

PACIFIC NORTHWEST
WILD ADVENTURE
An 18-Day Environmental Conservation Program






Pacific Northwest

Program Details
Dates: | Paused for 2023 |
Duration: | 18 days |
Tuition: | $4,295 |
Arrive: | Seattle |
Depart: | Seattle |
Grade: | 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th (Students Grouped According to Age) |
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Program Highlights
- Explore Stunning Old-Growth Forest and Sapphire-colored Alpine Lakes on a 4-Day Backpack Through the Central Cascades
- Volunteer with Local Conservation Organizations Working to Preserve Land and Care for Outdoor Spaces
- Raft Through High Desert Plateaus and Rocky Canyons on the Class III Rapids of the Deschutes River
- Team Up With Wildlife Researchers and Biologists Studying Endangered Predators and Learn About Important Conservation Efforts
- Learn to Rock Climb at the World-Renowned Cliffs of Smith Rock State Park
- Witness the Vibrant Wildflowers and Alpine Beauty of Mt. Rainier
- Learn About the Mighty Forces that Shaped this Region While Meeting Rangers in Mt. Saint Helens National Monument
- Provide 10 Hours of Community Service While Learning About Important Conservation Issues
Program Overview
Discover the most unique and diverse landscape in the U.S on this epic journey through the Pacific Northwest. Explore temperate rainforests, turquoise alpine lakes, and the beauty of the high desert as we learn about important environmental and conservation issues taking place here in the United States. Team up with biologists and conservation experts to learn about important wildlife projects and lend a hand where needed. Backpack through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, white-water raft the Deschutes River, and rock climb in the world-famous Smith Rock all while discovering the wilds of the PNW. It’s sure to be the adventure of a lifetime!
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Program Details
Pacific Northwest Orientation & Wildlife Education
We start our adventure by teaming up with wildlife biologists and conservation experts to learn about restoration efforts throughout Washington. We join a local conservation group working to reintroduce and protect endangered species once plentiful in the Northwest, from the wild salmon in the rivers to grizzly bears, wolverines, and gray wolves – all necessary predators in the forests of the PNW. We learn about the environmental issues plaguing the most diverse landscape in the U.S. and see firsthand how scientists, local Indigenous communities, and volunteers like us can work together to restore histories, landscapes, and animals.
Alpine Lakes Backpacking
Discover the stunning Alpine Lakes Wilderness by backpacking through this unforgettable landscape. Named for the nearly 700 mountain lakes nestled among the high rocky peaks and timbered valleys of the region, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is considered one of the most beautiful sections of the entire Cascade Range. On our four-day backpack, we hike through ancient old-growth forest, camp next to pristine alpine lakes, spy wildlife from a distance, and immerse ourselves in the wilds of Washington. Throughout our backpacking expedition, we learn about the diverse ecosystems making up the Pacific Northwest while developing and practicing fundamental outdoor skills and Leave No Trace ethics. Camping each night under star-filled skies we build a strong connection to our group mates and the world around us.
Mt. Saint Helens
Don’t know what a stratovolcano is? You’ll find out at the most famous one in the continental US, Mt. St. Helen’s. Here, we learn about the ecological impact of its 1980 eruption and how, given time, the wilderness will heal itself. We also have time to explore this unique landscape and its beautiful wildflowers, mountain views, and ever-growing crater.
High Desert Adventures
Bend, Oregon is the location of ARCC’s global headquarters, and we’ve selected our favorite activities in this adrenalin-fueled town nestled at the base of 9,000-foot peaks and along the pristine shores of the Deschutes River. We begin our adventures in the high-desert rock climbing at the famed Smith Rock State Park, getting a birds-eye view of the Crooked River meandering at its base. After summiting rock spires, the next day we descend whitewater on the Deschutes River where heart-pounding class three rapids await.
After several days of exploring waterfalls, ancient lava tubes, and lakes perfect for swimming, courtesy of Bend, it’s time to return the favor. We’ll put on a hardhat, roll up our sleeves, and get to work with Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) building, maintaining, and upgrading the hiking and biking trails that provide year-round adventures in the Deschutes National Forest. We’ll see a vast difference in these high-desert trails from the temperate forest and high alpine trails from earlier in the program, and we’ll learn how conservation efforts are just as important for tiny desert creatures as they are for big forest predators.
Mt. Rainier
No trip to the PNW would be complete without a chance to explore the crown jewel of the region, Mt. Rainier. We spend two exciting days exploring the most prominent mountain of the Cascade range in an area properly named “Paradise.” Here, we have unrivaled views of Mt. Rainier’s glaciated summit, colorful wildflowers, and awe-inspiring waterfalls. We celebrate the final day of our adventure planning a special sunrise hike and at night enjoy a final feast to celebrate our journey.
Common Questions
Where do we sleep?
You will sleep in tents in National Parks, State Parks and beautiful private campsites. The majority of our campgrounds are “front-country,” meaning you will be close to the group van at these sites. While at these campgrounds, you will have restroom facilities and running water for cooking, washing hands, etc. Many campgrounds have showers on-site as well.
As a part of the adventure, you will also set out on a 4-day/3-night backpack on the Olympic Peninsula. For this section you will be carrying your own tent and equipment with you. You will be divided into small groups and sleep in tents supplied by ARCC.
How will we travel?
Each group will travel together, with their two leaders, in a 15-passenger van. If you would like to bring music for these rides, feel free to bring a music player or CDs. If you bring an iPod or MP3 player, make sure to bring a radio adapter, as most of our vans do not have a MP3 jack.
What is the food like?
The group will work together to create each menu and prepare the meals throughout the duration of this trip, with occasional meals out on travel days and for our Final Feast!
Vegetarians and medical dietary requirements (i.e. allergies) are catered for. It does help if we are informed of this prior to the departure date.
Do I need some sort of ID to travel?
If you are traveling from somewhere in the United States and are under the age of 18, airlines do not require photo identification. It is a good idea to travel with a picture I.D. if possible, but it is not necessary to bring a passport. A school identification card with your photo on it is best, but a library card or credit card with your name on it is also helpful. If you are traveling to the U.S. from somewhere outside of the United States, you will need to bring your valid passport.
What are the service projects like?
ARCC has been operating programs in the U.S. for nearly four decades, and we have built relationships with a variety of individuals, small communities and organizations who enjoy hosting ARCC student groups. On this program, we will partner National Park Rangers and local non-profits to help conserve the natural habitat across various state and National Parks.
Do I really need to bring a backpack, or can I bring a rolling suitcase on this program?
As a part of the program, you will setting out on a traditional backpacking trip. It is important that you bring a backpack that is sized to your body and comfortably carries your essential items. During the trip the group will be navigating through airports, getting on and off buses, going up and down stairways and escalators and taking longer hikes. It is essential that everyone is able to carry their own personal belongings.
How much spending money should I bring?
We suggest bringing spending money of roughly $75/week. Most cash should come home, but you will want some personal money to pay for airline baggage fees at the airport, souvenirs/gifts, laundry, extra snacks and emergencies (lost items, clinic visit, etc.). A small amount of cash and ATM cards usually work best.
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19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, OR 97702
(415) 332-5075
Email ARCC
Contact Us
19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, Oregon 97702
(415) 332-5075
Email ARCC