"I’m an outdoor instructor who has explored thousands of miles of alpine terrain abroad and in the Pacific Northwest, and slept many nights under the open skies. Moving confidently through the wild showed me how much more there is to experience beyond the summit.
Here's some of my favorite apps to help explore, identify, and understand what you’re seeing outside."
- Celeste Olds
Seek by iNaturalist
Identify wildlife, plants, and fungi using your phone’s camera.
Cost
Free
What I love
Fast, easy, and delightfully addictive. It’s the app I use most outdoors. Bonus: it shows taxonomy, so you start to understand how things are related, not just their names.
Good to know
I find it works well in Washington, but accuracy can vary by region. This is the simplified version of iNaturalist.
Pl@ntNet is also a solid app for plant identification.
Merlin Bird ID
Identify birds by sight or sound.
Website
Merlin Bird ID
Cost
Free
What I love
I wasn’t a birder, and now I am a (lightly obsessed) birder. I had no idea how many owls I was hearing in the wild! It’s like a pocket field guide with photos, calls, and ID tips for thousands of species.
Good to know
Offline mode and sign-up can be a little clunky. Requires a free account through Cornell Lab of Ornithology, but this allows zoologists to further their good work, so it’s well worth the effort.
Star Walk 2
Real-time sky map to identify stars, planets, and constellations.
Website
Star Walk 2
Cost
Free (in-app purchases but works fine without)
What I love
Honestly, what’s not to love? This app is beautiful and wildly satisfying. Makes finding constellations feel easy, and it will impress the heck out of your friends.
Good to know
Great for beginners. For more advanced tools, check out SkySafari or Stellarium
Peak Finder
Point your phone at a mountain and see its name and elevation.
Website
Peak Finder
Cost
$4.99 flat purchase
What I love
Fast, beautiful, and works offline. Perfect for viewpoints when you’re wondering, “What am I looking at?”
Good to know
Worth the $5 for offline use. If you want a free option, try AR Alpine Guide
Tides Near Me
Quick, accurate tide charts and predictions.
Website
Tides Near Me
Cost
Free
What I love
Simple and reliable. Essential for tidepooling days on the coast.
Good to know
If you don’t want ads, or need to check tides more than 30 days out, try Tide Alert
WTA Trailblazer App
Explore Washington trails with up-to-date trip reports and offline access.
Website
WTA Trailblazer App
Cost
Free
What I love
This is my go-to for finding hikes in Washington. You can save trails for offline use, which is incredibly helpful when you’re navigating to a trailhead without service.
Good to know
Also worth checking out: All Trails for hikes beyond Washington State. And Gaia GPS for detailed offline maps and backcountry navigation.
Google Maps: Downloads
Download maps to use without cell or wifi service.
Website
Google Maps: Downloads
Cost
Free
What I love
A quiet lifesaver. Download a region ahead of time and you can still navigate, search for places (with limitations), and get directions without service.
Good to know
If you prefer a non-Google option, Organic Maps is a solid offline map alternative.
We'd love for you to join us for our monthly hike in Seattle's Discovery Park or upcoming Camp trips.
If these events aren't a match for you, the good folks at the Washington Trail Association have put together an excellent resource list to find your outdoor people.
PNW Outdoor 101 Class
Bring your questions about gear, planning, and getting outside. No experience required.
Third Sunday Walk
A relaxed monthly walk to meet other SSC folks outside the classroom. Discovery Park every third Sunday.
Seaquest Camping Trip
July 24–26, 2026
Seaquest State Park
2 hour drive south of Seattle
Bogachiel Camping Trip
September 4-7, 2026
Bogachiel State Park
3.5 hour drive west of Seattle
Here are a handful of Celeste's favorite beginner-friendly hikes and camping locations. Always check recent trip reports before heading out, and don’t forget your essentials.
