The Columbia River Gorge straddles the Washington and Oregon border, and this is where we’ll start our adventure! This area is known for its vibrant wildflowers, including more than a dozen endemic species. A rewarding hike up Dog Mountain leads to a bird’s eye view of 11,250-foot Mt. Hood to the south and Mt. St. Helens (8,366 feet) and Mt. Adams (12,280 feet) to the north.

Almost 50 miles of trails wind through Government Camp, which sits in the shadows of Mt. Hood. We’ll pedal through old-growth forests, among wildflower fields, and next to sparkling lakes and streams. There’s something for everyone here; beginners to advanced riders alike will find a ride that suits them!

Have you ever explored a lava tube? You’re about to get up close and personal with the Cascades’ most famous lava formations! The 2,000-year-old Ape Caves have many wondrous features, including the “meatball” (a giant globule of cooled lava suspended in midair) and the “railroad tracks” (a levee that formed when lava drained out of the tube). Learn the difference between stalactites and stalagmites, scramble over lava blocks, and wiggle commando-style through narrow sections.

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.

Ready for a day on the Wild and Scenic Klickitat River? The Klickitat flows steadily downhill, providing for incredibly fun and accessible rapids. Our sit-on-top kayaks are stable and forgiving boats—perfect for those who have never boated down a river before—but they still provide plenty of challenge for students wishing to advance their paddling skills.

In 2013, the New York Times rated the White Salmon River as #13 among 46 places to visit worldwide. This other 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.