Build lifelong friendships on this immersive odyssey into a diverse set of ecosystems that is at once captivating and peaceful. Climb four fantastic snow-clad peaks. Hike through temperate rainforests. Raft thrilling whitewater on two Northwest rivers. Watch the sun rise from above the clouds on the summit of the Pacific Northwest's most famous peaks.
Climb Mount Saint Helens
After landing in Seattle, where we'll meet our trip leaders and the other members of our trip group, we'll orient to the local landscape, making our firsts night's camp near fabled Mount St. Helens, long considered one of the most beautiful environments in the Pacific Northwest. Our two-day climb will have us overnighting in the backcountry where we'll get to know each other better and solidify our positive bonds as a team before embarking of this first summit bid. Cresting the cratered summit together, we'll be able to witness inspiring views of Mount Adams, our next volcanic goal. Snow Climb Mount Adams
Backpacking into this magnificent wilderness, we'll learn basic snow-climbing skills under the careful instruction of expert climbing guides before embarking on our second thrilling summit bid. From this snowy peak, we'll be rewarded with appetite-wetting views of what will be the culminating goal of our journey – the magnificent Mount Baker. Whitewater Raft the White Salmon and Klickitat Rivers
Experience this combination of rivers that offers the two most action-packed concentrations of whitewater in the Pacific Northwest. As we rest our legs while paddling together as a team down these thrilling rapids, we'll gather excitement for our next adventure in Olympic National Park. Backpack the Olympic Rainforest and Summit Mount Olympus
Entering the mystical mountainous interior of Olympic National Park, we'll explore lush rainforests that harbor some of the largest trees in the world. In this temperate and inspiring backcountry environment, we'll refine our wilderness travel and cooking skills while savoring the ample opportunities to see bald eagles, bears, deer and mountain goats. Climbing from our remote mountain base camp into an environment that conjures images of ancient Greek gods, we'll celebrate as we reach the top of this 7,980-foot summit. Snow and Ice Climb Mount Baker
For our culminating summit attempt, we'll set our eyes towards the glacier-clad slopes of the highest peak in the North Cascades. Learning additional snow and ice climbing skills from the renowned guides of the American Alpine Institute, we'll embark early in the morning on this final climb for a sunrise summit with outstanding views of the entire Cascade Range. After this magical experience we'll return journey back to the coast and Seattle for our end-of-adventure banquet and flights home the next morning.
Snow climbing experience is not necessary for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Important Information: This Leadership Expedition offers everything found in other nationally known outdoor leadership schools with one notable exception: our leaders eat, sleep, and live with our groups around the clock in order to enhance safety and better facilitate group interaction.
Most of the major components of the trip have been offered by us over the past 34 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.
