Surf the Oregon Coast
As we land in beautiful Portland, Oregon, it's impossible not to feel like our adventure is already underway. After meeting up with our trip leaders and the other members of our group, we'll depart for our nearby campground where we'll learn to set up camp, cook dinner together as a team for the first time, and get to know each other better. Our first activity finds us on the Oregon coast, relaxing on the sandy coast before learning to surf the gentle waves under the guidance of helpful, local instructors. Raft the Deschutes
Just 30 minutes from the Bend area, the Deschutes River cuts a steep and spectacular canyon through the Oregon desert. For the next 2 days, we will raft and inflatable kayak thrilling whitewater rapids ranging from Class II to III. This wonderful whitewater river has been home to Wilderness Ventures groups since 1973, when we were the first program to run the river with groups of young adults. Besides the thrilling whitewater, there are numerous quiet pools for relaxing and gazing at the scenery as we drift along. We will spend our evening beneath magnificent cliffs, listening to the roar of this river as it carries snowmelt from the Cascades to the Columbia River. Explore Crater Lake
Departing from the coast, we'll travel to Crater Lake National Park. Famous for its cobalt blue waters Crater Lake is an extinct volcano of immense beauty, traditionally known as a sacred location to the local Klamath people. Here we'll marveling at the beauty of this wondrous geological feature while enjoying an invigorating hike to the summit of Wizard Island – a dramatic cinder code rising some 750 feet above the lake surface. Rock Climb at Smith Rock State Park
A classic destination for climbers and Wilderness Ventures students, the walls and spires of Smith Rock State Park provide the perfect location for our fun, introductory climbing experience. Under the careful instruction of local guides, we'll learn basic climbing skills while encouraging each other to complete obtainable routes in this beginner-friendly and inspiring climbing environment. Discover the Three Sisters Wilderness
Entering the stunningly beautiful Three Sisters Wilderness along the Pacific Crest Trail, we will be passing by clear blue lakes, numerous flower-filled meadows and towering volcanoes. The Three Sisters are spectacular, snowcapped volcanoes surrounded by beautiful alpine lakes, flower-strewn meadows, old growth forests, and eerie lava flows. This is Oregon's premier wilderness area and we are fortunate to be the only wilderness travel program with authority to operate here. We'll spend our days learning basic navigational skills, low-impact camping techniques and wilderness cooking procedures, while at night we'll be amazed at the bountiful and brilliant star-filled sky. Visit Oregon's High Desert
No introductory exploration of Oregon would be complete without the chance to experience the high desert environments of this breathtaking region. Newberry National Volcanic Monument showcased the stunning Newberry Crater, a fascinating and beautiful geological area housing forests, lakes, deserts and impressive peaks within the culdera that sits above a shallow body of magma. Aside from exploring this magnificently diverse ecosystem, we'll take the time to learn about the geology of this unique area. Explore the Columbia Gorge
Considered one of the most beautiful areas in Oregon, Hood River and the surrounding Columbia River Gorge offer a fitting back drop to our end-of-adventure celebration. Here, we'll savor our last days in the outdoors together with a hike to overlook the dramatic Multnomah Waterfall, taking time to explore the friendly recreation town of Hood River where we'll feast on our culminating evening banquete before crawling into bed and boarding our flights home the next morning.
Introductory Adventure Designed for 6th Graders: This area has been our home for 39 years; we know all the "secret" places where we can provide truly unique experiences.
Please Note: Our 39 years of expereince adventuring with young adults is without equal. All activities, their duration and intensity, are designed for adventurous 6th graders. Equipment needs are minimal. We use three to four person tents, segregated by gender. Showers are available almost every day. Most meals are prepared in our campsites but restaurant meals will also be provided on selected days.
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.
