FAQs | Mountains Sea & She

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring to a hike event?

Always bring the 10 Essentials! Click HERE to learn about them.

Every event has a gear list - please read it and prepare before attending. Depending on trail and weather conditions, additional gear may be required. (Examples: microspikes, trekking poles, snowshoes, gaiters, extra water, etc.)

Do I need to be in top fitness shape to attend events? I'm a slower hiker and don't want to hold the rest of the group back!

We love our slow hikers equally and embrace all skill levels and speeds! We break into groups to accommodate different paces and are all about encouragement.

We NEVER leave anyone behind, but it is also important that you always hike and paddle within your ability for your own safety, and the safety of the group.

Every hike event lists the total mileage and elevation gain. A simple equation is to divide the total mileage by 2 (since the difficult part for most people is uphill). Then divide elevation gain by that number. This gives you your average gain per mile. Please note - many trails have a combination of flatter and steeper sections, this number is only an average.

Example: For a hike that is 5 miles with an elevation gain of 1000 feet, 5 divided by 2 = 2.5. 1000 divided by 2.5 = an average of 400 feet per mile (on the incline to summit).

Not sure what your ideal mileage/gain is? Check with your hike leader for advice! Start small and work your way up.

For paddle events, stick to smaller lakes without motor boats if you are a beginner.

How much experience do I need?

No previous experiences is needed for our beginner adventures. Everyone starts somewhere and we are thrilled to help you start your outdoor journey!

More advanced adventures, designed for participants with some outdoor experience, are noted as intermediate or advanced events. Confident beginners are always welcome though! Let us know if you have questions about a specific event.

Are men welcome to events? Can I bring my guy?

Sorry guys, all of our events are lead by women, for those who identify as women.

Any special co-ed events will be disclosed as so, and any male attendees must be invited by a member. All male membership requests will be denied.

What park passes are required?

See event details for which park pass to bring (or none).

WASHINGTON: To find out where to purchase park passes, click HERE.
OREGON: To find out where to purchase park passes, click HERE.

Can I bring my dog?

We love when trail pups join our adventures! Please see event details for which events are dog friendly. Dog must be in your control at all times and leash laws must be obeyed. Please do not leave poop bags on the side of the trail - carry it and pack it out per Leave No Trace. Recommendations can be found HERE.

Please do not bring your dog on a paddle trip unless your dog is trained to be on your paddleboard or kayak. First time doggie paddles can be confusing or scary for them and may take practice!

Do not leave your pet in your car while you attend an event. Please note that dogs also need proper nutrition and water throughout hikes - many dog breeds are susceptible to heat stroke or death on strenuous hikes on warmer days.

Can I bring my kids?

Kids of all genders are welcome to most free events. Please see event details for which events are kid friendly. Children must be with their guardian at all times. You may not rely on other members to watch or care for them.

Kids are required to also come prepared with all required gear and must be able to safely complete the specified mileage and gain listed, for their own safety and the safety of the other event attendees.

Paid events are for members 18 years of age or older.

Are we there YET?

All Hike Leaders and Ambassadors are required to run Gaia GPS, or a like GPS application. While we cannot guarantee to provide you with exact mileage, due to application and phone limitations and potential inaccuracies, we can show you where we are located on the trail and give mileage estimates.

We also highly encourage you to download and use your own Gaia, or similar GPS application. It's a great way to practice your own outdoor safety and help your peers.

I have evening plans, will I be back in time?

While most of our events take place earlier in the day, the end time of the adventure is impacted by numerous variables - distance and elevation gain, the speed of the group, the trail and water conditions, weather, etc.. We recommend committing your day to your Mountains Sea & She adventure!

If the weather is bad, will the event be canceled?

Most events will still take place - rain or shine. Adventures are still fun in the rain! In the event of weather-based safety concerns, an event cancellation notice will be sent out at least 48 hours in advance. Any paid events canceled due to weather will be fully refunded.

Are free events really free? Is it ever appropriate to tip?

Free events really are free! A simple 'thank you' means a lot to your ambassadors and hike leaders who volunteer their time. Please no tips.

For any paid privately guided events or events with paid special guests, you’re welcome to tip if you feel that your guide went above and beyond or if you just generally had a great time! A good baseline is 10% of your guided experience cost.

Why do some of your events have attendee number limitations?

Per Leave No Trace guidelines: 'A group size limit of 10 means that your group never congregates in numbers greater than 10. If your group is larger than the area's group size limit, break into smaller sub-groups to travel and camp. Avoid the most popular and congested areas, or visit them during times when they are less crowded.'

If safety permits, we will break into smaller groups to accommodate more participation.

I want to attend a group event, but tickets go so fast! Can I be put on a waitlist?

While the tickets are on a first come basis, there is no waitlist option if tickets come open - so keep checking back! Sometimes we may post on social media when tickets come open from cancelations. Facebook limits the number of invitations that can be sent, so the best way to find out about new events is to sign up for a membership on our website. By providing us with your email address, you will be the first to find out about events when they become available!

What is the significance of the colors in the Mountains Sea & She - Outdoor Adventures logo?

MSSOA was born in the Pacific Northwest, where the founder found a passion for sunrise hikes and magical blue-green alpine lakes. The colors represent those enchanting lakes and alpenglow mornings, spent with some of the women who have changed her life in the most positive way. It's our goal for every woman to experience those special awe-inspiring, memorable moments and to find new adventure friends to have them with!

Have a question? Click HERE to send us a message!