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This 37th edition of our oldest program provides the most complete exploration of the Northwest’s beauty and variety. (Over 1,600 alumni have participated in this trip.) Experience desert cliffs, rocky shores, lush forests and the azure waters of the beckoning Pacific. Whether hiking pristine coastal beaches, sea kayaking amidst orca whales or summiting both Mount Adams and Mount Baker, this is the premiere immerse introduction to the most biologically diverse region in North America.
 Backpack The Olympic Beach
After arriving into Seattle, we'll head a short distance west to the Olympic Beach and one of the last wilderness coastlines in North America. We’ll camp on sandy beaches nestled against rugged cliffs and witness an amazing variety of wildlife, such as deer, seals, bald eagles, starfish, otters, and possibly whales. Sea Kayak the San Juan Islands
A short ferry ride will take us to the San Juan Islands, where we’ll sea kayak for three days in safe and stable 2-person boats. In this placid ocean environment, we’ll travel to uninhabited islands and experience beautiful sunsets, amazing varieties of marine life, and share our evenings with seals and orca whales. Rock Climb at Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is one of North America's premiere rock climbing desinations. We will set up our basecamp in this breathtaking high desert area of granite cliffs where, for three days, we will have the opportunity to learn basic climbing skills and safety procedures such as movement on rock, anchors, rappelling, rope systems and signaling. Grouped by ability, we’ll climb a variety of challenging routes, culminating with an optional Tyrolean traverse of the Monkey’s Face.
Backpack the Pacific Crest Trail
Just 30 minutes from Smith Rock, lies the dramatically beautiful Three Sisters Wilderness along the Pacific Crest Trail. Our route will pass by clear blue lakes, numerous flower-filled meadows and towering volcanoes. The Three Sisters are spectacular, snowcapped volcanoes surrounded by beautiful alpine lakes, flower-strewn meadows, old growth forests, and eerie lava flows. This is Oregon’s premier wilderness area and we are fortunate to be the only wilderness travel program with authority to operate here. We’ll spend our days building on the skills learned on the Olympic beach as well as reveling in the general enjoyment of each others' company in this unimaginable environment. At night we’ll be amazed at the bountiful and brilliant star-filled sky. Climb Mount Adams
At 12,276 feet, Mount Adams is a perfect introduction to snow climbing and a wonderful prelude to climbing its northern neighbor, Mount Baker. We’ll backpack into this magnificent wilderness, where we’ll build on our backcountry, leadership, and team building skills. From our campsite in the snow, we’ll learn basic snow climbing skills before we embark on our summit bid. The spectacular view of Mount Baker from the summit of Mount Adams will leave us all greatly anticipating our next climb. Whitewater Raft The Deschutes River
On this amazing river, we’ll learn whitewater rafting and inflatable kayaking skills on one of the finest two-day stretches of rapids in North America. This famous river combines quiet, clear pools with loads of Class III and IV whitewater and sandy beaches for our campsites. Climb Mount BakerAt 10,781 feet, Mount Baker is the northern-most and one of the most heavily glaciated volcanoes in the Cascades range. This is the perfect venue for our culminating ascent. Following a one-day refresher class in the fundamentals of snow climbing by world-class mountaineers, we’ll embark on our exciting two-day climb. Day One finds us snuggled into our camp at 9,000 feet. Day Two will begin under the glow of headlamps as we rope together with our guides, secure our crampons and begin the final and most spectacular leg of our journey. Few words can describe the sunrise at 10,000 feet or the amazing views from Canada to California as we summit above the clouds. Following our successful climb, we’ll return to Seattle for our end-of-trip banquet and flights home.
All the major components of this trip have been offered by us over the past 37 years. For students completing 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grades, grouped according to age.
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