About us
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
112
Mount Wow - moderate pace, good terrain and snow travel skills
South Renton Park & Ride, 205 South 7th Street, Renton, WA, USAfter the "character building" meetup this past weekend, I feel that I owe the group an outing with better views and less bushwhacking. Mt Wow will hopefully be fit the bill. It starts along the western end of Mt Rainier National Park along the Boundary trail. It ascends a steep ridge with class 2 to 3 sections towards the top. Expect some light bushwacking, but hopefully nothing like last week. The summit view includes Mt Rainier and the surrounding area.
Stats:
Distance: 10+ miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 4,500+ feet
Highest Point: 6,040 feetTrip Reports
Mount Wow — Washington Trails Association
Winter Scramble - Mount Wow — The Mountaineers
Recent Video:
Our PNW Adventure of a Lifetime | Climbing Mount Wow
GPS (the approaches seem slightly different, so I would download both for comparison):
Ascent of Mount Wow on 2026-04-18 - Peakbagger.com
Ascent of Mount Wow on 2025-06-05 - Peakbagger.comExpect hiking on possible steep, slippery, exposed, and varied terrain in a variety of snow conditions and a mix of exposed rock, vegetation, and possible snow and ice. PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BE COMFORTABLE WITH THIS TYPE OF TERRAIN. Good situational awareness, snow travel skills, and teamwork are essential to have a fun and safe outing while avoiding hazards. The group pace should be moderate (around 2 miles per hour average). IF YOU RSVP, YOU WILL INITIALLY BE WAITLISTED. PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTIONS, WHEN PROMPTED. I WILL ADD PEOPLE WHO ARE WITH APPROPRIATE SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND GEAR.
The Plan (subject to change):
6:00 AM Meet at the Park and Ride and arrange carpools. Let's plan to depart by 6:15.8 AM meet at the trailhead. Have your bags packed so we can minimize time preparing.
1-3 PM Depending on the group pace we should arrive at the summit. Plan to spend about a half hour to enjoy the view, eat food, and relax at the summit. If we're running behind schedule, we'll spend less time at the summit though.
We should arrive back at the trailhead by 5 or 6 PM but expect that we could be out later than that.
It is about a 1.5 to 2 hour trip between the trailhead and park and ride. We can also stop for food on the way back if people want to. Each carpool should coordinate that beforehand.
What to bring:
Pack, warm clothing layers (expect rain, snow, and wind), hiking or mountaineering boots, microspikes, helmet, hiking poles, ice ax, 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. Drivers should have directions and NW forest pass or equivalent. Snowshoes and crampons are optional, but based on recent trip reports, they could be helpful. I will likely bring a shovel and handline rope for team gear.
Everyone bring good cheer!Trailhead location (from Google Maps)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/feaQFA7T2hpWF6T464 attendees
Granite Lake Hike
Eastgate Park & Ride - East Side Under Overpass, 14244 SE Eastgate Way, 47.580195 N 122.151414 W, Bellevue, WA, USAn early season hike in Snoqualmie spanning 8.8 miles, 2300ft. It'll be a steady slope up with some fallen trees and potential snow near the lake based on recent trip reports. Expect a speed of about 1.8-2mph with some breaks.
WHAT TO BRING: light layers, light snack/lunch, water (1L+), hiking shoes. And a bag for your hiking shoes afterwards (to help drivers)
- Gaiters, microspikes, poles may be helpful for snow (use your own judgement!)
- Drivers need the Discover Pass
- Carpoolers should help chip in for gas
Agenda: Expect a <1h one-way drive to/from the trailhead, 4~5h of hiking, and a short break by the lake
EVENT RULES:
- I move people off the wait-list based on availability, answers & past events. Hikes are capped at 8~10 people
- If you need to cancel, do so 24H before (last minute adds aside) so others have a chance
- Attendees are responsible for their own safety and should have read the event details (& trip reports optionally)
- No dogs or guests allowed
8 attendees
Mount Townsend Hike
Green Lake Park-and-Ride, 6601 8th Avenue Northeast, Seattle, WA, US## Logistics
We're experimenting with Oak, an app designed for outdoor adventures! Please feel free to give it a try, but this is not mandatory. I will add you as long as you've filled out a profile picture, fitness level, and skill levels (5-10 minutes). please see link here
Please commit to your RSVP, as space is limited. If you can't make it, please change your RSVP ASAP.
Everyone will go to the waitlist by default, and I will add riders as drivers become available. It is your responsibility to check your waitlist status, and to remove yourself from the waitlist if you can no longer attend. The total cap is 12 people. Please answer all RSVP questions so I can get accurate headcounts for each location.
Carpooling
Drivers, please comment that you are driving and how many you can take, as well as your meeting point (Green Lake P&R or a sensible East Side P&R)*
- Riders, please reply to these comments if you'd like to join a driver.
*Eastsiders, I can meet you at a P&R near Redmond (ideally South Kirkland), but I will ultimately go to Green Lake.
Please** avoid going directly to the TH**, as this can often lead to us missing each other.
Comms
*A WhatsApp chat will be posted at least the day before. Please join this ASAP* only if on the going list *so we can coordinate on the day of.
- If you join through Oak, there will be a group chat available and linked to the event, but the WhatsApp chat is the source of truth, and everyone should join it.
Gas+Ferry will be 35 per person for a car of 4 (25 if we choose no ferry). Be sure to pay your drivers ASAP before or during the trip!
## Details
Name: Mount Townsend Trail
Links: AllTrails, WTA
Distance: ~8.6mi
Elevation: ~3000ft## Notes
*It's still early season, but it will be fairly warm (low 70s at base). Layer accordingly.
- There's still some snow on the trail. Wear waterproof shoes and bring spikes.
## Itinerary
5:45: Meet at Green Lake Park & Ride (South Lot) and organize into cars. Eastsiders to South Kirkland P&R at 05:30, then to Green Lake.
**6:00: Leave for Edmonds Ferry Dock **in Edmonds: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KjtXvPG7tLyhXTw16** *FERRY ALT: I-5 South via Tacoma, coffee stop at Valhalla Coffee Co: https://maps.app.goo.gl/N8FdsQ531zw1692X6. Toll Road **on the return route.
**6:20: **Arrive at terminal, grab some coffee, wait for ferry boarding
**7:10: **Ferry departs
**7:40: **Ferry arrives in Kingston
**9:00ish: Arrive at Mount Townsend Upper Trail Head: **https://maps.app.goo.gl/whfsNQnRYpAZvJmGA
**9:15 - 3:00ish: **Hike, grab lunch, and return
**5:30 - 7:00: Depart from Kingston Ferry Terminal **on the ferry (timing depends on wait time): https://maps.app.goo.gl/3rUb3vqCrSVHYXH49
**6:30 - 8:00: **Arrive back at Green Lake P&R5 attendees
Alpine Climb: Kaleetan Peak- Advanced Skills **Read Description**
Eastgate Park and Ride, 14243 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue, wa, USJoin us for an early-season alpine scramble to Kaleetan Peak, one of the most prominent and rewarding summits in the Snoqualmie Pass area. This route combines a long forest approach, scenic alpine lakes, snow travel, and a steep final push to the summit with expansive views. This is not a casual hike. It is a full-value alpine day involving snow scramble sections on the upper mountain.
Meet Time
7 AM (early start required for a long day)Where to Meet Us
Eastgate PnR. We will carpool to the Denny Creek trailead. Please arrive on time so we can organize and depart efficiently.Route Overview
- https://www.peakbagger.com/climber/ascent.aspx?aid=2922927
- Peak Elevation: 6,224 ft
- Distance: ~12 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~4,500 ft
- Duration: ~8–10 hours
- Difficulty: Hard / Alpine snow and rock scramble
- Route: Denny Creek → Melakwa Lake → Melakwa Pass → White Ledges → Kaleetan Peak
- Return the same way or the standard route back to the lake and out.
Route Details from Melakwa Pass:
The following steps outline the approach and ascent from Melakwa pass:- Traverse from Melakwa Pass: From the saddle of Melakwa Pass, turn left (west) and continue across a steep boulder field.
- Ascend White Ledges: Head toward the "white ledges" located beneath the southeast shoulder of Kaleetan Peak. Ascend these narrow, steep ledges to reach the ridgeline.
- Cross the South Flank: Once above the ledges, follow a faint way trail through the scree field on the peak's south flank.
- Final Summit Scramble: The final ascent is through a steep, loose gully. This section is a Class 2-3 scramble with stable handholds on the rock but significant loose dirt and scree; staying on the rock to the right is often recommended for better stability.
Important Notes
- This is a long and physically demanding day
- Upper mountain involves steep snow travel and snow scramble terrain (Class 2–3 depending on conditions)
- Ice axe and crampons required for the summit push
- Route finding may be necessary above Melakwa Lake
- Descent can be more hazardous than ascent depending on snow conditions
- We will check weather and avalanche conditions before the trip
Required Gear
Must have:- Ice axe
- Crampons
- Helmet
- Mountaineering boots or rigid hiking boots (crampon compatible)
- Warm layers for winter conditions
- Food and water for the day
- Navigation (GPS/map)
- Trekking poles
- Wind and sun protection
- 10 essentials
Skill Requirement
- Strong fitness for 4,500 ft gain and 12 miles
- Comfortable traveling on snow
- Familiar with ice axe use (self-arrest strongly recommended)
- Prior winter or alpine experience preferred
Parking Pass
Northwest Forest Pass.
Co-ordinates: 47.4152, -121.4433Disclaimer
By joining, you acknowledge that this is a high-risk alpine activity involving snow travel, snow scramble terrain, and changing mountain conditions. You are responsible for your own safety, gear, and decision making. Organizers are not liable for any injuries or losses.14 attendees
Past events
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