SOAR (Shared Outdoor Adventures for Resilience)

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)