
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
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Let's Hike- Mid-week Conditioning (Tolt Pipeline Trail)
Location not specified yetWeekly Conditioning Hikes-
These hikes are fast paced and intended to help condition during winter months. I recommend this for members trying to train for the major mountains in the area. Such as Baker, Adams, MSH, Rainier, etc.
Whenever possible, and depending on group size and dynamic, we might use the interval method when we meet at Tolt Pipeline Trail.
If you want to train with a heavy load, you can bring your larger pack and load it with water. Your mountaineering boots and hiking poles recommended to help simulate the same experience for larger mountains.
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Tolt Pipeline Trail:
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2024-04-22.120057649728
It is known for its varied terrain, including some steep grades, and provides views of wineries, breweries, and natural areas as it runs through suburban and rural landscapes. The trail is accessible from different points, such as the North Athletic Fields parking area in Woodinville, and connects to other trails like the Sammamish River Trail.
Please note, we are not doing the entire pipeline trail. We are only doing the small section, which starts in Woodinville near Sammamish River Taril and goes for about 1/3 mile. It is important to meet at the provided coordinates provided below (Park Here)
This is a nice short trail to help gauge your level and set a baseline for improvement.
Park Here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3tWiQVYhJUQjM25F8
Look for blue Honda CRV -
206.714.9257
We will hike up to the metal gate and come back down. Repeat this as many times as possible. I typically get about five to six trips in an hour or so, depending on conditions.
Weather:
Good conditions. No rain or wind.
----------------------Conditioning Hikes------------
Through some of the shorter and darker winter month days, I will be planning weekly or bi-monthly conditioning hikes whenever possible. These will be local hikes focused on Tiger Mountain trails in Issaquah, or Tolt Pipeline Trail in Woodinville.
All the hikes will start in late afternoon or early evening.
My preferred trail on Tiger is Cable Line, which is about 4 miles RT and 2000 feet gain. Unless it is heavy rain where the trail pretty much becomes a creek. In that case, we could opt for West Tiger 3 or a closer spot such as Tolt Pipeline in Woodinville.
Headlamps required.
Be prepared for the conditions. Light rain gear and windbreaker recommended, unless you like to suffer.
Unless time and traffic conditions allow, I will not be setting a carpooling spot for these events. Just meet me at the TH.
If you live nearby in the Redmond/Kirkland/Woodinville areas, and you need to carpool, I might be able to help coordinate. Just message me in advance.7 attendees
Sea Urchin and Sea Cucumber Foraging near Port Angeles
Location not specified yetDescription
Imagine a weekend escape to the serene shores of Port Angeles, where the thrill of foraging meets the beauty of nature. Picture yourself harvesting a bounty of sea urchins and sea cucumbers. This unique adventure offers a rare opportunity to gather sea urchins, which are best found during the winter months when the tides are low and later in the day.
As you explore the vibrant tidal pools and rocky outcrops, you’ll be immersed in the rich marine life that calls this bay home. The crisp, salty air and the gentle sound of waves create a perfect backdrop for this hands-on experience.
After a day of foraging, take a short trip to nearby Port Angeles. Here, you can stroll through charming streets, visit local shops, and enjoy fresh seafood at cozy restaurants. The town’s scenic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca add to the allure of this coastal getaway.
Whether you’re a seasoned forager or a curious beginner, this weekend trip promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, relaxation, and discovery. 🌊🦀🌿
Airbnb spots and costs
We have 1 airbnb between 6 people. It'll be $130 each person for a spot. The spots will be first come/pay first serve. Deadline for refund is December 15th after which refunds are only possible if someone on the waitlist can take your spot.
Payment methods:
Make sure payment is for friends/family
Equipment to bring
- Headlamp
- License
- Waders
- Knife for cutting Sea Urchin
- Scissor or Urchin Cutters
- Gloves
- Change of Clothes
- Buckets/containers
- Food to share
- Things you want to bring to airbnb
Itinerary
- 1/1
- 2:00PM Drive to Harvest Location
- 6:20-8:20 Harvest
- 9:00PM Cook and Eat Hotpot at Airbnb.
- 1/2
- 9:00 AM Eat brunch at airbnb
- 10:00AM Shop at Port Angeles Downtown
- 1:00 PM Port Angeles Heritage Tour
- 4:00-6:00 PM Port Angeles Fine Arts Center Night Gallery
- 7:08-9:08PM Harvest
- 9:30PM Cook and Eat Hotpot at Airbnb.
- 1/3
- 8:00 AM Eat breakfast at airbnb
- 9:00AM Explore Port Angeles Mural Trail
- 12:00PM Eat Lunch at Port Angeles
- 1:00 PM Shop at Port Angeles Downtown
- 7:53-9:30 PM Harvest
- 10:00 PM Last Dinner
- 1/4
- 9:00 AM Eat Breakfast
- 11:00 AM Checkout of airbnb
License
You will need to buy an annual shellfish license or a temporary combination license.
https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/login
Harvest Times
Low Tide is when we will harvest sea urchins
- 1/1 - 6:20-8:20PM Harvest(Optional)
- 1/2 - 7:08-9:08PM Harvest
- 1/3 - 7:53-9:30PM Harvest
Regulations
Be sure to read the regulations
Sea Urchin Forage Info
Be sure to read this guide
This is the only sea cucumber species we can harvest
California Sea Urchin
More
Species confirmed to be spotted at freshwater bay
For now we will only focus on sea urchins and sea cucumbers.
- Sea Urchins
- Sea Cucumbers
- Gooseneck barnacles
- Clams
- Oysters
- Mussels
Communication
WhatsApp
Carpool
We will arrange carpools in the whatsapp chat.
Do you need to dive?
No. You will only need waders. Waders are required and rain boots won't suffice unless you want to risk hypothermia.
Signup Form
https://forms.gle/WEc4UkaiS1fE7q7t94 attendees
Past events
5624

