are grills at camp but usually people bring their own.
- Buckets/containers for huckleberry/mushrooms
- Food to share
- Camping gear
- (Optional) Fishing equipment
- Things you want to bring to camp
Payment methods:
Make sure payment is for friends/familyCost and Refund:
Cost is $50 for a spot. Only payment guarantees a spot. Full refund if you cancel before 8/28. Afterwards only $25 refund if you can find a replacement and no refund if you can't.Gas and Food Costs and Sharing
Gas costs is negotiated within each car group ahead of the drive. Everyone should bring food and split costs for additional food bought.Mushroom Identification
Any mushrooms you consume are entirely your own liability and up to you to identify. You will need to do your research ahead of time if you plant to harvest or consume mushrooms. While some members of the group are more experienced and willing to help, please do not rely on anyone. It's also possible you have an allergy to a mushroom that someone else doesn't have.Sharing harvested mushrooms is risky and must be approached with caution.
Berry and Mushroom Permit and Mushroom Map Regulations
Read both. Be sure to stay within the limits of the free permit and print them out and carry them with you. For mushrooms you need to have the permit and mushroom map printed and on you while foraging.Carpool:
Please discuss carpools and other topics in whatsapp.Signup Form:
This signup form is required - Advanced Anchors and Rigging Canyoneering CourseCanyon Country USA, Hanksville, UT
If you are a passionate canyoneer and are ready to take your anchor building skills to the next level, our Advanced Anchor Course is just for you. This course will provide you with the requisite skills to solve advanced anchor problems characteristic of many wild and remote canyons. Our goal is to provide you with a robust and comprehensive toolkit so you can handle virtually any anchor challenge you encounter.
Course instruction will focus on the proper setup, execution and sequencing of the following anchor systems:- Advanced Anchor Types
- Retrievable
- Sand Trap
- Water Trap
- Pot Shot Tower
- Releasable
- Fiddle Stick
- CEM Releasable Knot
- Pack Drag
- Specialized
- Directional Wart
- Dynamic Human/Meat Anchor
The course will also provide a review of anchor construction fundamentals including:
- Physics
- Force
- Magnitude
- Direction
- Balance
- Reduction
- Static vs Dynamic
- Friction
- Composition
- Geometry
- Optimization
- Equalization
- Redundancy
- Extension
- Strength (Bomber vs Marginal)
- Efficiency
Basic static anchors will be reviewed as necessary and appropriate during the course. These anchors include:
- Tree Wrap
- Boulder Wrap
- Pinch
- Knot Chock
- Rock Chock
- Deadman
- Cairn
- Bolted
An overview of the different ethics and prevailing practices among different regions and land agencies will also be presented.
Prerequisites:
You must have previous technical canyoneering experience to participate in this course.Duration:
2-Day CourseTuition for Course:
$479 per person excluding tax.Location:
Dirty Devil/Robbers Roost Wilderness, UtahRSVP’s
To register, please add yourself to the Waitlist and submit payment through the following link: https://getinthewild.com/adventure/advanced-anchors-and-rigging-canyoneering-course/Once your payment is received, you will be placed on the RSVP “Yes” list.
Note: RSVP’s will be added on a first come, first serve basis once payment is received. Once payment is received, we will forward additional information, (suggested gear, registration form, etc.) to you.
Note: This course will be taught from a central canyoneering basecamp that is accessible by vehicle.
Please contact Christopher at christopher@getinthewild.com with any questions. - Meetup Travels: HIKING ITALY's DOLOMITES, 9-days, Sept 13-21, 2025. $3,195Marco Polo International Airport, Venice
Discover the captivating beauty of Italy's Dolomites on this hiking adventure. The Dolomites in Northeastern Italy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which features some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes anywhere! Ascend gondolas and cable cars to reach iconic ridgelines and famous mountain trails such as Cinque Torri, Seceda, Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi. Hike 6 - 7 miles daily with lunch stops at mountain refugios. Learn about the WWI history of this region. Even enjoy one day of awesome bicycling on a converted railway line. Start and end in Venice and while in the Dolomites, enjoy multiple 3-night stays in 3 & 4-star lodges in two charming mountain villages of Ortisei and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Toast each day’s adventures with new friends over delicious Italian and Tyrol cuisine and wine.
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Introducing Meetup Travels – Specially curated adventures to some of the world’s most exciting destinations, offering the activities you adore, value-pricing, comfortable lodgings, culinary delights, local guides, authentic touches, giving back, and, of course, Meetup fun and camaraderie. Our 6th season of running safe, active, fun tours to Mexico, Costa Rica, Portugal, Iceland… and now… ITALY’s Dolomites!
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*Cross-posted in other Meetups. Strict limit of 8 trtavelers*OVERVIEW:
Days: 9
Date: Sept 13 - 21, 2025
Discounted Meetup Price: $3,195 (international airfare extra)
Single Supplement: $900
Group Size: 6 – 8
Minimum Age: 15
Level: ModerateHIGHLIGHTS
World Famous Hiking
Venice, + 2 Charming Hotel Bases: Ortisei and Cortina d'Ampezzo
Blend of Italian, Austrian and Ladin Cultures & Cuisines
Hiking 5 - 7 miles daily
Amazing Food & WinesITINERARY OVERVIEW
Day 1: Venice
Day 2: Transfer Ortisei, Hike Resincia
Day 3: Seceda Hike
Day 4: Alpe di Siusi Hike
Day 5: Transfer Cortina, Bike Ride
Day 6: Cinque Torri Hike
Day 7: Lake Sorapis Hike
Day 8: Free time, Return Venice
Day 9: End
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Included:
8 nights hotel accommodations
Breakfasts as per itinerary
Venice to Ortisei transfer
Ortisei to Cortina transfer
Cortina to Venice transfer
Meetup Tour EscortNOT included:
International Airfare
Transfer to/from Venice Airport
Travel Insurance
Lunches, Dinners, Drinks
Gondola / Cable Car fees
Bicycle rental
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GENERAL INFORMATION:
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Entry Requirements:
Must have a US Passport valid for 6 months beyond the tour end date. Visa is not required for US citizens (this may change in 2026). COVID vaccination recommended, not required.
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Trip starts and ends in Venice, Italy.
Depart the USA Sept 12. Arrive anytime on Day 1, Sept 13th. Return home anytime on Sept 21. Please do not purchase any airfare until you have received word form Meaningful Trips that your trip is confirmed with the necessary minimum number of passengers.Safety
Italy's Dolomite region is generally safe.Weather
People flock to the Dolomites in winter for skiing. Summer and fall are the ideal hiking seasons. Average September temperatures are around 68-70 degrees.
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Lodging
This trip includes 8 nights in comfortable hotels and lodges. Two nights in Venice hotels, and two 3-night stays at 3 & 4-star lodges in two charming mountain towns of Ortisei and Cortina d’Ampezzo.Activity Level: Moderate
This is an active trip suitable for strong hikers with daily hikes between 4 - 8 miles (4 - 5 hours) at elevations of 6,300 to 8,200', on a mix of graded, uneven, or rocky terrain.
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Travel Organization: This Meetup Adventure Tour has been planned by Joe Staiano. In addition to being a Meetup Organizer and Co-organizer for 14+ years, Joe is a tourism professional with 28 years experience. He spent 10 years organizing and planning adventure trips for REI Adventures. Joe is owner of Meaningful Trips travel company and has a Seller of Travel Permit for Washington State. Tours are planned in partnership with high-quality, local international tour providers who adhere to all safety guidelines and provide all accommodations, services and English-speaking guides.
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HOW TO RSVP / JOIN THIS TOUR:
Important: A Meetup RSVP does NOT guarantee a spot. Only receipt of deposit, confirmation of space available and roommate availability confirms a spot.
(1) RSVP (or Waitlist) on Meetup.
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(2) Email Meetup Organizer, Joe Staiano at joe@MeaningfulTrip.com to receive detailed trip itinerary.
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(3) Pay $500 deposit via check or Zelle. Deposit is fully refundable if you change mind by May 20, 2025.
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• Terms of Service and Release of Liability
We adhere to the Meetup Terms of Service and Release of Liability and Meaningful Trips Terms & Conditions
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• Additional Trip Info
Upon receipt of deposit participants will receive additional forms and materials. Do NOT purchase air tickets until you have been notified that we have reached the required number of travelers and it is OK to purchase air.
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Organizer:
Joe Staiano
206-305-2200
joe@Meaningfultrip.com