"The instructors were so much fun to be with. They made everything as safe and as fun as possible. I was as close to the instructors as I was to the students."
- Andrew Herman
Dix Hills, NY
How many teenagers get to summit an active volcano? Climb Mount Saint Helens and stand on the top, looking into the crater that is still smoking from the eruption in 1980! Backpacking on the beach in Olympic National Park offers sunsets you'll remember forever. Sea Kayak for three days among seals and starfish, and look for the legendary 800-pound octopus beneath the water in Port Townsend Bay. Rock climbing in Icicle Canyon is a great challenge, and your two whitewater rafting days are fast-paced roller coasters.
See sunsets you'll remember forever. Backpack along the wilderness beaches of the Olympic Peninsula for four exciting days. This rocky, rugged coastline provides opportunities to see sea lions, seals, otters, eagles and explore tide pools. Camping on a wilderness beach with huge stone monoliths just offshore is an experience not to be forgotten.
You could see harbor seals, eagles and other wildlife as you and your partner navigate Port Townsend Bay in a tandem sea kayak. Explore Bird Island and hunt for crabs and clams along the shoreline by day and camp in an old fort at night. Keep an eye out for the legendary 800-pound octopus beneath the water in Port Townsend Bay.
Welcome to Leavenworth, WA and the east side of the Cascade Mountains! Camp in a dramatic canyon lined with famous granite cracks. You will learn everything you need to know to enjoy a rigorous and exciting day of rock climbing.
Cool off after your day of climbing with a rip-roaring whitewater rafting trip down the Wenatchee River. Fast-paced roller-coaster rapids, splash wars, and swimming are part of the fun
We'll camp at Climber's Bivouac, possibly in the snow, as we prepare to climb this volcano. It is an early start the next morning. We begin in the dark. This hike is challenging but you will make the top! At the summit you'll be above the clouds and the incomparable view is more than worth the effort! The crater beneath you is still smoking from the 1980 eruption. Glissade (slide) down the snowy mountain for high-speed fun.
You'll love this river and the great rapids as you raft down between its narrow canyon walls! Most of our students agree that this is the best river we raft in the Pacific Northwest.
Space is Limited. Call 888-954-5555 for more information about this trip and to check availability. Apply early to ensure the trip of your choice.
Arrive in Portland, OR airport (PDX) by 1 pm opening day.
Depart Portland, OR airport (PDX) by 2 pm closing day.
Already enrolled? Log in to the Registered Students Page for your equipment lists, paperwork, and more!
Saturday, June 26: Students arrive at Portland, OR (PDX) airport by 1 pm.
Sunday, June 27: Day hike in Lake Sylvia State Park
Monday, June 28 - Thursday, July 1: Backpack for 4-days on the northern beaches of Olympic National Park. This rocky, rugged coastline provides opportunities to see sea lions, seals, otters, eagles and explore tide pools. Camping on a wilderness beach with huge stone monoliths just offshore is an experience you will not forget.
Friday, July 2 - Sunday, July 4: 3-day sea kayaking trip in Port Townsend Bay with PT Outdoors. You should see harbor seals, eagles and other wildlife as you and your partner navigate Port Townsend Bay in a tandem sea kayak. Explore an old fort used during WW II and see fireworks on the 4th!
Monday, July 5: Logistics day (shop for food, do laundry, and clean vans). Drive to Leavenworth, WA.
Tuesday, July 6: Rock climb in Icicle Canyon in Wenatchee National Forest. Camp in a dramatic canyon lined with famous granite cliffs. You will learn everything you need to know to enjoy a rigorous and exciting day of rock climbing.
Wednesday, July 7: Raft the Wenatchee River. Enjoy fun rapids and great splash wars on this wonderful class II – III river.
Thursday, July 8 - Friday, July 9: Summit Mt. St Helens. Stop by the National Volcanic Monument Visitors Center and learn about 1980 eruption and volcanology before arriving at Climbers Bivouac. Your summit climb begins at 3AM! At the summit you'll be above the clouds and the view is incomparable. The crater beneath you is still smoking from the 1980 eruption. Glissade (slide) down the snowy mountain for high-speed fun.
Saturday, July 10: Raft the White Salmon River. Most of our students agree that this is the best river we raft in the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy a farewell dinner near Portland.
Sunday, July 11: Students fly out of Portland, OR (PDX) by 2 pm.
We reserve the right to alter the itinerary prior to and throughout the trip as we constantly improve the Adventure Treks experience. Itineraries may change due to: Severe weather, student ability, motivation and conditioning, high or low rivers, high or low snow pack, unpredictable natural disasters and acts of God, vehicle breakdowns, road closures, volcanic activity, forest fires, illness, ever changing permit regulations, any potential threat to safety, or even a brilliant idea from an instructor or student. In the event of a schedule change, comparable activities will be substituted when possible and you will be notified by e-mail of significant changes.
Is this the best trip for me?
The Pacific Northwest Experience is a perfect trip for students age 12-14 who are currently in 6th-8th grade. No previous experience is necessary to join any of our trips! With 24 students in the group, you will be challenged appropriately because we break up into small groups for each activity based on your interest and ability. This is a great trip for students who want the next step beyond summer camp, with only 2 weeks away from home.
What other trips might be right for me?
What if I've never flown across country before?
Most of the students on the Pacific Northwest Experience are first-time travelers. Learn more about our airport days on our What to Expect Page. You can also fly as an "Unaccompanied Minor" and the airline will help you navigate the airports.
Will I need cold-weather clothing on this trip?
Temperatures in the mountains are usually moderate, but we also want you to be prepared for cooler evenings and mornings around camp. A fleece, hat and gloves are recommended as part of your equipment list so you’ll be comfortable in any weather. For more information about packing, please check your equipment list at your Log In Page.
For more answers, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or call us at 888-954-5555. We’re always happy to help you out!
Sam Carlson - Sam was an AT student for two summers and joins us for his fourth summer as a Trip Leader. He completed his undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from the University of Puget Sound (UPS). He is currently enrolled in a Master’s of Education program at Western Washington. Sam has worked as a hotel receptionist in the Chilean Andes and course manager for the International Film and Television Workshops. Sam is an avid backcountry skier; earning his Avalanche Level I & II certifications and ski touring all over the Canadian Coastal Range, Vermont and the Washington Cascades. Sam is also a Wilderness First Responder and mountain biker.
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Janeen Williams - Janeen is excited to join us for her first summer as an instructor. She graduated from Northland College with a degree in Outdoor Education and Natural History, after which she became an intern with Outward Bound. She now works for Camp Widjiwagan teaching outdoor education. She has led trail crews in Southern California with the SCA and worked for the US Forest Service in the Boundary Waters. Janeen is a Wilderness First Responder and a Leave No Trace Trainer.
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Shauna Foster- A New York native, Shauna was raised in a family that spent time rock and ice climbing, rapelling, mountain biking, horseback riding, caving, kayaking, and backpacking regularly. Shauna hasn’t deviated from her roots; she has been outdoor leader working for Outward Bound, the YMCA, Adventures in Reality, Columbia Greene Community College, and SUNY Potsdam. She is a graduate of SUNY Potsdam with a degree in Environmental Studies and Outdoor Education in Leadership and Adventure Education. She has also volunteered with the Student Conservation Association maintaining portions the Appalachian Trail, Yellowstone’s Thorofare Region, and the Grand Canyon’s diverse trail network. She is a certified Leave No Trace Trainer, Leave No Trace Master Educator, SUNDANCE Rappel Tower, Lifeguard, Rescue Level Ropes Course and Wilderness First Responder.
Sebastian Brundage – “Seabass,” as he is better known, joins us for his fourth summer. He graduated from Portland State University with a degree in Communication Studies, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Renewable Energy Technology from Appalachian State University. Seabass is a professional globe trotter, traveling throughout Southeast Asia, Japan, Central America, and most recently teaching English in Argentina. He has participated in extended backcountry trips with the Northwest Mountain School and is a certified Wilderness First Responder and PADI-certified Scuba Diver.
John Lilly – John joins us for his second summer from Spokane, WA where he is completing a degree in Nursing from Gonzaga. John has ski patrolled at the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, MT, worked as a ski instructor and as a facilitator of a high ropes course for Camp Sweyolakan in Idaho. He is the volunteer coordinator for the Alpine Safety Awareness Program in Spokane and is a trip coordinator and co-director for Gonzaga University’s Outdoors Program. John is a certified EMT, graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School, and Avalanche level 1 certified.
Tonya Ansel - Tonya has a degree in Ecology from Minnesota State, Mankato is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Experiential Education at Minnesota State. She has snowboarded the Swiss Alps and has taught snowboarding in Vail, CO. She has also been PADI SCUBA assistant, NAUI skin diving instructor, a wind surfing instructor and sea kayak trip leader. She has represented the USA on rugby tours in the Bahamas, and New Zealand. She is a Wilderness First Responder and a NAUI rescue diver.
*Instructors may change prior to your trip – we’ll let you know if this happens.
Reviewed by: Sophie Zaller
Date:July 21, 2010
Rating: 5 out of 5
Review:Pac 16 was so much fun! I loved whitewater rafting and the 25-foot bridge jump on the White Salmon River. The instructors were great and I made a lot of new friends. Everybody felt like they fit in and were included in jokes, laughter and fun. Everyone on our trip made it to the top of Mount St. Helens and the view from the summit was amazing.I will definitely be returning to AT next year.
Reviewed by: Abby Daniel
Date:June 7, 2010
Rating: 5 out of 5
Reviewed by: Ry Storey-Fisher
Date: February 10, 2010
Rating: 5 out of 5
Pac-16 is an incredible trip filled with thrilling activities, awesome kids, and amazing instructors. Nothing is better than the moment when you finally reach the peak of Mt. St. Helens and look down on what you have just climbed. This trip was so fun!
Adventure Treks is a program for teenagers, so we don’t allow any inappropriate language or content in our reviews. We do screen reviews for spam and legitimacy, and we will post all appropriate comments in full.
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Thanks for interest in Adventure Treks!
Fill out our online application or apply by phone by calling 888-954-5555 Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm EST.
Our core office staff, consisting of Dock, Kyndra, Dmac, Holly and Alice, welcomes the opportunity to answer any questions and help you choose the best summer experience for your child.
1. Apply online and submit an $800 deposit by check or Visa/MC to hold your place on the Adventure of your choice. As a smaller, more personal company, enrollment is limited, so please send in your application early.
2. You will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to complete your student essay, medical form, and 2 references (phone calls or e-mails to our office) from a teacher and another non-related adult who knows your child well. We may also arrange a brief phone interview to get to know your child better. Our acceptance process ensures a great peer group for your child.
3. Your remaining paperwork and information about your trip is available on our Registered Students Page and will be mailed to you upon acceptance. Adventure Treks is selective. Applications will be carefully reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
All deposits are refundable prior to March 1st, less a $200 processing fee, for cancellation for any reason. For cancellations after March 1st, tuition is non-refundable. We recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance for your protection. If a participant withdraws voluntarily or is sent home as a consequence of unacceptable behavior, no refund of any kind will be granted. It is the parents’ responsibility to cover any additional travel expenses.
Click map to enlarge
| Duration: | 16 days |
| Dates: | June 26 - July 11 |
| Ages: | 13-14 |
| Activities: | Whitewater Rafting Rock Climbing Sea Kayaking Backpacking Mountaineering |
| States: |
Washington |
| Price: | US $2,750.00 |
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