What makes the Northwest Adventure special?
The Northwest trip is the oldest, most popular trip we offer. It was the first trip Wilderness Ventures offered in 1973 and has remained mostly unchanged to this day. Part of what makes this trip so special is the variety of activities and locations. The Northwest region as a whole is incredibly diverse and this trip experiences the area in every way. From backpacking on the Olympic Beach to rafting the Deschutes River and many things in between, this trip is a comprehensive, hands on experience. The Northwest is also one of the longest trips we offer at 28 days. This extended amount of time lets the group spend more time in each activity and allows deeper exploration into some of the best wilderness areas in the world. It also accounts for the strong friendships that develop within the group.
Is the snow climbing section really difficult?
Our Northwest groups climb to the summits of Mt. Adams and Mt. Baker in Washington State. We learn all of the skills necessary to travel on the glaciers and snow covered slopes of the mountain in the days preceding our summit attempt. Mountaineering is physically demanding but anyone in average condition will do fine. All the hard work is more than worth it when you stand on top of two of the Cascades’ most beautiful and challenging mountains, and take in the amazing views!
What are things that I could do before the trip starts to physically prepare myself?
Any reasonable fit and active teen will be successful on the Northwest trip. If you are playing a sport this spring that will provide you with the preparation you need. At least four weeks before your trip you should begin to break in your boots. Start out with small walks around your neighborhood and work your way up to three-hour hikes. Your Northwest experience will be significantly more enjoyable if you have a basic level of fitness and well-broken in boots.
What will my group be like?
Your group will be the most important and memorable part of your Wilderness Ventures experience. Your group will have 10 students with two leaders, one male and one female. Our groups are co-ed and made up of students from all over the country and internationally as well. The other students in your group will be just as excited as you are about the Northwest trip and the activities you’ll be doing.
What kind of food will I eat this summer?
Your fellow trip participants, with help from your leaders, will create the menus for your trip. Everyone will be involved in this process to ensure a wide variety of food choices that provide a balanced diet to fuel our bodies. We shop in regular grocery stores and teach you how to plan for and obtain great food for backcountry travels. The food is delicious, healthy, and there will be plenty of it.
How will I get to know more about my leaders before the summer starts?
Before the summer starts your leaders will be sending you a letter introducing themselves. They will include information about their background as well as some details about the group you will be traveling with this summer.
What will my trip leaders be like?
One of the strongest components of Wilderness Ventures is the leaders. We take great pride in our leaders and spend a great deal of time and energy in choosing each one. The average age is about 25. Your trip will have at least one male and one female leader. These are some of the most dynamic, intelligent, and interesting people in the world. Each has a love for the outdoors, and a passion for teaching and working with young adults. They are great role models and have an incredible ability to facilitate each trip from backcountry travel to group dynamics. Most are teachers in traditional schools, outdoor/environmental programs or other teaching related programs. Our return rate is very high so most of our leaders have worked with us for multiple seasons. You will have a great time getting to know your leaders and will benefit from their vast experiences.
Since Mt. Baker is covered in snow, won’t my hiking boots get wet during the climb?
No. During the Mt. Baker climb we are going to use a special boot, plastic mountaineering boots. They are more durable then the hiking boots you are going to be using on the rest of your trip. They are also waterproof, which makes them perfect for the glacier travel we are going to be doing. These boots will be part of the technical equipment that Wilderness Ventures will provide for the Mt. Baker climb.
Will we be taking showers and doing laundry?
Yes! After each backcountry section we will be taking showers and doing our laundry. It’s also a great time to write a letter home to tell your family and friends about the backcountry section you just completed.
Will I see whales while sea kayaking?
The Puget Sound area offers some of the best opportunities to view all kinds of wildlife, including whales. While we cannot guarantee that you will see whales, there is a good chance of it happening. Every year we have many groups that encounter whales and other magnificent wildlife while kayaking the water around Puget Sound.
