The Great Northwest

The adventure will begin in earnest in Olympic National Park with the first backpacking section of the trip. While traveling along the last remaining wilderness beach in the contiguous United States, there will be innumerable sights to see! From rainforests of Douglas Firs, Sitka Spruces, and Western Cedars to historic shipwrecks and ancient Makan whaling village remains, each day will provide new and different views. You may even see some wildlife along the way as this beautiful coastline is home to bald eagles, bears, deer, seals, otters, and, if you’re really lucky, whales! Along the way, you will practice backcountry living skills and essentials such as cooking, Leave No Trace principles, map and compass navigation, and more.

After a few days of trekking through the wilderness, it will be time to take a little break and hit the beach! You may not think of Oregon as a mecca for surfing, but there are fantastic opportunities to surf on Oregon’s northern beaches. Working with professional surf instructors, you will spend a couple of days learning about everything from ocean awareness and water safety to surfing etiquette and techniques. Hang ten! Every night after surfing you’ll camp in an oceanside park; it’ll be the perfect location for sunset watching and s’mores roasting.

After getting your feet wet, your group will pack your bags for your second round of backpacking. This time, you will head to the far northwest corner of the country, to the spectacular North Cascades! This extensive mountain wilderness of rugged, glacier-carved peaks; high lakes; and deep, lush forests is truly one of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges. It has earned its nickname: “The “American Alps.” You will backpack through this incredible wilderness full of dense forests, snowfields, and meadows full of wildflowers.

Moving from the wilderness trails to the snow fields, you will join climbing guides as you prepare for your final challenge as a group. Mt. Baker is the highest peak in the North Cascade Range, towering at 10,781 feet. With ropes, crampons, and ice axes at the ready, you will proceed through an instructional mountaineering course at base camp to ensure that you and your group are ready for the big climb!

Following your summit attempt of Mt. Baker, you and your group will travel through the Columbia River Gorge and head to the Eagle Cap Wilderness in the Wallowa Mountains. This is the largest wilderness area in Oregon and the views are spectacular. After mountaineering and snow climbing, you will be well prepared for this four-day, three-night high alpine backpacking adventure. Navigating through glacier-carved valleys and gorgeous lakes high above tree line, this section of backpacking will continue to stretch your backcountry comfort and knowledge.

As a fantastic reward following your adventure in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, you’ll set aside your packs and hop on the river! Rated as one of the premiere rafting trips in the country, you will embark on a 70 mile journey from the Lower Salmon River to the Snake River. You will have the opportunity to navigate your boat through exhilarating river sections full of rapids with appropriate titles such as Demons Drop, The Gobbler, and Wild Goose. Each night, you’ll find “home” on a white sand beach where the group will set up camp and cook delicious food over a driftwood fire.

After celebrating at the summit of Mt. Baker, you will make your way back to Seattle, where it all began. You’ll explore the local area on your last set of day hikes within the area. On the final evening of your trip, you will celebrate all of your accomplishments as a group and the friendships you have made throughout this incredible adventure at the traditional end-of-trip banquet. That next morning, you’ll fly back home with stories to tell and memories that will last a lifetime.