With the S.O.A.R. (Shared Outdoor Adventures for Resilience) Program, reinforce your strengths and connect with others through monthly small group hikes and other outdoor adventures in the Seattle area. This program is for people diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another dementia before age 65, alongside a family member or friend. Hikes are up to 3 miles, easy to moderate, and within 1 hour drive of Seattle. Optional van transportation available from Jefferson Community Center on Seattle's Beacon Hill, 3801 Beacon Ave S; participants can also meet at the trailhead. Space is limited and advance registration is required. A free program. The current season runs from July 2025 - June 2026. See program overview, hike schedule, and registration links below. Questions: Contact Marigrace Becker, mbecker1@uw.edu. 206-543-2440.
A program of the UW Memory & Brain Wellness Center, with hikes led by a Lifelong Recreation Specialist from Seattle Parks and Recreation. View program orientation PowerPoint here.
2025 - 2026 Flyer with Schedule!
Program FAQ
SOAR is open to people diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another dementia before age 65. Although 10% of people are diagnosed at a younger age, it can be easy to feel alone. SOAR aims to bring younger people together to build community, within a program that reinforces their strengths and abilities. If you were diagnosed after age 65, we can help point you toward other outdoor programs for people with memory loss, such as the Out & About walking program with Seattle Parks and Recreation.
Yes, the program is designed for pairs (a person with Alzheimer's alongside a family member or friend). This approach of everyone having a hiking buddy helps us safely offer a group program in the outdoors, with two staff people supporting the group.
The hikes vary in difficulty from easy to moderate. They are fairly flat, and vary in distance from 1 mile up to 3 miles. Please see the hike description links in the hike schedule below, or call us if you have particular questions about which will be the best fit for you.
No, you can pick and choose whichever hikes you would like to attend.
You have the choice to either take van transportation at 10 a.m. from Jefferson Community Center on Seattle's Beacon Hill (3801 Beacon Ave S), or to meet us at the hike location. Note that some hikes require a Discover Pass or Northwest Forest Pass to park at the trailhead. This is noted in the hike description below.
- Lunch, and snacks for the van ride
- Layers of clothing (dress for the weather)
- Water bottle
- Supportive walking shoes
- Sun hat or sunglasses if desired
- ID
- Cell phone
- Any personal items or medication that you need
- Discover Pass or Northwest Forest Pass (if required, and if parking at the trailhead. We will note this if needed).
- Sense of adventure!
Sign up for hikes by clicking on the registration links below. Space is limited and registration is required with deadline 2 days before each hike. Registration opens a few months before each hike date. (If you don't see a SIGN UP button, registration is not yet available)
Although we love our furry friends, dogs are not allowed on the hikes, with the exception of therapy dogs.
2025 - 2026 Upcoming Hike Schedule
Note: We typically hike the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Thurs 3/19/2026, Bridle Trails State Park – 5300 116th Ave NE, Kirkland
10 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or at Bridle Trails State Park at 10:35 a.m.
Bridle Trails State Park is boasts 489 forested acres with 28 miles of equestrian/pedestrian trails. Trillium Trail is a flat two miles in beautiful, forested scenery with interpretive signs throughout. Note: Discovery Pass required to park at the hike location.
Thurs 4/16/2026, Marymoor Park – 6046 West Lake Sammamish Parkway NE, Redmond
10 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or at Marymoor Parking Lot C at 10:35 a.m.
This walk includes a boardwalk view of Lake Sammamish. Enjoy sections of lush trees and shrubs called the “mysterious thicket” where you can see some of the best birding in the area. 2 to 3 miles of exploration on flat terrain. Note: parking at the hike location costs $1.
Thurs 5/21/2026- Edmonds Boardwalk to Marina Beach Park - 470 Admiral Way, Edmonds
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or at Edmonds Marina Beach Park at 10:50 a.m.
Enjoy this two-and-a-half-mile easy walk along the beach and the pier. We will park at the Edmonds Marina Beach Park and begin our beachfront walk on a relatively flat terrain. The trail offers beautiful views of the Puget Sound and Edmonds Ferry Terminal.
Thurs 6/25/2026 - End of Season Retreat! - Location TBD
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
This retreat welcomes anyone who participated in the SOAR program throughout the 2025-2026 season. Come together for a guided nature walk, teambuilding activities, and a time to reflect on the year and connect with friends. Lunch is included.
Upcoming Events
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S.O.A.R (Shared Outdoor Adventures for Resilience)
Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 10:00am
Join others with younger-onset Alzheimer's to reinforce your strengths through monthly small group hikes and other outdoor adventures in the Seattle area.
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S.O.A.R (Shared Outdoor Adventures for Resilience)
Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 10:00am
Join others with younger-onset Alzheimer's to reinforce your strengths through monthly small group hikes and other outdoor adventures in the Seattle area.
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S.O.A.R (Shared Outdoor Adventures for Resilience)
Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 10:00am
Join others with younger-onset Alzheimer's to reinforce your strengths through monthly small group hikes and other outdoor adventures in the Seattle area.
