Community Worth Knowing is our curated list of outdoor groups and accounts for outdoorsy women and women+ in the Seattle area and PNW. Find welcoming, inclusive communities to hike, ski, climb, paddle, and adventure together—across all seasons. ADAPTIVE SPORTS • Outdoors for All Foundation - (co-ed, youth, adult) • Adaptive Pathways Recreational Therapy: Inclusive recreational therapy for children and adults with disabilities, helping them achieve their goals and discover joy through movement, connection, and creativity.(co-ed) ALL SEASONS • Bronze Chapter (co-ed, all seasons) – https://thebronzechapter.org/ • Girls with Grit (all seasons) – https://linktr.ee/girlswithgritnw • Hiker Babes Seattle (hike and snowshoe) – https://www.instagram.com/hikerbabesseattle/ • Outdoor Asian WA (co-ed, all seasons) – https://www.instagram.com/outdoorasianwa/ • Outdoors for All Foundation (co-ed, Adaptive sports, all seasons) – https://outdoorsforall.org/ • SheJumps (all seasons) – https://www.shejumps.org/ • Shred-It Sisters - (mtn bike & snow) https://linktr.ee/shreditsisters • Vertical World (co-ed, indoor climbing) – https://verticalworld.com/ • Sisters in Action Sports (all seasons) – https://www.sistersinactionsports.org/ • Wild Women Escapes (all seasons) – https://www.wildwomenescapes.com/about/ BIKE • Crank Sisters - Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance – https://www.evergreenmtb.org/about/crank-sisters • Shred-It Sisters - https://linktr.ee/shreditsisters CAMPS, CLINICS & RETREATS • AdventurUs Women (all seasons) – The AdventurUs • Deep Rooted Retreats – https://www.deeprootedretreats.com/ • Girls with Grit (all seasons) – https://linktr.ee/girlswithgritnw • Bronze Chapter (co-ed, all seasons) – https://thebronzechapter.org/ • Rippin Chix (snow) – https://www.rippinchix.com/ • SheJumps (all seasons) – https://www.shejumps.org/ • Seattle Dive Tours - (co-ed) Seattle Dive Tours • Wild Women Escapes (all seasons) – https://www.wildwomenescapes.com/about/ CLIMB • Vertical World (co-ed, indoor climbing) – https://verticalworld.com/ • Sisters in Action Sports (all seasons) – https://www.sistersinactionsports.org/ EXPERIENCES • Good Day Sauna – West Seattle & events (co-ed) https://www.gooddaysauna.com/ • Center for Wooden Boats (co-ed & Women on the Water) – https://www.cwb.org/ • Mama and Me Adventure Club: Outdoor adventures, hikes, walks, camping trips, for moms and their children in the Maple Valley and Issaquah areas. • SheBirds: Guided birding walks and nature experiences welcoming birders of all ages, abilities, and experience FISHING • Girls with Grit (all seasons) – https://linktr.ee/girlswithgritnw • Puget Sound Women on the Fly (fishing) – https://www.pugetsoundwomenonthefly.org/ HIKE • Hiker Babes – https://www.hikerbabescommunity.com/ • Hiker Babes Seattle (hike and snowshoe) – https://www.instagram.com/hikerbabesseattle/ • HumanNature Forest Bathing – (co-ed) https://www.forestbathingfinder.com/guide-profile/humannature/ • Snoqualmie Ranger District (USFS) (co-ed, hike and snow) – https://www.fs.usda.gov/mbs SNOW & WINTER • BIPOC Mountain Collective (co-ed, snow) – https://www.bmcseattle.org/ • Edge Outdoors (snow) – https://edgeoutdoors.org/ • Girls with Grit (all seasons) – https://linktr.ee/girlswithgritnw • Hiker Babes Seattle (hike and snowshoe) – https://www.instagram.com/hikerbabesseattle/ • Lap and Yap Club (snow, touring) – https://www.strava.com/clubs/1913814 • Mt. Rainier Nordic Patrol (co-ed, snow) – https://www.mtrainiernordicpatrol.com/ • Outdoor Asian WA (co-ed, all seasons) – https://www.instagram.com/outdoorasianwa/ • Outdoors for All Foundation (co-ed, all seasons) – https://outdoorsforall.org/ • Rippin Chix (snow) – https://www.rippinchix.com/ • SheJumps (all seasons) – https://www.shejumps.org/ • Shred-It Sisters - https://linktr.ee/shreditsisters • Sisters in Action Sports (all seasons) – https://www.sistersinactionsports.org/ • Snoqualmie Ranger District (USFS) (co-ed, hike and snow) – https://www.fs.usda.gov/mbs • The Change Collective (co-ed, snow) – https://linktr.ee/the.change.collective • the Service Board - https://theserviceboard.org/ • Wild Women Escapes (all seasons) – https://www.wildwomenescapes.com/about/ • Women Who Love X-Country Skiing (snow) – https://www.facebook.com/groups/492056405530712/ WATER • Bronze Chapter (co-ed, all seasons) – https://thebronzechapter.org/ • Center for Wooden Boats (co-ed & Women on the Water) – https://www.cwb.org/ • Lake Union Crew - (co-ed) https://lakeunioncrew.com/adult/ • Montlake Rowing Club - http://www.montlakerowing.org/ • Seattle Dive Tours - (co-ed) Seattle Dive Tours • Seastr PNW - https://www.seastrpnw.com/ • Surf Vamps – https://www.instagram.com/surfvamps/ YOUTH PROGRAMS & EVENTS • Center for Wooden Boats (Women on the Water) – https://www.cwb.org/ • Crank Sisters - Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance – https://www.evergreenmtb.org/about/crank-sisters • Outdoors for All Foundation -https://outdoorsforall.org/ • SheJumps (all seasons) – https://www.shejumps.org/ • Sisters in Action Sports (all seasons) – https://www.sistersinactionsports.org/ • the Service Board - (co-ed) https://theserviceboard.org/ VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Center for Wooden Boats (Women on the Water) – https://www.cwb.org/ Mt. Rainier Nordic Patrol: A volunteer ski and snowshoe patrol on Mount Rainier’s winter trails.(co-ed) Outdoors for All Foundation - (co-ed, youth, adult) https://outdoorsforall.org/ Snoqualmie Ranger District (USFS) (co-ed, hike and snow) – https://www.fs.usda.gov/mbs ACCOUNTS we really like Andrea Kelly - Size inclusion consultant for the apparel industry - https://makeplusequal.com/ Books: Outdoorsy Women Book Club - https://www.instagram.com/ruggedoutdoorswoman/ Deb Armstrong (Ski tips Instagram) – https://www.instagram.com/armstrong.deb/ Deb Armstrong – Ski Strong (YouTube) – https://www.youtube.com/@DebArmstrongSkiStrong Grounding Wellness - wellness support to parents–to–be, new parents and perinatal care Stephanie LaDuke Heather Yancey Fitness - https://www.heatheryanceyfitness.com/ Mama Me Adventure Club – https://www.instagram.com/mamameadventure.club/ Outdoor Fun with Kids (WA) – https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.fun.for.kids.wa/ SaunterMama – https://www.instagram.com/sauntermama/ Weeden Wanders – (trips + Hyak touring get togethers: Lap N Yap) https://www.instagram.com/weeden_wanders/ PRODUCTS we like: women-owned business Alpine Fit - Technical outdoor apparel - https://alpinefit.com/ Emma Ouimette - Custom sunnies & parties https://www.emmaouimette.com/shop Kula Cloth- Reusable antimicrobial pee cloth - https://kulacloth.com/ Tara Shakti - Retro inspired ski/snowboard apparel - https://tarashakti.com/ Let us know: Are you looking for something we don't have listed? Are you part of a group that we should include? Contact us: hello@WomensOutdoorConnection.com

I didn’t think he’d die. On Monday, February 1, 2010, at 9:17 a.m., my husband Tyler died from a stroke. He went to the hospital on Sunday, January 17. A week later he had surgery and never woke up. Tyler was 49. Our sons were 9 and 17. We met when he was 20 and I was 19, at the top of Alpental on a spring ski day. Tyler and I dated on and off for years. I was young, and commitment took time. In 1990, when my stepdad died, we came back together. He and Tyler had a special bond, and losing him pulled us back together in a way nothing else had. We married in 1992. This week, it's been 16 years. It feels like yesterday. It also feels like a lifetime ago. Those early years after he died were heavy in a way I didn’t know existed. There was a cloud over everything. I stopped making plans because I didn’t know what kind of day it would be — for me or for my kids. I was always waiting for the next thing to go wrong. Another rug pulled out from under our feet. People around me still had problems. But my perspective shifted completely. A friend worried about her son vaping. I worried about how my sons would make it through. Not every day was sad. Most days were just… good enough. And a good enough day was a blessing. One day, during a normal conversation with my insurance agent, I admitted that when my sons called me, I usually answered the phone the same way. "Are you okay?" He paused and said something like, "That’s terrible." He meant well. But he didn’t understand. It wasn’t pessimism. It was worry. It was how I had learned to listen. When you’ve already lost the person you thought you couldn’t live without, your body stays on alert. You don’t wait for good news. You check for survival first. There were days I had nothing left. No energy. No focus. Just getting through the day felt like work. People meant well. They offered advice. But no one really knows what helps. There are no clean answers. Everything felt hard. Parenting was hard. I made mistakes. I recently listened to Eckhart Tolle talk about unhappiness. One thing stuck with me: the situation was painful enough. The constant fear and what-ifs made it harder. The situation was brutal. My husband was gone. I was raising two boys alone. That part was real and unchangeable. But the constant mental noise — the fear, the what-ifs, the waiting for the next disaster — that was exhausting in a different way. Most of the time I couldn’t think about the future at all. It was too much. And without realizing it, I learned to live closer to the present moment. Not because I was enlightened, but because I had no other choice. Some days I was just watching. Like a bird always looking around. Alert. Aware. Grounded. Drifting off into my thoughts felt dangerous. Eckhart talks about how life isn’t here to make us happy. I agree with that, even though I wish it weren’t true. Believing life should be fair or safe only made things harder. Letting go of that expectation didn’t fix the pain, but it changed my fight with reality. I don’t believe that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I hate that phrase. It’s bullshit. Some things don’t make you stronger. They just change you. They narrow your world for a while. They strip things away. They lower the bar from happy, to okay, to good enough. And sometimes, good enough is exactly enough. My sons and I did come out of it. Each in our own way. There are still hard days — thinking about Tyler, or about how they remember, or try to remember, their dad. Hard days never go away. I don’t think they’re supposed to. But there is also life. Real life. Quieter. More careful. Less careless with what matters. Over time, my family, friends, and the ski community helped rebuild something I didn’t know could be rebuilt. Not all at once. Not perfectly. Just enough. That’s part of why connection matters so much to me now — why helping other women find their people, their place, their way back to themselves feels important. Sometimes, showing up is enough.

Thursday, December 18 5:30–8:30pm Moss Bay Hall, Kirkland RSVP:   Eventbrite link Let’s gather before winter fully arrives. Free to attend — just RSVP so we can plan materials and seating. Food and drinks are buy-your-own, and a couple of the craft projects will have a small materials fee. Join us for a relaxed, come-as-you-are evening designed for outdoorsy women to connect, get creative, and some winter magic together. Whether you hike, ski, walk, paddle, climb, or simply love being outside in your own way, you’re welcome here. Crafting is optional. What’s Happening Simple Winter Crafts (all optional) See pics below We’re keeping things creative but easy — no mess, no pressure. • Woodburning Ornaments. Led by a Crystal Bailar, a talented pyrography artist. Make your own winter ornament. Tools and guidance provided. Nominal fee (tbd) • Watercolor Mini-Project with Anne Woodford. Anne is joining us with a simple, winter-themed watercolor activity. Perfect for beginners or anyone craving a little calm creativity. Nominal fee (tbd) • DIY Tote + Hat Press Station. We’ll have a small make-and-take station with the hat press and flat press — fun designs, easy process, something you can bring home. Partner Groups Come meet a few of our outdoor community partners — including Kula Cloth  — and discover new groups, clubs, and experiences for the coming season. Give Back: Coat + Gift Drive We’re collecting donations for Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission . If you’d like to contribute, please bring: warm coats Hand warmers Gloves, hats, (new) socks Toiletries, small gifts for women and families Totally optional — every bit helps. Event Vibes + What to Expect This night is all about connection, creativity, and winter energy. • Women-focused event; all ages welcome • Buy-your-own food + drinks (Moss Bay Hall’s menu is great) • Come solo or bring a friend — it’s easy to mingle • Craft stations are drop-in style; do one or do all • Cozy seating and plenty of space to chat About the Space Moss Bay Hall  is warm, inviting, and perfect for gatherings. There’s plenty of room for crafts, partner tables, and conversation. WiFi is solid, bathrooms are accessible, and parking is nearby. Free on the street and a paid lot behind the restaurant (Kirkland Marina) RSVP so we can prep supplies We want to make sure we have enough craft materials ready. RSVP:   Eventbrite link Can’t wait to kick off winter with you. — Andrea Women’s Outdoor Connection www.Mosstangle.com Wood Burning samples from Crystal. She will provide the tools, blank wood ornament. Designs TBD. Space for up to 12 to do this project. She also offers classes and will do a Woodburning Party. Our host- Moss Bay Hall We will use this area in the back. Very roomy. Entry on Central Way. Parking on Central Way and behind the building in Marina (paid) lot

Community Partners What if one conversation led to your next adventure? It's easy to stay home. We're here to make it easier to get outside. Our event brings together outdoor groups from across the Pacific Northwest to help you: ✔️ Find your people. ✔️ Discover new adventures. ✔️ Meet trusted outdoor experts and communities. ✔️ Take the first step. Because the best adventures don't start at the trailhead. They start with a connection. Meet our 2026 Adventure Partners Adaptive Pathways Recreational Therapy : Inclusive recreational therapy for children and adults with disabilities, helping them achieve their goals and discover joy through movement, connection, and creativity.(co-ed) AdventurUs : Women-led travel, retreats, and outdoor experiences across the Pacific Northwest and around the world. Crank Sisters (Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance): An all-women mountain biking community offering group rides, skills classes, clinics, and events for women of all riding levels. FisheWear : Women's outdoor apparel and gear inspired by Alaska for fishing, hiking, paddling, and everyday adventure. Hiker Babes : A supportive community of women connecting through hiking and a shared love of the outdoors. HumanNature Forest Bathing: Mileva Huljev, Forest therapy guide. Groups, private walks and corporate events.(co-ed) Mama and Me Adventure Club : Outdoor adventures, hikes, walks, camping trips, for moms and their children in the Maple Valley and Issaquah areas. Mt. Rainier Nordic Patrol : A volunteer ski and snowshoe patrol on Mount Rainier’s winter trails. (co-ed) Outdoor Asian : Asian & Pacific Islander outdoor community; hiking, foraging, climbing, surfing, fishing & more. (co-ed) Outdoors for All Foundation: Adaptive sports for adults and youth. Snow, bike, water, and more. (co-ed) Puget Sound Women on the Fly: Fly fishing, building skills and finding fellow women anglers to fish with. Part of Trout Unlimited.org Rippin Chix: Ski camps and coaching, ski, backcountry, touring. B.C., WA, UTAH. SheBirds: Guided birding walks and nature experiences welcoming birders of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. SheJumps: Year-round for girls and women. Skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, mountain biking and more. Shred-It Sisters: Snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking for women. Meetup group. Sisters in Action Sports: Year-round for girls and women. Snowsports, water sports, rock climbing, mountain biking. Vertical World: Seattle & Lynwood, America’s first indoor climbing gym (1987). Classes and climbing for all ages.(co-ed) Washington Outdoor Women / Washington Wildlife Federation: (WOW): Hands-on workshops that help women build confidence and self-reliance through traditional and relevant outdoor skills. Washington State Ski & Snowboard Museum: (WSSSM): At Snoqualmie Pass. A free, interactive museum celebrating ski and snowboard history while inspiring participation in snow sports. Volunteer opportunities + community service credits. Women+ Who Love X-Country Skiing: A Facebook community connecting people who identify as female who love, want to try, or want to learn more about cross-country (Nordic) skiing. Explore More of our Outdoor Partners Speaker Panel WHY WE FEEL BETTER OUTSIDE The power of nature and human connection Friday, October 23 • 6–8 PM (See agenda page) Holly Brandenberger, Panelist Science of Essentials Registered nurse, certified aromatherapist, author and wellness educator. Holly is known for making the science behind health and wellness approachable, useful and easy to understand. Charlotte Massey, Panelist Seattle Chamber of Connection Co-founder of the U.S. Chamber of Connection and founding Executive Director of the Seattle Chamber of Connection. Charlotte is working to make it easier for people to meet, make friends and feel like they belong. Saveria Tilden, Moderator AdventurUs and SocialHiker A longtime Women’s Outdoor Connection friend, speaker and outdoor adventure leader. Special Connections Andrea Kelly, Make Plus Equal . Andrea guides outdoor apparel brands to build size-inclusive collections and connect authentically with marginalized consumers — because everyone deserves equal access to the outdoors. Heather Yancey of Heather Yancey Fitness. She empowers women in perimenopause and beyond to reclaim their strength, body, and confidence through smart training, nutrition, and mindset. Julia Winters, owner Good Day Sauna . A mobile wood-fired cedar sauna experience for Seattle —enabling guests to sweat, plunge and reconnect with the outdoors. Stephanie LaDuke, of Grounding Wellness . Stephanie offers holistic wellness support to parents–to–be and new parents through coaching, aromatherapy, Reiki, and in-home perinatal care to ease the transition into parenthood. Hear from Past Attendees "I loved connecting with women who share my passion for outdoor sports—it was amazing to meet so many like-minded individuals!" "I liked chatting with the women at their tables and learning about the variety of outdoor groups and non-profits was a highlight for me." "I left the event inspired and motivated to stay active and involved in the outdoor community—I can't wait to attend next year!" What made you want to attend? “I need more adventure pals! It’s hard to make friends in Seattle.” “Trying to meet new people who ski and see what groups are available sounded like fun!” “My daughter and I are trying to find ways to get more young girls involved in outdoor sporting.” Partners & Past Event Highlights

A vibrant conference for women of all ages who enjoy the outdoors. Talk with 25+ partner groups who organize fun outdoor events for women. Speakers, learning sessions, and networking. Women's Outdoor Connection. Women’s Outdoor Connection Find Your People. FRI, OCT 23, 6:00-8:00PM SAT, OCT 24, 11:00-4:00PM REI SEATTLE FLAGSHIP WHAT TO EXPECT Saturday Early Bird Tickets $35 • Only 25 available The biggest challenge isn't finding outdoor adventures. It's finding people to share them with. If you've ever said, "I'd love to do that... I just don't know who to go with," you're not alone. That’s why Women’s Outdoor Connection exists: to make it easier to meet people, discover new ways to get outside, and find your people. GET TICKETS Early Bird $35 • Only 25 available We're a women-centered gathering that welcomes everyone who supports our mission. Meet 20 Outdoor Groups Meet Pacific Northwest outdoor groups, clubs, nonprofits and communities, and discover new activities, adventures and ways to get outside. MEET OUR PARTNERS Meet Your People We’re making it easier to connect, starting with a fun icebreaker and continuing through small-group outdoor conversations and plenty of time to meet people naturally. Where Connections Begin Real people. Real conversations. Real adventures.

Networking, speaker panel and learning sessions. Meet Saveria Tilden, founder of AdventureUs Women. Deborah Edwards, Chopra Center Certified trainer. Why we thrive in women-only spaces, and taking charge of your adventures. Learning sessions include the science of being outdoors, injury prevention, BIPOC and LGBTQ in the outdoors, body image and leadership, adaptive sports, mindfulness, girls in the outdoors, and ‘3rd Act’ over 60 in the outdoors. What to Expect CONNECTING WOMEN TO THE OUTDOORS + EACH OTHER OCTOBER 23 & 24 REI SEATTLE FLAGSHIP FRI, OCT 23 • 6:00 - 8:00 • $25 Kickoff Social + Speaker Panel • Open to all THE POWER OF NATURE AND BELONGING Finding your people and getting outdoors More Friday Info SAT, OCT 24 • 11:00 - 4:00 • $35 Early Bird / $45 Main Event • Women-centered Meet 20 partner groups + each other More Saturday Info GET TICKETS Saturday Early Bird $35 • Only 25 available ✨ Meet 20 Outdoor Groups Connect with outdoor groups, communities and leaders all in one place. ✨ Meet Your People A fun, easy icebreaker to get conversations started and connect with people who like to get outside. ✨ Discover What’s Next Find new activities to try, groups to join, trips to take and inspiration for your next adventure. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Just bring your curiosity and a desire to get outside. We're a women-centered gathering that welcomes everyone who supports our mission. Event Location REI- Seattle 222 Yale Ave N, Seattle Parking: Enter garage from Yale Ave N Weekend parking: 1st hour free. Some paid street parking available. UPDATES Want a direct connection? Send to andrea (@) womensoutdoorconnection.com Get on the Contact List Full Name Email Fun facts about yourself- or what's your JOIN OUR COMMUNITY Join Now