My gf and I enjoy hiking and backpacking, but there isn't much in the immediate DC area (we live in Laurel, MD). I've been hiking and backpacking for years, but my gf really just got into it a couple of years ago and then she hurt her back at work last spring and we weren't able to do much of anything last year. We've already started looking at daypacks (which we both need) at REI and making plans for when the weather breaks. I'm sure she'd appreciate having another female to hike with. Up until now, when we've hiked with anyone, its been my best friend with whom I went backpacking as far north as northern Quebec and as far west as South Dakota. I think we might be a little older than you were really looking for, but it could be interesting...

hi, welcome! if you are interested in semi-organized events, the DC Sierra Club and also Washington Women Outdoors have hikes pretty often. (I don't have their websites on hand but you can google both groups.) Wash. Women Outdoors also has kayaking, rock-climbing lessons, etc. occasionally.