What we’re about
Washington Women Outdoors (WWO) is a non-profit organization founded in the Fall of 1977 and recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) in the Spring of 1979, that is run almost entirely by volunteers. We engage in outdoor activities in the Washington, DC area where women share skills, experience, strengths, and support to enhance and expand each woman's world. We welcome women of diverse ages, races, and lifestyles. WWO provides instruction by women for women. Activities are available for all skill levels to inspire the beginner and to challenge the more advanced.
WWO members are independent women who seek adventure in the outdoors. We have a passion for hiking, biking, rock climbing, caving, backpacking, kayaking, cross country skiing, horseback riding, hang gliding, and anything that tests our strength and broadens our horizons. We enjoy meeting new people who want to travel with us to beautiful places in the wilderness. If you are open to learning new things in a supportive environment and enjoy sharing the outdoors with other women, we invite you to join us.
WWO is different than typical Meetup groups. We scout our hiking and biking trips. Each trip is led by two leaders. One leader stays at the front of the group and the second leader is the sweep. Each participant is encouraged to participate at her own pace, and the sweep is there to ensure that no one is left behind. We want each participant to go at their own pace so that they enjoy their experience and come back to the outdoors.
Please visit our website: https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.org/ for more information and to register for events.
Upcoming events
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Hemlock Overlook Regional Park
Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, 13220 Yates Ford Road, Clifton, VA, USHemlock Regional Overlook Park features a scenic network of hiking trails through mature forests along Bull Run Stream offering peaceful walks and varied terrain for all skill levels.
This park has a rich history that dates back to its early days as a university outdoor education center. The park's significance in the region is highlighted by the presence of the Union Mills and the bridge crossing for the Orange and Alexandria Railroad over Bull Run, which are of high historical importance. Another historical feature is the site of a dam that supported the first hydroelectric power generation in Fairfax County, Virginia. The park's designation as part of the National Old-Growth Forest Network showcases some of the regions oldest trees, beloved to be at least 250 years old.
Miles: 4-5
Rating: Level 2 Hiking Rating Scale
$0 Members; $15 non-members.
- Register for this event on our website with this link: Washington Women Outdoors - Hike: Hemlock Overlook Regional Park
- Upon completion of registration, trip information will be forwarded by email. If you do not see confirmation email from Washington Women Outdoors in your in-box, please check your spam folder. No further trip details will be provided on Meetup.
- If you're not ready to register for this event but would like more information, please email: hike@washingtonwomenoutdoors.org
Find out about WWO Member benefits here: Membership (washingtonwomenoutdoors.org)
2 attendees
It’s all Happening at the Zoo Bicycle Ride
Bethesda, MD, US19 miles mostly on closed roads and trails but with a few short, steep climbs on residential streets and a very gradual uphill on the Capital Crescent Trail. Suitable for advanced beginners and above on road or hybrid bikes.
$0 members, $15 non-members
What a fun ride! Leaving from Bethesda, we will travel on residential roads, bicycle trails and the now permanently closed-to-traffic roads of Rock Creek Park to arrive at the National Zoo. Once there, we will receive a special tour by our ride leader who also volunteers at the zoo and will give us the inside scoop on zoo residents and conservation efforts. We’ll have lunch at the zoo before heading back to Bethesda along the Capital Crescent Trail. As with all our rides, we will have a leader and sweep and no one will be left behind. Ride start is accessible by Metro.
- You must register for this ride on our website at this link: https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org/event-6456240
- Upon completion of registration, trip information will be forwarded by email. If you do not see confirmation email from Washington Women Outdoors in your in-box, immediately check your spam folder.
No further trip details will be provided on Meetup.
There is limited space on this event. Register early on our website to reserve your spot! Although this ride is FREE for Members, please register!
Find out about WWO Member benefits at this link: https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.wildapricot.org/Membership
If you're not ready to register for this event and would like more information, please email: bike@washingtonwomenoutdoors.org1 attendee
Discover Scuba Diving Experience
Washington, DC, Washington Monument, DC, USHave you always wondered what it is like to breathe underwater? Come join us for an introduction to scuba diving experience!
Register for this event on our website at this link:
https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.org/event-6418947
$65 members; $75 non-members
Find out about WWO Member benefits at this link*:*
https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.org/membership-fees/
What to Expect:
Dive Into Adventure & Conservation
Make your first bubbles count! This unique experience combines the excitement of learning to scuba dive with the purpose of protecting our oceans.
Start with the PADI Coral Reef Conservation Specialty Course (held over Zoom), where you’ll discover the challenges coral reefs face and how regenerative diving practices—like coral planting—are helping reefs recover worldwide. You’ll gain real-world knowledge about restoration efforts and how divers like you are making a difference.
Then, bring your knowledge to life in the pool during the PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience! Our instructors will guide you as you take your first breaths underwater and learn the basics of scuba diving in a heated pool. Most people are shocked at how easy it is! You’ll even get the chance to practice coral planting techniques underwater—a hands-on way to connect your new dive skills with marine conservation.
All you need to bring is your sense of adventure, a swimsuit, and a towel. We will provide everything else.
After you complete your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with additional event details and event location. Please note that if you have any medical conditions or take prescription medications, you would need to obtain a doctor's approval note.
No further trip details will be provided on Meetup.
If you're not ready to register for this event and would like more information, please email: eliza.ledwell@gmail.com2 attendees
Past events
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