For three weeks, come explore the lush and vibrant landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Stand at the summit of Mount St. Helens and peer down into a still-smoking crater—an incredible photo opportunity!—before glissading (sliding) down the mountain. Hike and canoe through North Cascades National Park, nicknamed the “American Alps” for its dramatic, glacier-covered peaks. Rock climb in one of Washington’s most beautiful areas, Icicle Creek Canyon (don’t worry—you won’t freeze here!), before hopping into a raft on the Wenatchee River to cool off in the rapids. Sleep under the stars on the beach in Olympic National Park, sea kayak in the calm waters of Bellingham Bay, and finish your visit with a thrilling rafting trip down the world-famous White Salmon River.
Pacific Northwest Adventure
Enroll NowPacific Northwest Adventure
Destination
Oregon, Washington
Current Grades
8th, 9th
Meeting Place
Arrive: Seattle, WA (SEA)
Depart: Portland, OR (PDX)
Pacific Northwest Adventure Itinerary
For five days, you’ll hike through glaciers—more than anywhere else in the United States!—framed by gigantic Fraser fir trees and cascading rivers. The incredibly lush landscape offers multiple opportunities to marvel at its biodiversity, and with a little bit of luck, you might even spot a few sunbathing marmots, mule deer or black-tailed deer, and mountain goats scrambling up rock faces! In between days on the trail, trade your backpack for oars as you canoe on picturesque Diablo Lake, looking up at the soaring peaks surrounding you.
Though it may sound like a chilly spot, Icicle Creek Canyon is actually named for its native epithet, Nasikelt, and it’s actually quite warm! The sheer granite cliffs that line this canyon offer options for everyone, from the timid beginner to the bold veteran. Cool breezes that waft from the river help keep the summer temperatures comfortable, and when you’ve had your fill of climbing, take a dip in the creek!
Navigate fun rapids on the Wenatchee through Leavenworth, stopping only to jump in swimming holes and start splash wars. The waves are dramatic, but they’re also accessible to students of all capabilities!
Olympic National Park contains one of the country’s most beautiful and wild beach hikes. Over four days, you’ll get to see bald eagles, otters, sea lions, and seals while walking with the sea on one side and steep cliffs on the other. Camp on secluded beaches, surrounded only by your best new friends, impressive sea stacks, and starry skies.
Surround yourself with eagles, great blue herons, cormorants, and perhaps even a whale in the distance as you sea kayak around Bellingham Bay. Glide past craggy cliffs as you keep your eyes peeled for sea stars, urchins, and otters!
The most famous stratovolcano in the United States beckons to student hikers all of levels. 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 Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Hood.
In 2013, the New York Times rated the White Salmon River as #13 among 46 places to visit worldwide. This Wild and Scenic River is federally protected, leaving the water and forestry in pristine condition. Teamwork is required as you bounce down fun, sustained rapids; laughter is recommended.
Dates and Prices
-
Departure Day
06/24/23
-
Return Day
07/13/23
-
Price
$5,195
-
Availability
Limited
-
Departure Day
07/21/23
-
Return Day
08/09/23
-
Price
$5,195
-
Availability
Limited
| Departure Day | Return Day | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
|
06/24/23
|
07/13/23
|
$5,195
|
limited
|
|
07/21/23
|
08/09/23
|
$5,195
|
limited
|
No experience necessary; all skill levels welcome!
Included in tuition:
- All meals
- Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, and all group gear
- Guided activities
Not included in tuition:
- Airfare to and from the Pacific Northwest
- Trip insurance (more info here)
- Personal clothing and items (packing lists are available for enrolled families)
Activities
Backpacking
Mountain summit
Rock Climbing
Sea Kayaking
Whitewater Rafting
Canoeing
Reviews
My son had been quarantined in his room in Los Angeles for 16 months when I started my search for camp options. I was determined to get him off screens and into nature. To my great good fortune, I stumbled upon Adventure Treks. Three weeks in the Pacific Northwest, a place he had never been, living with a small group of peers and learning how to fend for himself in nature. I took a leap of faith and signed him up. He cried two nights before he was to get on the plane, “Why are you making me do this? I don’t even like camping!” he wailed. At the airport he pulled his hoodie down and boarded anyway. Eight days later, the young man who called us from the road sounded like a different person. Exuberant, joyful, and in complete wonder at the sights, sounds, smells, and even tastes of this literal adventure. He made friends he will keep for life, he jumped off a 15-foot ledge into water, and he loves to boast regularly how I could never do what he did. We will always be grateful to Adventure Treks for giving our son this experience at a time when he needed it most. These folks have passion and heart and are experts at creating community far away from everything familiar. Do it.
Ford had a fabulous time in the Pacific Northwest. His description of the geography and the activities gave me confidence that he was having a wonderful time and appreciating being able to go on that trip.
Adventure Treks was exactly what we’d hoped for and more. Our daughter had so much fun thanks to hard-working instructors and a thoughtful plan and group. The friends and role models with similar interests were a valuable part of the program. Thank you so much; what a special summer you gave her!
This trip was the highlight of our son’s summer! It is definitely for adventurous kids who are looking to do more than traditional camps allow and want to push themselves to be something more. My son made really good friends with all the kids and instructors.
Adventure Treks is my daughter’s happy place. She loves the activities, the incredible scenery, the physical challenge, and the feeling of being outdoors for 3 weeks. But the best part is the friendships, the bonding, and the feeling of being completely herself with a group of supportive, inclusive people. She loved the entire group, and loved that they came from many parts of the country and came together with no preconceived ideas of each other. She misses them all terribly and hopes to reunite with many of them soon. After the most difficult year of her life, AT was exactly what she needed.
I couldn’t have asked for a better experience for my 13-year-old. The Pacific Northwest trip provided the adventure and (supervised) independence that I felt was most necessary for my child as she enters her last year of middle school. From day one of the trip, my child was able to have fun and new experiences, make friends, and be outside of the little world she has been forced into by the circumstances of the past few years. She appreciated her peers’ differences and was grateful for their similarities. These were the things that also made the trip special; she could bond over similarities and learn about how differences can sometimes be beneficial or a challenge, depending on the circumstances. I couldn’t be more grateful for the experience Adventure Treks provided for her. There was just the right amount of challenge mixed in with laid back moments to keep her happy. I will forever refer my friends and family to Adventure Treks.