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- Trout, Malachite, and Copper Lakes Hike [Moderate]Green Lake Park & Ride, Seattle, WA
Join us for a tour of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness! Jump in a cold lake on a hot day as we visit Trout Lake, Lake Malachite, and Copper Lake!
Please note:
- Recent reports indicate there is still some snow on the trail. Trekking poles, waterproof hiking shoes/boots, and microspikes recommended.
- We're not doing the entire 14.6mi route to Big Heart Lake, but the 8.6mi loop to Copper Lake and back. If the team is feeling good at Copper Lake we can consider going to Little Heart Lake (adding ~2.5mi round trip).
## Logistics
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.
- 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 are free to self-organize a carpool and meet us at the coffee shop
- Please avoid going directly to the TH, as this can often lead to us missing each other
Gas will be $15 per person for a car of 4. Be sure to pay your drivers ASAP before or during the trip!
## Details
Name: Trout Lake, Copper Lake, Lake Malachite (West Fork Foss Lakes Trail)
Distance: 8.6mi (possible extension to 11mi)
Elevation: 2634ft (possible extension to ~3000ft)## What to bring
- Appropriate footwear
- Spare socks
- An extra layer for cooler temps at the top
- Trekking Poles recommended
- Plenty of water - at least 2L
- Sunscreen and any sun protection you'd like to bring
- Plenty of food and snacks - I generally bring several granola and protein bars (one for every ~2mi), plus lunch
- Any other 10 Essentials you think are appropriate. I'll have first aid, a knife, and several copies of the route.
## Itinerary
6:30: Meet at Green Lake Park & Ride (South Lot) and organize into cars. Eastsiders can self-organize if desired.
6:45: Leave for Vinaccio Coffee in Monroe
7:15ish: Arrive at coffee shop for coffee/breakfast/bathroom break
8:30ish: Arrive at West Fork Foss Lakes Trailhead
8:45 - 3:00ish: Hike, grab lunch, and return
5:00 - 5:30ish: arrive back at the Park & Ride
![Trout, Malachite, and Copper Lakes Hike [Moderate] cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/5/5/d/event_528214141.webp "Trout, Malachite, and Copper Lakes Hike [Moderate]")
