Pacific Northwest Explorer
Trip Summary
For 14 days, make best new friends as you have tons of fun exploring the vibrant and beautiful landscapes of the Pacific Northwest! Kick off your adventure with a multi-day hike along the Olympic Peninsula, known for its huge, moss-covered trees and magical coastline filled with wildlife. Next, duck inside the famous Ape Caves beneath Mount St. Helens and explore tunnels and passageways formed by lava flow 2,000 years ago. Then rope up to rock climb the basalt columns of Columbia River Gorge, strap into a PFD to kayak the Klickitat River, hike up to Dog Mountain to see the best wildflower show in the US, and wrap up your adventure with a rafting trip down one of the most exciting rivers, the White Salmon, in the world!
Itinerary
Hike along the Olympic Pensinsula in Olympic National Park
Hiking along Washington’s Olympic Peninsula coast means days filled with views of dramatic sea stacks rising from the Pacific, tide pools teeming with colorful marine life, and long stretches of wild, driftwood-strewn beaches. Eat dinner each evening in front of the brightest sunset you've ever seen, and watch the sun dip below the horizon as you camp right on the beach at night. These coastal trails offer stunning views and are home to Roosevelt elk, golden and bald eagles, sea lions, seals, and sea otters. If you like hanging out next to the ocean (without the crowds!), seeing lots of wildlife, and want to immerse in nonstop stunning views, this is the hiking trip for you.
Hike through the Ape Caves
No trip to the Pacific Northwest is complete without a stopover at the famous Ape Caves. Don your headlamp and descend into the 2.5-mile-long lava tubes beneath the most famous volcano in the United States, Mount St. Helens. Students love exploring these lava formations underground. You can explore the more spacious Lower Cave with high ceilings, and test yourself by squeezing through smaller passageways at the end or scrambling over boulders in the Upper Cave.
Rock climb in Columbia River Gorge
Rope up for a few days of rock climbing in Columbia River Gorge! Ascend blocky basalt columns in a dramatic canyon with a tremendous variety of routes for different skill levels. At the top, turn around for incredible views of the Gorge! You'll feel like you're standing on top of the world as you peer down at the Columbia River, with an unobstructed view of 11,249-foot Mt. Hood right at your fingertips.
Kayak the Klickitat River
This beautiful tributary of the huge Columbia River offers a ton of water adventure, and we'll explore its exciting rapids via sit-on-top kayaks! This is a fantastically fun way to navigate the river, and kayaking is consistently a student highlight of our trips!
Day hike in Columbia River Gorge
One of Washington's coolest trail systems awaits your ascent. You'll climb up and out of the canyon to a big, open meadow with more panoramic views of the Gorge, Mount Hood, and ridgeline after ridgeline. June is peak wildflower season, which means the hillsides are painted with golds, yellows, reds, oranges, purples, and blues. This is one of the most beautiful hikes you'll ever do, and you'll feel so accomplished having earned the view!
Whitewater raft the White Salmon River
The New York Times has rated the White Salmon River as #13 among 46 places to visit worldwide, and for good reason. This Wild and Scenic River is federally protected, leaving the glacial-fed, turquoise water and surrounding forest in pristine condition—and ripe for adventures with your friends! Teamwork is required as you bounce down fun, sustained rapids; laughter is recommended.
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