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 before age 65, alongside a family member or friend. Hikes are up to 3-4 miles, fairly flat, 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. 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.
This program made possible through support from the I'm Still Here Foundation.
Learn more in press release Hikes Planned for Those with Younger Onset Alzheimer's.
Program FAQ
Who can participate?
- SOAR is open to people diagnosed with Alzheimer's 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.
Do I have to come with a hiking partner?
- Yes, the program is designed for pairs (a person with Alzheimer's alongside a family member or friend)
How challenging are the hikes?
- The hikes vary in difficulty from easy, to the "easier side of medium." They are fairly flat, and vary in distance from 1 mile up to 4 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.
Do I have to sign up for all the hikes?
- No, you can pick and choose whichever hikes you would like to attend.
Is transportation provided?
- 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.
What should I bring on the hike?
- 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!
How do I sign up?
- 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).
Hike Schedule
Thurs 8/24/23: Schmitz Preserve, West Seattle.
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at hike location at 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy up to 2 miles of flat, wooded trails near Alki Beach.
Thurs 9/7/23: St. Edwards St Park, Kenmore
10 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at hike location at 10:45 a.m. (Discover Pass required if parking at trailhead, and can be purchased at the parking lot)
Enjoy up to 3 miles of rolling, wooded trails on the shores of Lake Washington, and an historic lodge with art gallery.
Thurs 10/26/23: Oxbow Loop Trail, North Bend
10 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at hike location at 11 a.m. (Discover Pass required if parking at trailhead; purchase in advance)
Follow an easy 1.8 mile loop trail around Oxbow Lake in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Valley.
Thurs 11/2/23: Carkeek Park, Northwest Seattle
10 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at hike location at 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy up to 3.5 miles of rolling wooded trails, reminiscent of the North Cascades! Location also features an orchard, beach walking and salmon viewing in Piper's Creek.
Thurs 12/7/23: Fir Island Farm Reserve, Mt Vernon
10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at the hike location at 11 a.m. (Discover Pass required if parking at trailhead; purchase in advance)
Enjoy 1-2 miles of easy walking paths in a protected estuary, with the chance to see snow geese.
Thurs 1/4/24: Kubota Garden, Southeast Seattle
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at hike location at 10:15 a.m.
Enjoy 1-2 miles of easy walking paths in a relaxing, Japanese-inspired landscape.
Thurs 2/1/24: Lord Hill Regional Park, Snohomish
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at hike location at 11 a.m.
Enjoy 3-4 miles of easy walking trails in woods and fields.
Thurs 3/7/24: Union Bay Natural Area, University District, Seattle
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at hike location at 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy 2-3 miles of easy walking trails alongside Lake Washington, with bird watching, nature observation and labyrinth.
Thurs 4/4/24: Redmond Watershed Preserve, Redmond
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at hike location at 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy 2-3 miles of easy walking trails through the woods.
Thurs 5/2/24: Franklin Falls, Snoqualmie Pass
10 a.m - 2:30 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at hike location at 11 a.m. (Northwest Forest Pass required if parking at the hike location)
Hike 2 miles, slightly uphill, through the woods to lovely waterfall views.
Upcoming Events
No upcoming events are currently on the schedule. Please check again soon!
