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 Port Angeles, 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
Session 1: Arrive and depart Portland, OR (PDX)
Session 2: 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 big and 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 otters, harbor seals, bald eagles, and maybe even a whale while sea kayaking off the rugged coast in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. You’ll cruise past seastacks and craggy cliffs, and you may even find a few seastars or sea urchins!
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
06/21/21
-
Return Day
07/10/21
-
Price
$4,595
-
Availability
Full
-
Departure Day
06/22/21
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Return Day
07/11/21
-
Price
$4,595
-
Availability
Full
-
Departure Day
07/24/21
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Return Day
08/12/21
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Price
$4,595
-
Availability
Full
| Departure Day | Return Day | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
|
06/21/21
|
07/10/21
|
$4,595
|
full
|
|
06/22/21
|
07/11/21
|
$4,595
|
full
|
|
07/24/21
|
08/12/21
|
$4,595
|
full
|
Activities
Backpacking
Mountaineering
Rock Climbing
Sea Kayaking
Whitewater Rafting
Canoeing
Reviews
Adventure Treks was such an amazing experience! William enjoyed the beautiful outdoors in the Pacific Northwest with such a wide variety of activities in a safe but challenging setting. His sense of responsibility and confidence as well as his ability to communicate in an electronics-free environment is always seen when he returns from camp. He felt a strong friendship with many of the other students; they’re all staying in touch still.
I do not think there is a way to describe Mary’s adventure. She grew as a human being. She learned to take care of herself and, more important, to take care of others. That group of young adults left with a bond that we do not understand. They respect each other and left with no “guards” up. They got to know people they would not always know in the real world and did not want to leave them to come home. No one was judging them or cared what they did back at home—it was all about the time there.
We worried we would never see our daughter again because she was so extremely happy in the mountains! She said the people were the best part of the whole experience. Every time we ask what her favorite part of the trip was, she starts with one thing and then it becomes 10 favorite things.
The trip this year served as an amazing transition to high school for my 14-year-old. She had time to reflect on who she was in middle school, challenged herself connect with like-minded friends, and thought about who she wants to be in high school. There is nothing like 20 days in the wilderness to help a teen be clearer in their priorities… away from school pressures, away from social media and phones, and away from us, their parents! I knew our daughter would be changed. I’m so pleased with the small changes I’ve observed in her: community-minded, loving the outdoors even more, enjoying cooking, and using her phone less!
Adventure Treks is the best money you can spend on your child! Not only did my daughter see some spectacular scenery, but she grew as a person in every way—from the huge sense of accomplishment they get when they reach the summit after a hard hike, to the amazing support they get from the instructors, to the strong bonds they build with other students. She came home feeling sad because she was camp-sick and missing her friends, but she had a new sense of confidence that I’ve never seen before.
Aidan came back with a greater appreciation for us, the environment, establishing independence, and acknowledging and seeing the importance of responsibility. He said his community was amazing, incredible, loving, supportive, open, and fun.
We are so happy to have found Adventure Treks. George’s time in the Pacific Northwest was challenging yet fun. He met wonderful friends and saw beautiful sights. I love that he was outside for three weeks.