Coffee Tailgate
Our beginner-friendly walks are a casual, supportive way to ease into hiking and spending time outside. Whether you’re here to learn, get more comfortable outdoors, move your body, or just look at moss and birds with us, welcome.
Tip: The park is huge. Unless you want to do two hikes, make sure you go to the North Parking Lot
3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199
Schedule
About Discovery Park
Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest green space, offering forest trails, open meadows, and coastal views, all within city limits. It’s a beginner-friendly place to experience nature without leaving town.
Who's Its For
This walk is designed with beginners in mind, but anyone is welcome to join. We’re a good fit if you’re:
- New to hiking or still getting comfortable in outdoor spaces
- New-ish to the PNW and wanting an easy way to explore nature
- Wanting to build confidence hiking safely and comfortably
- Curious about exploring the PNW but want a gentle, supported entry point
- WTFNB community (Women, Trans, Femme, Non binary) and WTFNB friendly
All are welcome regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, ability, or religion.
See “what to expect” section below to learn more about Discovery Park and ensure this hike is the right fit for you.
On the Walk
Common Questions that I love to answer
- Where do I find beginner-friendly hikes or campsites?
- What do I actually need to pack?
- …Wait, what are the “10 essentials”?
- I’m nervous to go camping/hiking. How do I even start?
- What about encountering bears, or worse, strangers?!
- I’m not sure I’m “fit enough”. How do I ease into this?
- What is good trail or camping etiquette?
What to Expect
- Casual group walk. Ask questions, be social, or hang back and just enjoy the scenery.
- 2.8-mile trail. A gentle 220 ft elevation gain. Hike takes ~ 1.5hrs
- Trail is crushed rock or dirt, varying in width from 2 to 8 feet.
- Trail is not ADA accessible due to uneven terrain and occasional stairs
- We move at a conversational pace (~ 30-minute mile). Stopping to look at anything cool (flowers, eagles, viewpoints). Folks are welcome to move ahead, fall behind or stick with the group. No pressure here.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- They may get muddy depending on weather
- Weather-appropriate layers
- Water bottle
- Optional: snacks or questions
What Celeste is Bringing
Celeste is bringing to the walk a first aid kit, 10 essentials/hiking kit, and snacks & water that she doen’t plan on sharing unless it’s an emergency.
Celeste Olds
Celeste Olds is a PNW outdoor instructor dedicated to building wilderness skills, confidence, and meaningful connections in nature. Her work is shaped by thousands of miles trekked through alpine terrain locally & abroad, a lifetime of camping in the Pacific Northwest and decades of project management.
Years of problem-solving gear failures, unpredictable weather, and backcountry panic attacks have spawned the systems that make being outside safer, more comfortable, and more accessible. Celeste’s approach recognizes that while safety and stewardship are an essential baseline, confidence and comfort outdoors look different for everyone.
She creates supportive environments where people build skills at their own pace and leave with the tools and a grounded sense of capability to get outside.
FAQ
Yes. Most people do.
No. This is an indoor class at a coffee shop.
That’s expected. This class is designed for people who are new, unsure, or intimidated. You’re not behind, you’re exactly who this is for.
Yes. This class is required before signing up for an overnight trip. If you would like to join a trip, you can reserve your spot on the camp page.
Mt St Helens / Seaquest State Park - July 24-26
Hoh Rainforest / Bogachiel State Park - Sept 4-7
Let your camp class instructor know you’re thinking about attending an overnight trip. They’ll have a few questions & helpful guidance for ya.
Sequoia Social Club organizes casual, educational gatherings for adults who want to enjoy the outdoors and feel unprepared or hesitant to go alone. Like Girl Scouts, but for grown-ups.
Through guided hikes, camping trips, and in-city classes, we teach outdoor skills in a supportive, social setting. You won’t just attend, you’ll help plan and carry out trips with a focus on safety, comfort, and outdoor stewardship. In the process, you’ll build the competence to experience nature with us or on your own.
Celeste Olds is a PNW outdoor instructor dedicated to building wilderness skills, confidence, and meaningful connections in nature. Her work is shaped by decades of project management, thousands of miles trekked through alpine terrain locally and abroad, and a lifetime of camping in the Pacific Northwest.