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- Vantage- beginner climbing and practice CRGreen Lake Park & Ride, Seattle, WA
Plan:
Let's head over to Frenchman Coulee at Vantage and explore beginner level climbing skills, including:
- Top Rope
- Rappelling
- Anchors
- Safety
- Plus some lead climbing on easy lower grade routes
And finish up with some Crevasse Rescue refresher
We will discuss any additional specifics in our discord channel:
https://discord.gg/CmQqcSyKCE
Team Gear:
Rock climbing rope
Quick draw set
Top Rope Anchor Material (cordalette/quad length sling and 4 locking carabiners)Personal Gear:
Harness
Helmet
Carabiners
Belay Device that you are comfortable using
Gloves
Climbing shoesClothing and Food/water:
- Comfortable climbing pants
- Comfortable shoes while waiting
- Layers in case of wind or any passing showers
- Sun block
- Food, snacks and water for the day- Something warm (soup or tea)
Getting There:
Head East on I-90 from Seattle. Follow this over the Columbia River past Vantage, WA.
Go up the hill and take exit 143 (the second exit after the river). At the bottom of the exit ramp take a left onto Silica road. Follow this road under the highway and take the first left onto Vantage road. Go down the canyon 1.4 miles. You will see parking on the left.Permit/Pass:
Discover Pass required for each vehicle. - Mussel Harvest on Whidbey IslandGreen Lake Park & Ride, Seattle, WA
Description
Imagine a day trip to the serene Long Beach on Whidbey Island, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. As you step onto the beach, the cool, salty breeze from the Puget Sound greets you, carrying with it the distant cries of seagulls. The beach, with its miles of unspoiled shoreline, is a haven for nature lovers and shellfish enthusiasts alike.
Your adventure begins with a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, the rhythmic sound of the waves lapping against the shore accompanying your thoughts. The beach is dotted with driftwood, each piece a natural sculpture shaped by time and tide. As you walk, you spot a bald eagle soaring high above, its majestic silhouette a stark contrast against the clear blue sky.
But the real treasure of Long Beach lies beneath the waves. At low tide, the sea retreats to reveal a bounty of mussels clinging to the rocks. With a shellfish license in hand, you can harvest these delicious bivalves. The thrill of the hunt is matched only by the satisfaction of a successful harvest.A trip to Long Beach on Whidbey Island isn’t just about getting mussels. It’s about immersing yourself in nature, taking a moment to slow down, and truly savoring the simple pleasures life has to offer. So why wait? The beach is calling. 🌊
Optional Clams
There are clams on the beach which we can harvest. They won't be the goal for the main group but if you're personally interested, you will be able to dig for them. Butter clams, cockles, horseclams, and native littlenecks are reported to be in this location. If you intend to do that then you will need to take responsibility for bringing equipment, knowing the regulations, risks, and everything else that goes with clamming.Itinerary
- 8:00AM We will meet at Green Lake Park and Ride
- 8:15AM-10:00AM We will carpool to Whidbey Island
- 10:00-10:45AM Eat Brunch
- 10:45-11:00 Drive and walk to Long Point
- 11:00-3:00 Harvest Mussels
- 3:00-5:00 Drive back to Seattle
- 5:00-6:00 Cook Mussel and Other Shellfish(Optional)
- 6:00-7:00 Eat Mussels(Optional)
Regulations
We can only harvest 10lbs on mussel and everyone must have a shellfish license.
Shellfish/Seaweed Species Rules - Washington Fishing | eRegulationsLocation
We will be harvesting mussel at Long Point. We will go to Twin Lagoons as backup if we don't find enough at Long Point.
Long Point and Long Point West | Washington Department of Fish & WildlifeWest Penn Cove and Twin Lagoons | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Equipment Needed
- Shellfish License. You can buy the annual shellfish license or one of the temporary combination licenses.
- Bucket
- Gloves(Highly recommended) and/or crowbar for prying mussels(Highly recommended)
- Study shoes
- Long Pants
- Your host will bring a scale for everyone
- Cooler
- Clamming Equipment(Optional)
- Cooking ingredients(Optional)
How to Harvest Mussel
Follow this linkWhy it's a good time
This is a good time according to this tidal chart.
WDFWBestClamOysterHarvestTides.pdf (wa.gov)Also mussel and other shellfish are best gotten before the summer when bacteria levels rise and mussels use their energy to spawn.
Communication
We will be using whatsApp for questions and communication
https://bit.ly/3J7qcF3Optional Cooking
We will host an optional cooking in Seattle after we get back. We can use my apartment lounge or if someone wants to volunteer to host us, that works as well.Waitlist and Liability form
Filling this liability form is required to get off waitlist
https://forms.gle/siAPpBod5A5FSV7V6Here is more info
Gather your share of shellfish as plenty of spring-time choices are blossoming on nearby beaches | by The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife | Medium