Days 1-2
Upon landing in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, you’ll be quickly greeted by your group leaders as well as be introduced to your new fellow venturers. An immediately exciting time, you’ll quickly see how energized everyone is to be there. Not having to travel far, we’ll soon be at our first campsite tucked into the forests near the placid waters of the beautiful Puget Sound. There we’ll hang out, get to know each other, enjoy our first dinner as a Wilderness Ventures family, and then settle in for some well-deserved rest. The morning of our second day together finds us rising early and pointing our compasses toward the Olympic Peninsula, its lush forests and one of the last remaining stretches of wilderness beach in the lower-48.Days 3-6
Entering the gateway of Olympic National Park, we’ll stop around briefly for food and other supplies needed for our expedition. Then, once all of the necessary preliminary measures have been covered we’ll set out to the shoreline of the stunning Olympic Beach! Traveling by foot, and making the beach our home for the next four days, we’ll discover all of the ways this unscathed environment will take our breath away. Backpacking along seemingly endless stretches of sandy beaches, lined with magnificent stands of old growth forest; our trek will even occasionally take us up and over rocky outcrops where we’re invited to view up and down the coastline for miles. At night we’ll build our fire on the beach and let the ocean lull us to sleep. There is always something simple and peaceful to be found when sleeping under the stars, but there’s even more to be said about sleeping next to the endless sea.Days 7-10
After our adventures on the beach, we'll be excited to get up into the high country, but first we'll take some time to do laundry and take some well-deserved showers. After we're all refreshed, we'll travel east into the ecologically diverse region surrounding Mount Adams. At 12,276 feet, Mount Adams is a perfect introduction to snow climbing and a wonderful prelude to climbing its northern neighbor, Mount Baker. The 47 thousand acres surrounding the park are a designated Wilderness Area. Working with expert local guides, we’ll learn basic snow climbing skills that are sure to come in handy on Mount Baker. Making our summit will certainly be a joyful accomplishment for everyone in the group. By now, we'll be fully bonded as a team -- becoming lifelong friends after only a few action-filled days together, our hearts filled with our sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.Days 11-14
Following our adventure in the snow, we'll be craving the heat of the desert. We’ll shower up, do some laundry, some shopping, and then we'll set our sights to the south. Our next locale will be Smith Rock State Park. Well known as a climbing Mecca in the U.S., it certainly won’t hurt to have the help from some expert climbing instructors to teach us the ins and outs of rock climbing in this remarkable area of high desert cliffs and crags. Eventually, once our skills and teamwork are superbly accomplished, we’ll take on a well known route of the area, the Tyrolean traverse of the "Monkey’s Face!" A challenging course, your reward will truly be as great as the obstacle you’ve overcome to get there, not to mention the unparalleled views while you’re at it!Days 15-17
After our experience in the Oregon desert, it will be time for a little relaxation and excitement on the water. Our legs ready for a little rest, we’ll pick up rafts and paddles and hit the whitewater! The Deschutes River is a premier location for whitewater excitement. Following our thrill ride, we’ll then have the chance to do some laundry and take showers before we venture out once again.Days 18-22
Staying close to water, we find ourselves in the far reaches of the Puget Sound amidst the small island chain of the San Juan Islands. These islands, which are actually the summits of an ancient mountain range, are location to some of the most exceptional sea kayaking in the world. Home to an abundant amount of aquatic wildlife, including Orca whales, other wildlife such as bald eagles, deer and sea lions are sure to make an appearance. For the next four days we’ll paddle our way through the string of islands camping somewhere new each night. Truly a life changing experience as well as a good way to prepare for the final challenge on our trip, Mount Baker.Days 23-26
Mt. Baker is one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the northwest -- the place we’ll be calling home for the next three days! Upon arrival we’ll meet up with our professional guides and instructors. From them we’ll acquire the essential basics of snow climbing and mountaineering safety. Our first day on the mountain will find us setting up our basecamp on the glacier. Once we’re situated we’ll pretty much relax, enjoy a great meal, and get ready for our summit assault the following morning. On our second day, we’re awake before even the sun traveling by the light of our trusty headlamps. Eventually, as we rope together and secure our crampons, the sun will rise to warm our backs and faces; there’s nothing quite like watching a sunrise from 10,000 feet! And then finally we are there, on top of the world! A challenging climb for most of us, every single obstacle we’ve overcome pales in comparison to the rewarding view given to us on the summit of Mt. Baker! Truly the climax of our summer, this is something you will never forget.Days 27-28
After our summit of Mount Baker, we will return to the Seattle area and take some time to relax and reflect on the last few weeks spent as a group. That night, we will have a final banquet fitting of such an amazing experience. There will be time to eat and laugh with the friends with whom we have shared so much. The next day, there will be tearful goodbyes as we go our separate ways from the Seattle Airport.
