About us
This group is about getting out with other people and being social while doing it.
This group is about real life. So online messaging of people you have not met in real life is not allowed.
For the rest of any rules of conduct . . . they pretty much run along the lines of your average cabin group for a sleep-away Summer Camp.
Think of this group as . . . Summer Camp For Adults.
With that . . .
. . . Here are the basics of group rules.
- Do NOT contact members who you have not met in real life. (see above)
- Avoid Put Downs.
- Speak For Yourself.
- Listen To Others.
- You Have The Option To Pass.
- Expect Unfinished Business.
Attendance rules: Try to always update your RSVP.
Photo and Name: You are allowed to join with whatever name and whatever photo. HOWEVER the main organizers may request you change either name or photo a their discretion.
Names that are products, promotional, advertisements are red flags that will be requested to change or be removed.
If you are using a photo that is not your face, a current face photo may be requested.
Here is the rule of thumb.
Fake name and fake photo will be requested to change to a real photo and a real name or face removal.
Real photo and fake name is usually fine. Fake photo and real name is usually fine.
IF you need to maintain privacy of both then contact the main organizers and just ask. That's all it takes usually.
Can't stress this enough . . . As a guideline do not message people you have not met in person. This is not an online dating place.
Ladies: If a guy messages you please contact me. There have been problems with that happening over meetup in general.
It's just not cool.
Meetup is about real life and not virtual.
Guys, . . . get off your computer and come to an event. Say hello in person. Smile, . . . be personable and decent.
And just be there to get to know people and make friends of whatever gender.
You can always use new good friends.
And this is one way to make/meet them.
Wingman tactics and and Pickup artist tactics are similarly not allowed in this group.
Organizers of another group that are not an organizer or host here are also not allowed to solicit members.
The rest of the rule are just good ways to live and be.
All organizers on the group do have different set of rules.
The (organizer) rules simplified.
- No Emailing (do not use the bulk email feature in any way)
- Do NOT use the "discussions box" on the main page of the group (it's spammy).
- No outside links
- Great Copy
- Great Pix
- 4 weeks notice is best.
- List any money costs in the first 2 or 3 lines.
Not too many rules.
Not too complicated.
They all have to do with respect for the membership.
Upcoming events
72
Wildlife Spotting Series - Part 1: Gem Lake via Snow Lake
Green Lake Park-and-Ride, 6601 8th Avenue Northeast, Seattle, WA, USDate: August 2, 2026 (Sunday)
Meetup Location: Green Lake Park & Ride
Meet Time: 9:45 AM (Please arrive on time. We'll leave promptly at 10:00 AM.)Join for Part 1 of our Wildlife Spotting Hiking Series! This adventure takes us to the stunning Gem Lake via Snow Lake, one of Washington's most scenic alpine hikes. We'll hike through lush forests, granite boulder fields, alpine meadows, and sparkling mountain lakes while keeping an eye out for some of the area's cutest alpine wildlife.
### Wildlife We Hope to Spot
- Pikas darting between the talus rocks
- Marmots relaxing on sun-warmed boulders
- Mountain birds soaring over the alpine ridges
This hike is the perfect introduction to our wildlife series before Part 2: Cascade Pass & Sahale Arm, where we'll be searching for the famous Mountain Goats in one of Washington's most spectacular alpine environments.
***
# About the Hike
Gem Lake sits high above Snow Lake at the base of Wright Mountain and offers breathtaking alpine scenery. We'll first hike to the iconic Snow Lake before continuing beyond the crowds to the quieter and equally beautiful Gem Lake.
Along the way we'll enjoy:
Crystal-clear alpine lakes
Expansive mountain views
Beautiful alpine meadows
Massive granite talus fields
Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
One of the most scenic day hikes near SeattleWhile Snow Lake is one of Washington's busiest trails, many hikers stop there, leaving the trail to Gem Lake much quieter and more peaceful.
Distance: 10 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to ChallengingGem Lake — Washington Trails Association
Gem Lake via Snow Lake and High Lakes Trail, Washington - 3,055 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
This hike is recommended for hikers who are comfortable hiking 10 miles with sustained elevation gain.
***
# Schedule
9:45 AM – Meet at Green Lake Park & Ride
10:00 AM – Depart
Drive time to the Alpental Trailhead is approximately 1 hour.
We'll make a quick stop at Safeway along the way so everyone can grab:- Water
- Coffee
- Snacks
- Any last-minute supplies
Google Maps Route (Park & Ride → Safeway → Trailhead):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EfQWVUBkTrpFPUtU9?g_st=iw***
# Carpool Information
Carpooling is encouraged!
Total carpool cost (gas + wear & tear): $30***
# Parking Pass
A valid Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for vehicles parked at the Trailhead.
***
# Bug Alert
Mosquitoes become much more active after reaching Snow Lake, especially near Gem Lake and whenever the group stops for breaks.
To make your hike much more enjoyable:
Apply bug spray before starting the hike (Picaridin or DEET recommended)
Wear lightweight long sleeves and long pants if possible
Bring a head net if mosquitoes usually find you irresistible
Keep moving in buggy areas rather than standing still for long periods
Trekking poles are highly recommended for the rocky terrain and steeper sections***
# What to Bring
2–3 liters of water
Lunch
Trail snacks
Hiking boots or trail runners
Warm layers
Rain jacket (mountain weather can change quickly)
Hat & sunglasses
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Trekking poles (recommended)***
# Trail Etiquette
Snow Lake is one of the most popular hikes in Washington, especially on weekends. Expect to encounter many hikers during the first part of the trail.
Let's help everyone enjoy the outdoors by:
Practicing Leave No Trace principles
Keeping noise levels low (please, no speakers)
Respecting other hikers
Giving way to hikers coming up the trail***
# Why Join?
This isn't just another lake hike.
It's the beginning of our Wildlife Spotting Series, combining spectacular alpine scenery with the chance to observe Washington's unique mountain wildlife in its natural habitat.
From sparkling lakes and colorful alpine meadows to playful pikas and curious marmots, every mile offers something memorable. Whether you're here for the photography, the wildlife, the mountain views, or simply a great day outdoors with fellow hikers, this adventure has something for everyone.
Let's kick off the series with one of the most beautiful alpine hikes in the Cascades!***
## Disclaimer
By RSVPing and attending, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own safety. Know your physical limits, come prepared, and help us make this a fun and safe adventure for everyone.
21 attendees
Alaska Glacier Cruise from San Francisco (10-Night) via The Inside Passage
Sea-Tac Airport (SEA), 17801 International Blvd,, Seattle, WA, USHere is a true Meetup to fill your summer with joy, adventure and new friends!
Join us for a 10-night Alaska Inside Passage & Glacier Cruise that’s packed with impact, not just time at sea. Let’s trade the summer heat in the city with glacier-draped landscapes, wildlife, and endless scenic seas and share it with like-minded people!Why This Meetup Trip Is Pure Magic?
- We sail round-trip from San Francisco, making travel easy for all Californians.
- Discover Alaska’s stunning fjords, glaciers, and coastal towns—epic scenery everywhere you look.
- It’s more than a standard cruise—this is Meetup community time at sea, with mixers, games, and social adventures included!
Our Route:
- Mon Aug 3 – Embark from San Francisco at 4:00 PM
- Tue–Wed Aug 4-5– Fun Days at Sea (relax, explore onboard!)
- Thu Aug 6 – Juneau, 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Fri Aug 7 – Skagway, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sat Aug 8 – Tracy Arm Fjord, glacier cruising!
- Sun Aug 9 – Ketchikan, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Mon Aug 10 – Prince Rupert, BC, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Tue–Wed Aug 11-12 – More at Sea — swim, spa, dance!
- Thu Aug 13 – Arrive San Francisco at 8:00 AM
Our Ship is Carnival Luminosa:
- Opened 2009, refurbished 2022—bright, welcoming, and full of light.
- Onboard features: Alchemy Bar, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, RedFrog Rum Bar, Playlist Productions, Punchliner Comedy Club, Cloud 9 Spa, and Serenity retreat.
- The ship keeps the fun going with bars, shows, a spa, and more!
Special Group Pricing:
As a Meetup group, we’ve locked in a special rate:- $1,244 per person for an interior cabin, double occupancy, all taxes & port fees included (limited availability)
- Upgrades available to ocean-view, balcony, or solo cabins. Click here for options and prices
Only RSVPs with deposit guarantee your cabin—space is limited!
Deposit: $450 per person, refundable (less PayPal fees) until April 25, 2026, when the final payment is due.We’re making this cruise a real Meetup experience:
- Reserved group dining so we can all eat together.
- Cocktail Mixer with Open Bar one evening—Cheers to that!
- Ice-breaker games, scavenger hunts, mixers & more.
- Built-in group of new friends—travel alone, with friends, or family!
Optional Shore Excursions:
Want to do more off the ship? We’ll organize optional group outings like:- Glacier & whale-watching tours
- Scenic rail rides in Skagway
- Walking tours or local eats in Juneau & Ketchikan
You choose your adventure—participate as much or as little as you like!
Who’s Invited?
Everyone! Singles, couples, families, solo travelers—all ages welcome. This is a trip about meeting awesome people and having fun, not relationship status.See and Feel the Vibe!
Peek at photos from past Meetup cruises to get the feel for our fun community:
👉 Trip Photo Gallery (Thanksgiving Cruise Memories)Ready to Sail?
- RSVP on Meetup to join the discussion and get updates.
- Submit your $450 deposit to hold your spot. Click Here
- Fill out the Attendee Info Form so we can match cabins and share details.
Questions? Message Ekaterina (Kate) directly.
We also do a monthly Q&A Zoom for all our international trips — come meet others attending and get your questions answered.
We do a monthly Q & A Zoom for all our international trips, including this one.
Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom
Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered.We believe in good decent social. We have a set of sister group we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too.
Click Here to see or join our other eventsThis isn’t just a cruise—it’s a Meetup Alaska Adventure at Sea! Craggy fjords, wildlife, glaciers, and lifelong memories await. Ready to trade your backyard for glacial views?
SOT 200318-10
6 attendees
Past events
3121
