SOAR (Shared Outdoor Adventures for Resilience)

2026 - 2027 Upcoming Hike Schedule

Note: We typically hike the 3rd Thursday of each month, with some exceptions 

Thursday, July 23^rd – Schmitz Park (West Seattle). 2.5 miles. Difficulty: Moderate (hills, some uneven terrain) 

10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at Schmitz Park at 10:20 a.m.

Schmitz Preserve Park offers walking paths through beautiful old growth forest. Prepare to forest bathe and explore about 2.5 miles of forest.

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Thursday, August 27^th – Richmond Beach (Shoreline). 1.5 - 2 miles. Difficulty: Moderate (hills/stairs, some uneven terrain)

10 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at Richmond Beach at 10:40 a.m.

Explore 1.5 to 2 miles of area around Richmond Beach exploring both the upper trail, descending the stairs to picnic, and then descending further to explore the pedestrian bridge and beach. Prepare for stairs/hill on the return journey.

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Friday, Sept. 11^th – Oxbow Loop Trail (North Bend area). 1.4 miles. Difficulty: Easier (flat, possible sticks/rocks on trail)

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at trailhead at 11 a.m.

Head to the Oxbow Loop Trail, tucked into the scenic Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Valley near North Bend. This easy pathway winds through an enchanted forest canopy of giant Douglas-fir, Western hemlock, and moss-draped bigleaf maples. Along the way, you can look out for local wildlife like river otters, elk, and chattering birds. We will encounter beautifully carved wooden log benches, perfect for a quick snack stop. Note: Discover Pass Required.

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Thursday, October 15th – Des Moines Creek Trailhead Loop (20300 18th Ave S, SeaTac). 2 miles. Difficulty: Easier (slight incline)

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at trailhead at 10:25 a.m.

Starting at the new Des Moines Creek Trailhead park, we will adventure on this hiking journey that follows a creek down to the water with views of the Sound. We will then return on the trail. Hike is about 2 miles with a gentle incline on the return journey.

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Thursday, November 19^th – Tradition Lake Loop (Issaquah). 2.9 miles. Difficulty: Easier.

10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at trailhead at 10:35 a.m.

Begin by following the Swamp Trail, along the way there are signs telling the "Swamp Monster" story. Next, you will follow the Ruth Kees Big Tree Trail and pass the Big Tree. You will pass some small ponds along the wetlands trail. An old school bus is located along the appropriately named Bus Trail. The Around the Lake Trail leads back to the start. Note: Discover Pass Required.

Thursday, December 17^th – Green Lake Loop (North Seattle). 2.8 miles. Difficulty: Easier.

10 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at Green Lake Community Boathouse at 10:40 a.m.

Green Lake is one of Seattle's most beloved parks. The park serves as a natural preserve for hundreds of species of trees and plants, as well as numerous birds and waterfowl. The 2.8-mile path around the lake provides a perfect recreational spot. 

Thursday, Jan. 21^st – Discovery Park Loop Trail (NW Seattle). 2.9 miles. Difficulty: Moderate (Rolling hills, some uneven terrain)

10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at Discovery Park South Parking Lot at 10:35 a.m.

The Loop Trail in Discovery Park offers a scenic hike in Seattle’s largest urban park. This trail takes you along the coastal bluffs of Puget Sound, with stunning views of the mountains and ocean. The path is well-marked, and along the route, there are interpretive signs that provide information about the park’s natural and cultural history.

Thursday, February 18^th – Redmond Watershed Preserve (Redmond). 1.1 miles. Difficulty: Easier.

10 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at trailhead at 10:40 a.m.

A unique feature of the Watershed Preserve is an ADA interpretive trail. Enjoy walking 1.1 miles on easy terrain enjoying the views of the forest. Note: Discover Pass required.

Thursday, March 18^th – Dash Point State Park (Federal Way). 2.8 miles. Difficulty: Easy-to-Moderate (stairs)

10 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at trailhead at 10:45 a.m.

Enjoy this forested trail with views of the water. Note: Discover Pass Required.

Thursday, April 15^th – Gas Works Park (North Seattle). 1 - 2 miles. Difficulty: Easy-to-Moderate (some flat/paved, some uneven terrain).

10 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at Gas Works Park at 10:25 a.m.

Gas Works Park has a play area with a large play barn, and big hill popular for flying kites. Special park features include a sundial and a beautiful view of Seattle. The Burke Gilman Trail runs past Gas Works parking lot and follows the Burlington-Northern Railroad. Participants will walk 1-2 miles on uneven terrain enjoying park features and the Burke Gilman Trail. 

Thursday, May 20^th- Hamlin Park Loop (Shoreline). 1.6 miles. Difficulty: Moderate (some uneven terrain, inclines)

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. with van ride from Seattle's Jefferson Community Center, or meet at Hamlin Park at 10:30 a.m.

Hamlin Park offers a stunning shaded journey among the trees, with beautiful fern, salal, and evergreen views. You'll experience some decent elevation changes and lots of wildflowers in spring. The park is equipped with parking, bathrooms, and a playground.

Thursday, June 24^th – Retreat at Golden Gardens (NW Seattle). Difficulty: Easy

10 a.m. – 3 p.m., no van transportation provided.

This end-of-season retreat brings together anyone who has participated in the SOAR program from July 2026-June 2027. Enjoy teambuilding, nature walk, lunch (included) and connection with friends.

Located in the Ballard neighborhood on Puget Sound, this popular park offers extraordinary views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. This park features two wetlands, a short loop trail, and restored the northern beach. Golden Gardens offers strolls along a rugged coastline, hikes through forest trails, sandy beaches, and 300' of shoreline at south end of park.