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- Scramble: Hawkins MtnEastgate P&R, 14200 Eastgate P&R Acrd, Bellevue, WA 98007, Bellevue, WA
Route: Follow the Big Boulder Creek trail south (USGS shows the first part as an old road). At about 3,600 ft the trail turns southeast. Go about that same distance until the trail crosses the major southwest flowing creek. Cross the creek and leave the trail. Ascend ridge to Point 5202 and continue up to the summit. From the top, either descend the same route, or follow the west ridge to the saddle at 6,000 ft and drop down the west side to the old 4X4 road. Follow its switchbacks down the valley.
Technical Rating: Class 2
Scramble Gear: helmet, ice ax, crampons, etc. not required
Distance: 7 miles round-trip
Elevation gain: 3,700 feet
Pace: ~1,000 feet of elevation gain per hour
Duration: ~4 hour ascent and ~3 hour descent
Permit: NW Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
My global satellite communicator: Zoleo
- Lemah Mountain - Overnight trip (strong and skilled team)Issaquah Transit Center, Issaquah, WA
Looking to beat the heat in the mountains this weekend? Let's go for an inspiring peak deep within the Alpine Lakes area (but without having to win a permit lottery).
We will be climbing the steep and varied terrain on snow, and loose rock with possible exposure. In order to be considered for this trip, you MUST be comfortable with climbing on steep snow and rock up to class 4. We will plan to go at a moderate pace of about 2 miles and 1000 to 2000 feet per hour. Good situational awareness and efficient preparation skills are also important for these trips, so we don't keep the group waiting on one person. Please join only if you are prepared to go at the group pace and have the necessary skills for this trip. If you want to join, please RSVP and answer the questions when prompted. You will be put on the waitlist initially and will add people that seem like good additions to the meetup.
Route: Pete Lake trail to SE face.
Stats:
Elevation at summit: 7,520 feet
Elevation Gain: 5,000 feet
Distance: 20 to 25 milesResources:
https://www.summitpost.org/lemah-mountain/392789
https://www.mountaineers.org/activities/routes-places/lemah-mountain-southeast-approachTrip Report:
https://peakbagger.com/climber/ascent.aspx?aid=2873253
https://www.flickr.com/photos/23557848@N03/albums/72157645241244420/GPS Route / photo Link
https://peakbagger.com/climber/ascent.aspx?aid=1437847The Plan (subject to change):
Saturday
5:30 AM Meet at the Ride and arrange carpools. Let's plan to depart by 5:45 AM. We can stop along the way for bathroom breaks. It's about a 2 hour drive to the trailhead.7:30 to 8 AM Arrive at the trailhead. Please have your stuff packed and ready to go when we arrive.
We should arrive at camp by mid afternoon. We can decide to climb Lemah that afternoon or Sunday morning depending on the amount of time we have after we arrive at camp.Sunday:
Time t.b.d. climb Lemah Mountain (if we didn't on Saturday). Break camp and hike out. We should be back a the trailhead by late afternoon regardless.Plan to spend about a half-hour or so break for views at or near the summit.
What to bring:
Backpack, clothing layers (expect rain, snow, and wind), hiking or mountaineering boots, crampons, helmet, hiking poles, ice ax (bring an extra if you don't feel comfortable on steep snow), harness and glacier gear (yes this is a glacier, and there could be crevasses) navigation: map, compass, and GPS if you have it, emergency bivy, food and water for the day (2-3 liters minimum), sun protection, headlamp, sit pad, 10 essentials not already mentioned, and overnight camping gear. Ursack or bear resistant container is recommended for food storage. Drivers should have directions and NW forest pass or equivalent. Bring money for the permit costs as well.
Everyone bring good cheer!EXPECT TO BE HIKING IN WARMER THAN USUAL TEMPERATURES SO DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS WITH ELECTROLYTES. WE CAN TAKE SHADE AND WATER BREAKS WHEN NECESSARY, BUT BE PREPARED TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. KNOW THE SIGNS OF HEAT RELATED ILLNESS. PLEASE READ: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/heatrelated-illnesses-heat-cramps-heat-exhaustion-heat-stroke
From google maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/W1URR1hEUTMmv3eS9 - Mason Lake via Ira Spring Trail - Alpine Lake!Issaquah Transit Center, Issaquah, WA
We'll be hiking out-and-back up to Mason Lake via the Ira Spring Trail, near Snoqualmie Pass. We'll see amazing views of Mt. Rainier and other surrounding mountains and beautiful Mason Lake.
This is a moderately difficult hike, with a roundtrip of ~7 miles and ~2400 feet elevation gain.
We will first meet at the Issaquah transit center at 7 am and figure out the carpooling.
Ira Spring Trailhead (coordinates: 47.425, -121.584)The weather forecast for Saturday is currently Sunny with a comfortable high of 70 degrees.
Parking Permit
A NorthWest Forest Pass is needed to park at the trailhead parking lot.Attendance
We try to keep our group size to around 8 or less.What to Bring
Athletic clothing & rain gear
Hiking shoes/boots
Water, snacks & lunch
Sun protection
Bug spray
Ten hiking essentials
Schedule
7:00 am: Meet at the issaquah transit center
7:15 am: Drive to trailhead
~ 8:00 am: Arrive at trailhead
~ 5-6 hours of hiking with stops for food, photos
~ 2:00 pm: Back at trailhead
~ 3:00 pm: Arrive back at issaquah transit center
Links
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/mason-lake-via-ira-spring-memorial-trailAttendees: Be sure to update your status if things change so others can attend.
Disclaimer: When you RSVP and attend this hike you are accepting that you are fully aware that you are responsible for your own safety. Always be aware of your own physical abilities and go on this hike prepared.
