PNW Outdoor 101 • Beginner Hiking & Camping

Not sure what to pack, where to go, or how any of this outdoor stuff actually works? You’re in the right place.

PNW Outdoor 101 is Sequoia Social Club’s beginner-friendly intro class for people who want an approachable way into hiking and camping.

No experience, expensive gear, or outdoorsy background required.
This class is built around practical outdoor systems, real beginner questions, and open discussion. We’re here to help make your next step outside feel a little more clear, manageable, and enjoyable.

Every class is shaped by the group, so no two sessions are exactly the same.

Classes are free and take place the first Monday of every month at Gearhouse Coffee.

Groups are small. If your plans change, please update your RSVP so someone else can grab the spot.

SCHEDULE
6:30 PM — Arrive & settle in
Grab a drink or food if you’d like. Gearhouse has excellent coffee, kombucha, beer, and sammies.

6:45 PM — PNW Outdoor 101 (~20 min)
The 10 Essentials, “Your Essentials,” and how to build a trip that fits your comfort level and goals.

7:10 PM — Open Q&A + Discussion (~40 min)
Bring your questions, what’s working, and where you’re stuck. We’ll talk things through and help you figure out your next step outside.

What we cover
Every class is a little different depending on the group, but common topics include:

• Planning hiking and camping trips in Washington
• Beginner gear without the overwhelm
• What’s essential vs. what actually just makes camping nicer
• Staying warm, dry, fed, and comfortable outside
• Camp cooking, sleep systems, and packing smarter
• Navigation, trail basics, and avoiding common beginner mistakes
• Wildlife, trail etiquette, campsite norms, and outdoor safety
• Leave No Trace principles and caring for the places we visit

What to expect

• An instructor who is a seasoned hiker and camper who loves helping beginners feel more at ease outside
• A beginner-friendly environment where questions are encouraged
• Practical information, real-world examples, and honest discussion
• A small group atmosphere with space to talk, learn, and connect
• Cozy coffee shop vibes with snacks and drinks available for purchase

This class is for:

• People new to hiking, camping, or the Pacific Northwest outdoors
• Outdoor-curious folks who feel intimidated by outdoor culture or don’t know where to start
• People wanting a gentler, lower-pressure entry point into outdoor spaces
• Folks wanting to build outdoor skills without pressure or expensive gear, or pretending to already know everything

While our events are geared toward beginners, all experience levels are welcome so long as they’re aligned with the spirit of the group.

Sequoia Social Club is proudly WTFNB-friendly (Women, Trans, Femme, Nonbinary) and welcoming to people of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities, religions, and experience levels.

Who this group is not for

• People looking for a dating meetup or pickup scene
• Folks expecting fast-paced, advanced, or performance-focused outdoor culture
• People looking down on beginners or unwilling to support a learning-focused environment
• Anyone expecting hardcore survival training, elite backpacking culture, or “no excuses” outdoor energy
• People unwilling to respect differing comfort levels, identities, or experience levels
• Folks more interested in proving themselves than helping create a welcoming experience for beginners

This group exists to help people feel more comfortable, capable, and welcomed outdoors. Folks who bring their curiosity, kindness, patience, and respect are welcome.

Come hang, ask questions, and let’s figure this outdoor thing out together.

Meet your instructor
Celeste Olds is a PNW outdoor instructor dedicated to building wilderness skills, confidence, and meaningful connections in nature. Her work is shaped by decades of project management, thousands of miles trekked through alpine terrain locally and abroad, and a lifetime of camping in the Pacific Northwest.