Empowering Women
in the Wild

Join Our Community of Adventurous Women Building Confidence in the Outdoors

Adventure Awaits

Empowering Women
in the Wild

Join Our Community of Adventurous Women Building Confidence in the Outdoors

Adventure Awaits

Hi there! Is this you?

Newer to backpacking or outdoor recreation?
Searching for mentorship to build skills and confidence in outdoor spaces?
Looking to expand your comfort zone through personal challenge and growth?
Excited to join a supportive network of women who share a passion for adventure and life?

Join us and discover the transformative power of outdoor exploration

Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself, learn new skills, or simply immerse yourself in nature’s beauty, our trips offer the perfect opportunity for you to unleash your adventurous spirit and make unforgettable memories.

Upcoming Trips

The organization that was put into planning and executing this trip was incredible

The organization that was put into planning and executing this trip was incredible; from the list of needed items, to the training guide, to the delicious food and swag bag. Nothing was sub par. The fact that all small and large details were considered, made going on this trip so easy (even for a mom of 3, soon to be four)! I feel more confident in my abilities to plan a backpacking trip with my friends and family. It also has peaked my interest in hiking in state parks near me! Nature has a beauty that I don’t want to escape! Thank you wild women:)

This trip was awesome and I am so glad I took a risk and signed up for it

This trip was awesome and I am so glad I took a risk and signed up for it. The pre-trip communication enabled me to be fully prepared from a physical, mental, and gear perspective. The trail chosen for this trip was exceptionally beautiful and challenging without leaving me totally exhausted. The trip leaders were encouraging, I never felt intimidated. They also provided a lot of opportunities to foster community within the group. There were some lovely curated touches like the welcome dinner, swag bags, a camp shower, and boiling our water for morning coffee. There was a lot of on-site education about safety, proper hiking technique, gear care, and other essential backpacking tasks. I felt completely immersed in nature and present in the moment, and a spark for backpacking was ignited in me. I feel empowered to say yes to future camping/backpacking trips that friends propose and may even plan some myself!

The trip exceeded all my expectations

Meg and Lauren clearly communicated from day 1, there was no question left unanswered (even the silly questions that I kept googling but finally asked to get a good answer). They were so encouraging through the entire process and shared so much of their knowledge that led to a great first time backpacking experience. The trip exceeded all my expectations, the best part of the trip was seeing the enchanted valley and going with such a positive group! The leaders made it so I only had to focus on enjoying the hike because of the safety, camping and backpacking prior knowledge that they had shared.

This trip was amazing!

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. It was great that Lauren and Megan gave tips and tricks about anything and everything from packing, to wearing a pack, and meals/snacks. They were well prepared and made me feel so comfortable. I 100% would do a trip again and recommend this to anyone wanting an adventure!

Highly recommend to anyone who wants to dip their toe into backpacking

A great way to learn all the basics of backpacking – from what types of meals and snacks you’ll need to how to train and exactly what gear you should buy. After going on this trip, I feel prepared to go on a multitude of backpacking trips due to the length (both in mileage and nights!) of this first trip. Lauren and Megan do an excellent job of thinking through every detail – from curated swag bags to how to download offline maps to your phone to which snacks are great on the trail. Lots of preparation on the front end made for a seamless trip with lots of downtime to enjoy the scenery, go for a swim and get to know other like-minded ladies! Highly recommend to anyone who wants to dip their toe into backpacking but isn’t sure where to start!

Overall 10/10 experience

Lauren and Megan did an excellent job planning, coordinating, and communicating all of the logistics of this trip. They posted weekly video lectures which were so informative that I felt completely prepared for this trip. They also took all the hard work out of planning meals and routes. They took safety very seriously and I knew that I was in good hands. There was so much attention to every detail. The first night we stayed in a cozy Airbnb and they had swag bags for us, and dinner was ready when we got there. The next morning Megan made us breakfast sandwiches which were SO GOOD and they were so considerate of people’s food sensitivities. Then we hit the trail. The difficulty level of the hike was appropriate for a group of beginning backpackers. They were very considerate about taking breaks every hour to get water and snacks. Then we got to camp and had a bonfire and they made us PIZZA for DINNER (which is unheard of while backpacking) and mine had dairy free cheese :’). The next morning we hiked to the beautiful Enchanted Valley and we sunbathed by the glacier fed river for the rest of the afternoon. There were so many nice touches that improved everyone’s comfort and enjoyment (a camp shower for example). The next day we headed back to O’neill campground and had an impactful discussion about what everyone learned on the trip. They even had a designated photographer taking super cool action shots the whole time. It was so nice to look back on the pictures and feel a sense of accomplishment. Overall 10/10 experience. Would go on another Wild Women adventure.

What an incredible trip!

What an incredible trip! Thank you so much to the leaders for all the hard work and preparation that went into this. Every detail was covered from safety, what to pack and how to prepare. We couldn’t have asked for better weather and a group of girls. The hike in and out was perfect for a beginner trip. Thank you for such an incredible experience!

Hey there!

Does this sound like you?

Newer to backpacking or outdoor recreation?
Searching for mentorship to build skills and confidence in outdoor spaces?
Looking to expand your comfort zone through personal challenge and growth?
Excited to join a supportive network of women who share a passion for adventure and life?

Join us and discover the transformative power of outdoor exploration

Stay Connected!

Whether you're looking to challenge yourself, learn new skills, or simply immerse yourself in nature's beauty, our trips offer the perfect opportunity for you to unleash your adventurous spirit and make unforgettable memories.

Where are we located?

Wild Women Escapes offers exhilarating trips across the country!

Additionally, we host area-specific community events led by our co-founders: Megan and Lauren.

Lauren spearheads local events, hikes, and outdoor education for the "Wild Women Seattle" hub; Megan does the same for adventurous souls of the "Wild Women Minneapolis" hub.

Upcoming Trips

Our Offerings:

Guided Beginner Backpacking Trips

Our guided backpacking trips are designed with beginners in mind, offering gentle introductions to the joys of outdoor exploration in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Participants also receive exclusive access to the Wild Women Outdoor Academy lessons from basic gear essentials to trail etiquette and safety tips.

Upcoming Backpacking Trips

Guided Adventure Trips

These trips include a mix of guided outdoor travel and luxury. They include adrenaline-pumping activities such as hiking, skiing, white water rafting, tubing, and snowmobiling.

Upcoming Adventure Trips

Wild Women Adventure Club©

Join us for group outings, social gatherings, and meetups where you can connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, share stories, and start friendships that extend beyond the trails.

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The Wild Women Escapes Team


Lauren Rice (Seattle-Based)
Outdoor Adventure Leader and Coach

Meet Lauren, the co-founder of Wild Women Escapes and the lead guide on our wilderness adventures. With an infectious passion for the great outdoors and a wealth of experience under her belt, Lauren is the epitome of expertise and enthusiasm. She effortlessly blends outdoor leadership and coaching with camaraderie, a warm demeanor and extensive knowledge.

Lauren is a Wilderness First Responder, Sports Dietitian and Eating Disorder Specialist at Nutrition Elevated, and taught indoor cycling from 2014-204. She is currently studying to become a NASM-Certified Personal Trainer.

Read more about her outdoor adventures in the Pacific Northwest on her blog Misadventures or Missing Adventure.


Megan Salamone (Minneapolis-based)
Expedition Logistics Coordinator

Meet our other co-founder Megan, the fearless adventurer and organizational guru behind Wild Women Escapes. As a devoted traveler, mom-extraordinaire, and master of getting things done, she's the driving force that keeps our team running smoothly.

With a knack for organization and a hilarious sense of humor, she makes every journey unforgettable. Beyond her adventures, she's a multitasking queen—juggling roles as a hairstylist, landlord, Airbnb host, and travel agent with ease. Join us and let her infectious energy and expertise elevate your outdoor experience to new heights!


Janet Bauer (Seattle-based)
Adventure Photographer

Meet Janet, our ray of sunshine and talented adventure photographer at Wild Women Escapes. With her infectious energy and warm personality, she effortlessly puts everyone at ease in front of the camera, capturing authentic moments and genuine smiles. Janet's creativity knows no bounds, and her innate talent shines through in every shot she takes.

When she's not behind the lens, you can find her embracing her other roles as a mom-extraordinaire and dedicated science teacher. Join us on an adventure with Janet, and let her creative vision transform your outdoor experience into unforgettable memories.

Why Choose Wild Women?

We're Really Fun People!

At Wild Women, we believe that outdoor adventures should be as enjoyable as they are rewarding. Our team is made up of friendly, outgoing individuals who love to laugh, share stories, and make memories with our participants.

You Get to Unplug

Say goodbye to worrying about capturing the perfect shot and fully immerse yourself in the outdoor experience. Our adventure photographer is on hand to document your journey, ensuring you have stunning photos to cherish for a lifetime while you disconnect and embrace the beauty of nature.

Women-Owned and Operated

At Wild Women Escapes, we're proud to be a small business run by women entrepreneurs. We understand the unique needs and perspectives of female adventurers and are dedicated to empowering women to explore the outdoors with confidence.

Experienced Staff

Our team of experienced staff are passionate about outdoor exploration and dedicated to helping you succeed on your adventure. With years of experience and expertise, they provide expert guidance, support, and encouragement every step of the way.

We Handle the Logistics for You

Leave the planning and organization to us! From itinerary creation to gear rentals and transportation arrangements, we take care of all the logistics so you can focus on enjoying your adventure stress-free.

Intimate Group Sizes

We believe in quality over quantity. By keeping our group sizes small, we ensure personalized attention, individualized guidance, and a sense of community that larger groups simply can't match.

We prioritize safety

Spending time outdoors is inherently associated with certain risks; however, at Wild Women Escapes, we are committed to minimizing these risks. Our group leaders hold Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications, equipping them with the skills needed to respond effectively to common outdoor emergencies.

Our leaders undergo training in outdoor leadership principles, group management, and decision-making specifically tailored for the wilderness environment. All staff members are also trained in emergency response protocols, including the initiation of emergency evacuation procedures and effective communication with emergency services.

Finally, as part of our curriculum, we prioritize teaching basic lessons on risk management, empowering participants with the knowledge and skills to identify potential hazards and make informed decisions in the outdoors.

Affordable Adventures Without Compromise

We know that cost can be a barrier to outdoor exploration. That's why we're committed to keeping our prices as low as possible without sacrificing quality.

By maintaining small group sizes and operating efficiently, we're able to offer affordable adventures that provide exceptional value and unforgettable experiences for all participants.

Affordable Adventures Without Compromise

We know that cost can be a barrier to outdoor exploration. That's why we're committed to keeping our prices as low as possible without sacrificing quality.

By maintaining small group sizes and operating efficiently, we're able to offer affordable adventures that provide exceptional value and unforgettable experiences for all participants.

Why Choose Wild Women?

We're Really Fun People!

At Wild Women, we believe that outdoor adventures should be as enjoyable as they are rewarding. Our team is made up of friendly, outgoing individuals who love to laugh, share stories, and make memories with our participants.

Experienced Staff

Our team of experienced staff are passionate about outdoor exploration and dedicated to helping you succeed on your adventure. With years of experience and expertise, they provide expert guidance, support, and encouragement every step of the way.

You Get to Unplug

Say goodbye to worrying about capturing the perfect shot and fully immerse yourself in the outdoor experience. Our adventure photographer is on hand to document your journey, ensuring you have stunning photos to cherish for a lifetime while you disconnect and embrace the beauty of nature.

Women-Owned and Operated

At Wild Women Escapes, we're proud to be a small business run by women entrepreneurs. We understand the unique needs and perspectives of female adventurers and are dedicated to empowering women to explore the outdoors with confidence.

We Handle the Logistics for You

Leave the planning and organization to us! From itinerary creation to gear rentals and transportation arrangements, we take care of all the logistics so you can focus on enjoying your adventure stress-free.

Intimate Group Sizes

We believe in quality over quantity. By keeping our group sizes small, we ensure personalized attention, individualized guidance, and a sense of community that larger groups simply can't match.

Affordable Adventures Without Compromise

We know that cost can be a barrier to outdoor exploration. That's why we're committed to keeping our prices as low as possible without sacrificing quality.

By maintaining small group sizes and operating efficiently, we're able to offer affordable adventures that provide exceptional value and unforgettable experiences for all participants.

We prioritize safety

Spending time outdoors is inherently associated with certain risks; however, at Wild Women Escapes, we are committed to minimizing these risks. Our group leaders hold Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications, equipping them with the skills needed to respond effectively to common outdoor emergencies.

Our leaders undergo training in outdoor leadership principles, group management, and decision-making specifically tailored for the wilderness environment. All staff members are also trained in emergency response protocols, including the initiation of emergency evacuation procedures and effective communication with emergency services.

Finally, as part of our curriculum, we prioritize teaching basic lessons on risk management, empowering participants with the knowledge and skills to identify potential hazards and make informed decisions in the outdoors.

Upcoming 2025 Trips

Excited to start the adventure of a lifetime?

February 5-9th, 2025

Whister Women's Ski Adventure: Perfect for Experienced Beginners

5 days/4 nights
Whistler, BC
Learn more
A snowy mountain landscape with trees and snow
Blog Posts About Past Trips

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