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Category: Partners Advancing Racial Equity in the Outdoors, Justice Outside is a Black woman-led non-profit advancing racial justice and equity in the outdoor and environmental movement. By centering the voices and leadership of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), we work to shift resources and build power within these communities.  Through our Liberated Paths program, we support organizations at the intersection of racial justice, outdoor experiences, and environmental work in regions such as California, the Pacific Northwest, the Southwest, the Delaware River Watershed, the Carolinas, and the Great Lakes. In 2024, we will distribute over $4 million in unrestricted grants to BIPOC-led organizations, including Seattle-based groups like Outdoor Asian, The Bronze Collective, and Trail Mixed Collective. We also offer skill-building programs for BIPOC individuals, ranging from the Outdoor Educators Institute (OEI) for those pursuing outdoor leadership to the Rising Leaders Fellowship, which supports early- and mid-career professionals in predominantly white-led organizations. In Seattle, we launched an annual OEI cohort in 2023.  This free, three-month professional development program provides young adults with training in wilderness backpacking, sea kayaking, rock climbing, and outdoor facilitation. Graduates are supported in securing employment in the outdoor sector upon completion.

Volunteers play a vital role in taking care of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Our motto of caring for the land and serving people  is made possible through stewards like you, and we value learning from the expertise and skills our volunteers bring to the agency. As a volunteer with the Forest Service, you will: Learn new skills and gain confidence working in the outdoors. Contribute to key projects, and make a positive impact on public lands that present and future generations will enjoy. Meet new people and make new friends. The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest offers volunteer opportunities across all the forest and in a variety of fields, such as recreation, interpretation, trail maintenance, and administrative roles. Learn how to get involved below! Volunteering for the US Forest Service Eagle Watcher Volunteer Stewardship Program Since 1992, Eagle Watcher volunteer stewards have played a vital role in helping visitors appreciate and understand bald eagles and the rich complexity of the Skagit River watershed.   Equipped with spotting scopes and field guides, volunteers work three six-hour shifts at stations along the Skagit River during the peak eagle migration to the Skagit. Come join us! Learn more Trail Restoration & Construction Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) The Pacific Crest Trail was built through the hard work of volunteers and partners, with the vision of creating a trail from Mexico to Canada for future generations. Volunteers can join the adopt-a-trail program, take part in weekend projects (1-3 days), or volunteer vacations (5-10 days). Learn more: Pacific Crest Trail Association Iron Goat Trail Help build and maintain the historic Iron Goat Trail, which follows the abandoned Great Northern Railway line in the Stevens Pass area of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Learn more: Iron Goat Trail Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association This non-profit organization promotes responsible four-wheel drive outdoor recreation while preserving the environment. Members advocate for Leave No Trace practices. Learn more:   Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association Back Country Horsemen of Washington Volunteers work to keep trails open for all users, teaching riders Leave-No-Trace practices and collaborating with natural resource agencies to preserve public lands for recreational stock use. Learn more:   Back Country Horsemen of Washington Washington Trails Association (WTA) Each year, hundreds of volunteers join WTA, contributing over 80,000 hours of trail work through more than 600 work parties. No prior experience is required—just sign up and make a difference. Learn more: Washington Trails Association Volunteer.  Washington Trails Association Youth Opportunities The Forest Service partners with several organizations offering both volunteer and paid experiences for youth. Explore opportunities with: Earth Corps Student Conservation Association Northwest Youth Corps Pacific Northwest Trail Association SKY Program Washington Trails Association

Stepping out of your comfort zone can feel daunting, but it’s where growth and empowerment truly happen. At Wild Women Escapes, we believe that adventure is not just about the great outdoors; it’s also about discovering the strength within ourselves.  Here are five transformative benefits of embracing the unknown with us: 1. Personal Growth and Resilience When you challenge yourself to try something new and intimidating—like tackling The Enchantments Thru Hike—you develop resilience. Each step outside your comfort zone builds your confidence and ability to handle life’s challenges. You learn that you are capable of much more than you initially thought. "Taking on the Enchantments Thru-Hike was definitely intimidating at first, but it turned out to be one of the most empowering experiences of my life. I discovered a resilience I didn’t know I had, especially during those last 4 miles!. The breathtaking views and the support from the other women made it unforgettable.” -Wild Women Escapes Enchantments Thru Hike Participant 2. Building a Supportive Community Joining a Wild Women Escapes trip isn’t just about the activity; it’s about connecting with like-minded women who share your same passions and aspirations for the outdoors. You’ll make friendships that extend beyond the trails, creating a supportive community of rad women who you can adventure with in the future. “The trip was a challenge but an amazing experience! It was something outside of my comfort zone – and I’m so glad I took the risk! I enjoyed meeting other awesome women, pushing myself, and learning more about backpacking.” -Wild Women Escapes Enchanted Valley Backpacking Trip Participant 3. Rediscovering Your Strengths When you push yourself to hike a challenging trail or navigate a new environment, you often discover hidden strengths and talents. Whether it’s problem-solving, leadership, or simply the ability to push through discomfort, these experiences help you realize just how capable you are—both on and off the trail.  4. Expanding Your Horizons Stepping outside your comfort zone allows you to experience new things, from breathtaking landscapes to diverse fauna. These adventures broaden your perspective and inspire you to embrace life’s unpredictability.  5. Setting and Achieving Goals Every adventure trip offers a chance to set a goal, whether it’s surviving your first backpacking trip or simply completing a challenging hike. Achieving these goals can be incredibly empowering and serves as a reminder that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.  "The organization that was put into planning and executing this trip was incredible…I now feel more confident in my abilities to plan a backpacking trip with my friends and family. It also has piqued my interest in hiking in state parks near me! Nature has a beauty that I don’t want to escape! Thank you Wild Women." -Wild Women Escapes Enchanted Valley Backpacking Trip Participant At Wild Women Escapes, we’re dedicated to empowering women to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the beauty of adventure. Join us for an unforgettable journey that will challenge you, inspire you, and connect you with an incredible community of women. Are you ready to take that first step?

Your forest is home to a vast ecosystem of trees, plants, mountains, lakes, and wildlife. With these can come unpredictability and even danger. We’re here to help you take the steps you need to stay safe in nature. Falling in love with the forest isn't hard—it's a beautiful place! But being a responsible visitor should be the priority to preserve the wonder and beauty of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (MBS). Here are the 7 principles  to practice while you're in the forest: 1. Plan and Prepare When outdoor visitors plan ahead and prepare, it helps to accomplish trip goals safely and enjoyably while simultaneously minimizing damage to the land. 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces The goal of travel outdoors is to move through natural areas while avoiding damage to the land, foliage, or waterways. Travel damage occurs when surface vegetation or communities of organisms are trampled beyond recovery. 3. Dispose of Waste Properly The waste humans create while enjoying outdoor spaces can have severe impacts if not disposed of properly. It is crucial to anticipate the types of waste you will need to dispose of and know the proper techniques for disposing of each type of waste in the area you are visiting. 4. Leave What You Find The items we find in nature have a role to play, either in the ecosystem or the story of the landscape. Leaving what we find in place helps to preserve both. Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeology artifacts, and other objects of interest as you find them. 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts Once necessary for food and warmth, campfires are steeped in history and tradition. However, the natural appearance of many areas has been degraded by overuse of fires and increasing demand for firewood. 6. Respect Wildlife When you are in an outdoor space, you are in the natural habitat of many wild animals and should work to minimize your impact on them. Human impacts on wildlife can result in negative human-wildlife interactions, aggressive animals, a decline in the ecosystem's health, and relocated or euthanized animals. 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors One of the most important components of outdoor ethics is to maintain courtesy toward others. It helps everyone enjoy their outdoor experience. Excessive noise, uncontrolled pets, and damaged surroundings detract from the natural appeal of the outdoors. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - Outdoor Safety & Ethics Resources:   Know Before You Go : learn what to do in case of an emergency, view safety guidelines for winter recreation, find hiking tips and more. Planning Your Trip: what to do, how to get there, and how to be prepared.  For more information on safety for specific recreation activities, such as camping, mountain biking, or wildlife photography, visit our national website. Leave No Trace:  When visiting your forest, it’s important to take care of the lands your feet walk upon. Use the 7 Leave No Trace principles as your guide, and remember to leave it better than you found it.

Here are three tips for backpacking snacks tailored for outdoor adventures, inspired by the expertise of the co-founder and dietitian at Wild Women Escapes: 1. Prioritize Calorie and Carbohydrate Density Choose snacks that offer a lot of calories - and carbohydrates - for their weight. Why? Carb and calorie-dense foods provide more energy without adding significant weight to your pack. This is crucial when you're trying to minimize your load while still meeting your energy needs. Carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy, especially during intense or prolonged exercise. High-carb snacks are quickly digestible, providing rapid energy to help you power through hikes and recover during breaks. 2. Only Pack Snacks You Love Packing only foods you love is important for several reasons: When you’re hiking, it’s easy to lose your appetite, especially if you’re tired. If you only have foods you love, you’re more likely to eat enough to meet your energy needs, which is crucial for maintaining stamina and recovery. Packing foods you love minimizes the chances of leftovers or uneaten snacks. You’re less likely to carry back unwanted food, reducing waste and making your trip more efficient. Eating foods you enjoy can significantly enhance your mood and overall experience while backpacking. It makes meal breaks something to look forward to, which can be particularly uplifting during tough stretches. 3. Mix & Match Textures and Flavors Mixing and matching textures and flavors in your backpacking snacks is a great strategy for several reasons: Variety keeps your palate engaged and makes snacking more enjoyable. A mix of crunchy, chewy, sweet, and savory options can break the monotony of repetitive meals. Different textures and flavors can make snacks more satisfying. For instance, the crunch of nuts paired with the chewiness of dried fruit creates a more enjoyable eating experience. Combining different food types can offer a broader range of nutrients. For example, pairing a protein-rich jerky with a fruit-based energy bar combines protein, carbs, and healthy fats. https://www.wildwomenescapes.com/

Wild Women Escapes Activity: Guided backpacking and hiking trips, Adventure Travel, Seattle-Area Community Connection & Events At Wild Women Escapes, our mission is simple: to empower women who are new to outdoor exploration and travel to embrace their sense of adventure, build confidence on the trails, and connect with a supportive community of like-minded individuals. We offer three ways for women to get involved:  Women-Only Beginner Backpacking Trips  These trips also include 10 weeks of pre-programming (live and recorded) to help prepare you for a 4-5 day backpacking trip. Women-Only Adventure Trips These trips include a mix of adrenaline-pumping activities such as hiking, skiing, white water rafting, tubing, and snowmobiling. Women's Outdoor Social Events Near Seattle Past and Future Events Include:   SUP & SIP, Group Hikes, Outdoor Education, Brewery Meet & Greets, Private Yoga Classes, Adventure Film Screenings, Ski Resort Meet-Ups, Hot Springs Day Learn more Health and Wellness tips from Wild Women Escapes https://www.womensoutdoorconnection.com/post/snack-smarter-essential-tips-for-backpacking-nutrition-from-a-dietitian https://www.womensoutdoorconnection.com/post/5-life-changing-benefits-of-stepping-out-of-your-comfort-zone-with-wild-women-escapes

Mad Hippie Activity: Skin Care Mad Hippie at the Women’s Outdoor Connection: Confidence and Community Go Hand in Hand. The Women’s Outdoor Connection feels like the perfect fit for us at Mad Hippie. As Chris Franklin, community builder, puts it: “It’s all about building community and being there authentically.” That’s what we love—showing up for people in a real, meaningful way. At Mad Hippie, we’re all about helping people feel more secure and confident, whether that’s through our skincare or simply the way we interact. And there’s no better place to connect those dots than at an event like this, where confidence in your skin translates to confidence in the outdoors. Chris shared a great point: some outdoor spaces might have felt exclusive in the past. But events like the Women’s Outdoor Connection break those barriers down, creating a place where everyone feels included and connected. We’re thrilled to be a part of something that brings people together in such a supportive, loving environment. For us, it’s not just about skincare—it’s about being part of a community where people can feel good in their own skin and in the world around them. We can’t wait to keep building those connections, helping people feel confident inside and out! Mad Hippie isn’t just about skincare – they’re about making a positive impact on the world. With a commitment to cruelty-free practices, ethical sourcing, and giving back through charitable partnerships, Mad Hippie is leading the way in moral beauty. Their philosophy combines skincare with social responsibility, ensuring every purchase makes a difference. Find out more about their mission-driven approach.

As the CEO and Founder of AdventurUs Women, Saveria Tilden  is a passionate advocate for empowering women through outdoor experiences. With years of expertise in leadership and adventure, Saveria has built a platform that encourages women of all backgrounds to embrace outdoor adventures, overcome their fears, and build confidence in nature. Saveria founded her women’s outdoor adventure company, AdventurUs Women, with the belief that there is adventure in all of us! Her passion is creating life changing adventure retreats and travel experiences for women by women. As a woman & LGBTQ+ owned company, AdventurUs is committed to creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for all women and their friends of all gender identities and expressions, who are seeking a women-centered space. They welcome travelers of all backgrounds, ages, sizes, and experience levels, offering a range of activities from hiking to rock climbing. With a dedication to responsible travel practices, AdventurUs is about more than outdoor adventures – it's about creating a supportive community that respects diversity, promotes inclusivity, and believes in the adventurous spirit within each of us. They also prioritize partnering with women-owned businesses, hiring women guides, local operators and supporting sustainable, mission-driven companies. Listen to the conversation between Saveria and my friend Cameon Orel on YouTube. Don’t miss this chance to be inspired by one of the leading voices in women’s outdoor empowerment!

Sisters In Action Sports (SAS) Activities: Snow Sports, Wake surfing & Wakeboarding, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Hiking, Skateboarding, Paddleboarding. Sisters in Action Sports focuses on empowering women and girls by engaging them in transformational action sports and adventure opportunities. The events are designed to enhance skills and foster a vibrant and supportive community, build confidence and leadership. Regardless of your experience level or background, Sisters in Action Sports provides an inclusive, welcoming environment for women and youth to connect, develop new abilities, progress, and share their love for the outdoors. SAS offers scholarships and strives to break down financial barriers and access for those who would otherwise not be able to participate. Discover how they are building a supportive network and changing the future for women and girls as well as the community. Contact info  https://www.sistersinactionsports.org/contact/

The Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association (PNW 4-WDA) is dedicated to promoting and preserving four-wheel drive outdoor recreation across the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1960, this non-profit organization fosters a sense of community among off-road enthusiasts while emphasizing responsible land use and environmental stewardship. PNW-4-WDA, also called The Association hosts various events, including trail clean-ups and competitions, that unite members in their shared passion for adventure. By prioritizing safety and education, PNW-4-WDA encourages off-roaders to respect nature and enjoy the incredible landscapes of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The association plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of off-road activities for future generations.

Shred It Sisters Activity: Skiing, Snowboarding, Mountain Biking, and gatherings in town. Shred-it Sisters is a year-round community for women who love adventure, from snowboarding and skiing to mountain biking. "Welcome fellow Shred-it Sisters! We originally created this group to be a space for ski, snowboard, and MTB women to connect both on and off the slopes of Stevens Pass. We now foster connections across the PNW! Our group is for ALL women (cis and trans), non binary, queergender, agender, and other gender diverse participants. * We host monthly member-led mountain meetups (MMM’s primarily skiing/snowboarding or MTB’ing) and will use this space to help facilitate these gatherings. We also hope to become a community beyond the pass and welcome group meet ups for bites and brews and other activities across the Seattle area. Our group serves the PNW region so feel free to post updates, hangs and shred-it sessions for locations around Washington. * New to the group? DM us to create a member highlight! We’d love to feature you on our FB group and Instagram to help you find other women with similar interests. * May your stoke stay strong and adventures be long! See you on the slopes!"

Rippin Chix Activity: Ski Rippin Chix’s ski camps focus on building women’s technical skiing abilities while fostering a supportive community. These camps are for all levels, helping beginners feel comfortable on the slopes and advanced skiers master backcountry techniques. With personalized coaching, Rippin Chix encourages participants to break through their fears and enjoy the thrill of skiing. You’ll leave with stronger skills and newfound confidence. Ready to elevate your skiing experience? Learn more about their life-changing programs. Contact info  Info@rippinchix.com