“I don’t know of any company who provides such a high level of comfort for the parents and the children. It’s like sending your child to visit a close family friend.”
- Nancy Crawford
Louisville, KY
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! Backpack on the beach in Olympic National Park and see 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, July 24: Students arrive at Portland, OR by 1 pm.
Sunday, July 25: Day hike in Lake Sylvia State Park.
Monday, July 26 - Thursday, July 29: 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 30 - Sunday, August 1: 3-day Sea kayak in Port Townsend Bay with PT Outdoors. You could 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.
Monday, August 2: Logistics day and drive to Leavenworth.
Tuesday, August 3: 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, August 4: Raft the Wenatchee River. Enjoy fun rapids and great splash wars on this wonderful class II – III river. If river levels are low we will paddle parts of the river in inflatable kayaks to maximize our fun!
Thursday, August 5 - Friday, August 6: 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, August 7: 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, August 8: Students depart 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!
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Liz Golembeski - Liz is very excited for her fourth summer as a Trip Leader with Adventure Treks. Liz previously worked at Summit Achievement, a wilderness therapy program in Stowe, ME. She is a graduate of Greenfield Community College’s Outdoor Leadership Program and also has a degree in Mass Communications from Boston University. Liz currently lives Flat Rock, NC where she is working with children with Autism, Teaching a Social Skills class and working part-time in the Adventure Treks office. Liz is also the Program Director for Camp Blue Skies, a weeklong residential camp for adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities. She is a certified Wilderness First Responder.
Dana Rivkin - Originally from the Twin Cities, Dana grew up enjoying the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota. Since then, she earned a degree in International Relations From American University and in Spanish language and politics from Universidad Diego Porales, in Chile. Her travels have taken her to a variety of Latin American countries, as well as Maine, Alaska, and Europe. Dana worked for Student Conservation Association as a desert restoration crew member, an outdoor educator and trail work instructor for students. Her passions for yoga, rock climbing, backpacking and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest landscape keep her busy. Dana is a Leave No Trace trainer, PADI certified scuba diver, and Wilderness First Responder.
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Emily Rolando – A three-year A.T. student, Emily joins us for her second summer as an instructor. Most recently, Emily worked for Open Sky as a field guide. Prior to this she graduated from Prescott College with a degree in Psychology and an emphasis in Wilderness Leadership and Outdoor Programming. She also spent 11 months studying, backpacking, and working in New Zealand, has thru-hiked the Long Trail and run several half-marathons. Emily is a certified Wilderness EMT.
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Josh Goldbach – Josh holds a degree in Psychology from Eckerd College and also graduated from NOLS' Rocky Mountain Outdoor Educator semester. He spent the past year working as a teacher for Nature's Classroom in New England. Josh has led a fifty day trip through the Western US and Canada for Camp Thunderbird. He is an avid telemark skier, rock climber, and backpacker. Josh is a Leave No Trace Master Educator, a lifeguard, and a certified Wilderness EMT.
Brandon Tyrell - Brandon joins us from the Bay Area, CA. During the Fall and Spring he is a field staff and a climbing site manager for the Boojum Institute for Experimental Education. This fall he will earn his degree from Prescott College in Adventure Education. Brandon has completed an Outward Bound Leadership semester and a nine-month leadership training course with the University of Santa Barbara Adventure Programs as well. When not found in the outdoors Brandon works for the University of California Riverside Outdoor Excursions helping others get involved in the beautiful outdoors of Southern California. Brandon is certified in Wilderness First Responder.
Daniel Bleckinger – Daniel rejoins us for his third year after spending last summer on the mountain bike patrol in Winter Park, CO. He earned his B.S. in Biology from Portland State University and has spent time teaching outdoor science in several states. Daniel has traveled through South East Asia, Central America, and Europe, and has ridden his bike throughout Mexico and across the entire US. He is also a SCUBA Divemaster, ski instructor, and a fire performer. Daniel is trained as a Wilderness First Responder and in Outdoor Emergency Care.
*Instructors may change prior to your trip – we’ll let you know if this happens.
Reviewed by: Liam Arnade-Colwill
Date: May 2010
Rating: 5 out of 5
AWESOME TRIP!!! This was my first trip on adventure treks and I couldn't have kicked off my outdoor experiences better than this. To all the kids who are going on this: You're going to have one heck of an awesome time. :)
Reviewed by: Jordan Barhydt
Date: July 2009
Rating: 5 out of 5
I feel so comfortable around all of my Adventure Treks friends and feel like no one is judging me. I can just be myself.
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: | July 24 - August 8 |
| Ages: | 13-14 |
| Activities: | Whitewater Rafting Rock Climbing Sea Kayaking Backpacking Mountaineering |
| States: |
Washington |
| Price: | US $2,750.00 |
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