Pacific Northwest Adventure

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Pacific Northwest Adventure

Trip Resources
Destination

Oregon, Washington

Current Grades

7th-9th

length

20 Days

view dates and prices
Meeting Place

1: Arrive and depart Portland, OR (PDX)

2: Arrive Seattle, WA (SEA)
Depart Portland, OR (PDX)

As of Wednesday, May 19, Adventure Treks cancelled all programs out west for summer 2020. We will only be running Blue Ridge trips in North Carolina. Please read our statement on COVID-19 here. 

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.

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Pacific Northwest Adventure Itinerary

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Backpack and canoe in North Cascades National Park

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.

Rock climb in Icicle Creek Canyon

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!

Whitewater raft the Wenatchee River

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!

Backpack in Olympic National Park

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.

Sea kayak in Port Angeles

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!

Climb Mt. St. Helens (8,365 feet)

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.

Whitewater raft the White Salmon River

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 1
  • Departure Day
    21/06/20
  • Return Day
    10/07/20
  • Price
    $4,395
  • Availability
    Closed
Departure 2
  • Departure Day
    24/07/20
  • Return Day
    12/08/20
  • Price
    $4,395
  • Availability
    Closed
Departure Day Return Day Price Availability
06/21/20
07/10/20
$4,395
closed
07/24/20
08/12/20
$4,395
closed

Pacific Northwest Adventure 1 has only one spot available. 

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
  • Trip insurance
  • Personal clothing and items (see our packing list here)

Activities

​​Backpacking

Mountaineering

Rock Climbing

Sea Kayaking

Whitewater Rafting

Canoeing

Reviews

Trisha Smith, Baton Rouge, LA
July 2018

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.

Anna Stuckey, Baton Rouge, LA
July 2018

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.

Sue Sgro, Bradenton, FL
July 2018

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.

Erin Talbert, Chadds Ford, PA
July 2018

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!

Rachel Crean, Parkland, FL
July 2018

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.

Erica Lear, Wake Forest, NC
July 2018

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.

Ashley Wall, Wilmington, NC
July 2018

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.

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