PACIFIC NORTHWEST

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.