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- Eldorado Peak or Sherman Peak (overnight training trip for Ptarmigan Traverse)Ash Way Park and Ride, Lynnwood, WA
THIS MEETUP IS MEANT AS A TRAINING TRIP FOR THE PARTICIPANTS ON THE PTARMIGAN TRAVERSE MEETUP THAT I'M HOSTING JULY 2-6. PRIORITY GOES TO PEOPLE ON THE PTARMIGAN TRAVERSE MEETUP, BUT MAY CONSIDER ADDING OTHERS. YOU WILL BE INITIALLY WAITLISTED, BUT I WILL ADD THOSE APPROPRIATE FOR THE TRIP
Please read the following:
Eldorado Peak:
Stats:
Elevation: 8,876 feet
Elevation Gain: 6,768 ft
Distance: 13 milesResources:
Eldorado Peak : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost
Eldorado Peak/Inspiration Glacier — The Mountaineers
Route: Inspiration Glacier: Eldorado Peak : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost
GPS link (or others on Peakbagger) Ascent of Eldorado Peak on 2024-06-22 - Peakbagger.comSherman Peak, and possibly Mt Baker (backup option)
Sherman Peak : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost
Route: Easton Glacier
Easton Glacier : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost
GPS Link: Ascent of Sherman Peak on 2020-07-19 - Peakbagger.comThe Plan:
Friday, June 20.
I plan to drive to the ranger station in Marblemount to try to secure overnight permits for Eldorado Peak. These permits are walk-up only. I will communicate to the group if I can secure overnight permits for the Eldorado Peak climb for Saturday night. If I can't, then we switch to climbing Sherman Peak instead. Either way, I will communicate with the group what the plan will be by Friday afternoon.TRANSPORTATION WILL BE UP TO EVERYONE ON THE TRIP. FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT TO OTHER S ON THE TRIP IF YOU NEED A RIDE. FEEL FREE TO COORDINATE THIS IN THE COMMENTS OR BY MESSAGING PEOPLE IN THE GROUP. FOR EITHER OPTION, THE SCHEDULE AND GEAR LIST WILL BE THE SAME. YOU CAN DECIDE IF YOU WANT TO CAMP AT THE TRAILHEAD FRIDAY EVENING OR DRIVE TO THE TRAILHEAD SATURDAY MORNING.
Saturday, June 21
5:30 AM Meet at the trailhead. If this time is too early, we can adjust the time accordingly. Keep in mind that an earlier start with cooler conditions will be better, safer, and more comfortable for our hike in.6 AM. Start our hike in.
We should arrive at our camp by early to mid-afternoon. If we have time, and conditions are safe, we can attempt the summit of Eldorado on Saturday, at least. I would caution against this for Sherman Peak. If we have downtime, we can practice snow anchors and crevasse rescue in a safe area.Sunday, June 22
Time T.B.D. We will attempt the summit (if we didn't on Saturday)
Return to camp by late morning or early afternoon. After a short break, we will break camp and hike out.
We should be at the trailhead by mid to late afternoon.We can stop for food along the way if people want.
What to bring:
Pack, warm clothing layers (expect rain, snow, and wind), hiking or mountaineering boots, crampons and helmet, hiking poles, ice ax, (climbing harness, ATC Belay device, carabiners, and prussiks), 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, and overnight camping gear. Ursacks, bear canisters, or secure food storage. EACH ROPE TEAM SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST 1 30-40 METER ROPE, 2 PICKETS, 2 PULLEYS, 1 SHOVEL, 1 2-WAY RADIO (ROCKIE TALKIE OR SIMILAR), AND A FOAM SLEEPING PAD.Drivers should have directions and NW forest pass or equivalent. Bring money for the permit costs as well.
Everyone bring good cheer!From google maps:
For Eldorado Peak
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WtqU6uzCGgWthfmi7
For Sherman Peak (Park Butte Trailhead):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vdKowmraYzfs9oCN8
