Backpack the Eagle Cap Wilderness

After being met by our trip leaders at the Portland airport, we quickly move east through the dramatic and beautiful Columbia Gorge, along the Columbia River to Wallowa Lake and the gateway to Oregon’s largest wilderness, The Eagle Cap. We’ll show you how to pack your pack for an enjoyable four-day adventure amidst towering peaks, along tumbling snow melt streams and through flower filled meadows as far as you can see. Along our way you’ll learn new backcountry skills to last a lifetime, like cooking a delicious meal, selecting a perfect campsite, and navigating with a compass. Most importantly, you’ll grow together with your team while enjoying the peace of this splendid environment.

Whitewater Raft the Salmon River

Just a stone’s throw from the Eagle Cap, lies Hell’s Canyon and the remote Salmon River. For four days, we'll enjoy an epic river trip that mixes lazy, clear pools with exciting Class III and IV rapids. Choose each day between our larger paddle rafts or our smaller “row your own” oar boats. You’ll love the feeling of accomplishment you achieve after running amazing rapids such as China Bar, Snow Hole, or Slide. Easily considered the best multi-day rafting trip in the Western United States, the Salmon River meanders through desert canyons and along picturesque sandy beaches. We'll spend our late afternoons playing beach volleyball then dine at night on our “river rat” feasts.

Rock Climb at Smith Rock

Returning back to Central Oregon we’re ready for a new and different challenge. At famous Smith Rock you’ll learn basic climbing skills and procedures, including belaying, anchor set-up, rappelling and signaling. You’ll love this environment of rock and sky as you climb a variety of routes according to your ability and desire. Our adventure concludes with an optional Tyroleon Traverse of the famous Monkey’s Face.

Backpack the Three Sister's Wilderness

Just thirty miles away from Smith Rock is Oregon’s most beautiful wilderness. Straddling the Pacific Crest, this amazing wilderness contains three dormant snow capped volcanoes and an endless array of scenic lakes and meadows. We’ll hike the famous Pacific Crest Trail for four days while we hone our backcountry and leadership skills.

Relax at Hood River

We’ll conclude our Oregon adventure in beautiful Hood River, where we’ll celebrate our accomplishments with our traditional end of summer banquet.

 

Most of the components of this trip have been offered by us for the past 39 years.

 

Teachers/Group Leaders: This adventure or a variation of it can be offered as a private/custom trip with your own departure dates. Please contact our group desk at 800-533-2281.