Teenagers standing atop the summit of Mount St. Helens with a yellow Adventure Treks flag

Pacific Northwest Adventure

Trip Summary

Embark on an unforgettable 16-day adventure through the lush and vibrant Pacific Northwest! Hike along the beach and sleep under the stars in the misty, magical Olympic National Park. Explore the straits of Washington by sea kayak and camp on scenic islands, and then head to the Columbia River Gorge for rock climbing on picturesque basalt columns with long-range views. Stand at the summit of Mount St. Helens and peer into the still-smoking crater for an incredible photo opportunity, and then wrap up your epic journey with two thrilling rafting days down the world-famous White Salmon River.

Itinerary

Discover one of the world's wildest and most stunning beach hikes in Olympic National Park. Over four days, you'll spot bald eagles, otters, sea lions, and seals while hiking with the Pacific Ocean on one side, and sheer cliffs on the other. Camp on the beautiful coast and watch the most colorful sunset you've ever seen, surrounded by your new best friends, impressive sea stacks, and starry skies.

Immerse yourself in nature as you sea kayak for three days (camping on islands) around Deception Pass, whose protected waters lend themselves to a huge variety of wildlife like seals, eagles, porpoises, otters, great blue herons, and bald eagles. There's also a ton of bioluminescence in the summer, too! Huge, old-growth trees line the craggy cliffs, above hollowed out coves where crabs love to skitter about. We may get to paddle to and explore a decommissioned military fort on an island.

The most famous volcano in the United States beckons to student hikers all of levels. The morning before our summit, we'll explore the third-longest lava tubes in the country below its flanks. The next day, after scrambling up the iconic Monitor Ridge, students will stand on the edge of the ever-growing crater and its surrounding glacier, literally watching geology in the making. Rewards for this challenging hike also include 360-degree views of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount Hood—and on a clear day, you can see even further down into Oregon!

Rope up for a day of rock climbing in Columbia River Gorge, where we'll ascend blocky basalt columns with a huge variety of routes for different skill levels. At the top, turn around for incredible views of the gorge, including a close-up view of Mount Hood!

Ranked as a top place to visit worldwide by the New York Times, the White Salmon River is a must-experience adventure! This Wild and Scenic River is federally protected, ensuring pristine water and forestry. Get ready for two days of exhilarating rides as you and your friends tackle fun, sustained rapids—teamwork is a must, and laughter is guaranteed.

Trip Details

Arrival/Departure

Seattle, WA (SEA) and Portland, OR (PDX)

Grades

7th, 8th, 9th

Length

16 days

Dates

6/24 - 7/97/15 - 7/30

Tuition

$5,295

Activities

​​Backpacking
Mountain summit
Rock climbing
Sea kayaking
Whitewater rafting

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Included in tuition:
  • All meals
  • Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, and all group gear
  • Guided activities
Not included in tuition:
  • Airfare to SEA and from PDX
  • Travel protection plans (more info here)
  • Personal clothing and items (packing lists are available for enrolled families)
Travel information
  • Arrive in SEA on opening day between 9 am and 12:45 pm
  • Depart from PDX on closing day between 5:30 and 11 am
  • Find more travel information here
Camping

About two-thirds of our nights are spent at "frontcountry" campsites, where we'll generally have a more developed campsite with running water, toilets, and sometimes cell phone service. This may be a public or private campground. We often stay at the same frontcountry site a few days in a row.

The other third will be spent "backcountry" camping, referring to wilderness locations where we are most likely out of cell phone service and away from our vehicles, electricity, and other amenities. Multi-day activities like backpacking and canoeing take place in the backcountry.

Challenge/fitness level

No experience necessary; all skill levels welcome! We'll teach students everything they need to know to be successful and have lots of fun.

Fitness and physical challenge are subjective, so Adventure Treks does not "rate" its trips based on challenge. However, because we’ll be engaged in different outdoor activities throughout each trip, our students have the responsibility to be physically fit. We know physical fitness looks different for everyone, but it’s important to come prepared so that you and your fellow students can succeed. One student not coming prepared with physical fitness will negatively impact the entire group. In the months leading up to their trip, students should develop a routine that emphasizes stamina and sustaining a moderate level of exertion for many hours, several days in a row. Running, swimming, bicycling, aerobics classes, and team sports are all beneficial and will help improve cardiovascular fitness in preparation for a student’s trip.

Why choose Adventure Treks?

Adventure Treks stands out for its intentional, close-knit communities where experienced instructors create a welcoming, supportive environment that helps teens build lasting friendships and grow into capable, happy young adults. We have the highest staff-to-student ratios in the industry and include necessary gear so every student feels prepared. Our programs emphasizes real growth—confidence, independence, resilience, and leadership—through meaningful outdoor challenges, with a thoughtful risk management mindset woven into every trip. Trusted by families for more than three decades, the experience often becomes a turning point during a critical age that leaves a lasting impression for life.

Parent testimonials

"Eyan had a great time exploring new places, meeting friends, challenging himself, and unplugging from the world! I wanted him to gain confidence, and I think he came back knowing that he can handle hard things and make new friends." – Elyssa Pellish, Westborough, MA

"Everything in the process, from execution to follow-up, has been 10/10. I wanted her to gain self-reliance, independence, exploration, appreciation of nature. AND YES, achieved!" – Caitlin Ryan, Sebastopol, CA

"Amazing instructors, so well-organized, excellent communication—just the best! I think Ronin loved connecting with the group and seeing some new, beautiful sites. The AT team is so wonderful. All the blogs and photos were amazing. It really felt like we knew what they were experiencing and remained connected the whole time." – Tina Stone, Novato, CA

"What did AT do well? Organization, itinerary, staffing and ownership, thoughtful, caring... As well as communication and especially the generosity of lots of photos! Also, all the pre-trip materials, advice, lists were great. It was also valuable and thoughtful on AT’s part to encourage new connections. I appreciate the mindfulness regarding cliques. It was a chief concern for this participant leading into the trip." – Diana Ngo, Fairfax, VA

"Ian had a wonderful experience and came home feeling proud of everything he accomplished. I was impressed by the communication, organization, and genuine care shown by the trip leaders. It was reassuring to know that he was both supported and appropriately challenged throughout the trip. I hoped Ian would become more independent, gain confidence, make new friends, and challenge himself outside of his normal routine and comfort zone. I also wanted him to spend meaningful time outdoors without screens. Looking back, I believe he achieved all of those things and gained an experience he will remember for a long time." – Alison Michaels, Eagle, ID

Student testimonials

"Our instructors all understood the true meaning of this trip, and they were so wise. They also loved to laugh alongside the students. AT truly was the best experience of my life, and I know they'd be so excited to meet you!" – Tommy from CT

"I can't believe I summited Mount St. Helens when I originally didn't think it was possible! I know now that I don't need to be afraid of doing something I've never done before." – Pax from VA

"Just take a chance. AT is so fun, and even if you don't enjoy every single part, you'll still come out a different person." – Everleigh from NC

Before AT, I was nervous about whether I was fit enough. Now I know I shouldn't underestimate myself." – Ian from ID

"There's not a 'not fun' thing about it! The students, the instructors, and the experience are all centered on fun. I loved the trust our instructors had in us, and the freedom they gave us. It made the trip even more freeing and enjoyable." – Shoshana from MD

"Between the community, being in nature, and the instructors, Adventure Treks keeps a perfect balance and makes the trip insanely enjoyable." – Fielding from NC

"AT is the home you build away from home." – Stanley from NC

"At the start you'll be nervous, but by the end you won't want to leave. I loved our instructors' patience; they hung out with us all day, did so much work for us, and never got mad, even when we (students) were annoying." – Anya from TX

"When AT is over, you'll be so sad to leave, but you'll also be so proud of yourself for finishing your amazing adventure." – Saskia from CA

Read more parent and student testimonials here.

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