Post on 19-Jun-2020
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Team Up with Wildlife Researchers Studying Endangered
Predators and Learn About Important Conservation Efforts
• Explore the Lush Forest of the Hoh Rainforest and Watch for
Whales off of Secluded Beaches on a Three-Day Backpack
• Learn to Rock Climb at the World-Renowned Cliffs of Smith Rock
State Park
• Explore the High Desert by Rafting Down the Class III Rapids of
the Deschutes River
• Volunteer with Local Organizations Working to Preserve Land
and Care for Outdoor Spaces
• Witness the Vibrant Wildflowers and Alpine Beuaty of Mt. Ranier
• 25 Hours Community Service
Discover one of the most unique and diverse landscapes in the U.S on this epic journey through the Pacific
Northwest. Visit temperate rainforests, snow-capped volcanoes, and secluded beaches lined with rocky sea stacks,
and experience the beauty of the high desert as we learn about important environmental and conservation issues
taking place here in the United States. Team up with biologists and conservation experts to learn about important
wildlife projects and lend a hand where needed. Backpack on the Olympic coast, white-water raft the Deschutes
River, and climb the world-famous Smith Rock. It’s the adventure of a lifetime!
PACIFIC NORTHWESTWILD ADVENTUREA 18-Day Environmental Conservation Program
Spotlight Service project: DiScovering the pnW & environmental conServation
SAMPLE ITINERARY
arrival
Participants are met by their leaders at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and then head to our
initial basecamp tucked amongst the lush ferns and conifers of the Olympic Peninsula. Arriving at
our campsite we have an orientation and learn about the different ARCC roles, including “Leader
of the Day” and “Cook Crew”, and how to properly set up camp. Through team-building activities,
cooking our first meal, and spending our first night around our campfire, our adventure truly begins.
Accommodations: Olympic Campground
Day 1
pacific northWeSt orientation & WilDlife monitoring
The Pacific Northwest region is known for its dramatic coastline, rugged mountains and lush
forests, as well as unique flora and fauna. We start our introduction to this unbelievable region by
teaming up with wildlife biologists and conservation experts to learn about the diverse landscapes
and important restoration efforts throughout Washington. We join a local conservation group
working to reintroduce and protect endangered species once plentiful throughout the Northwest,
from the wild salmon in the rivers to grizzly bears, mountain lions, and gray wolves -- all necessary
predators in the forests of the PNW. We learn about the environmental issues impacting the most
diverse landscape in the U.S. and see firsthand how scientists, American Indians, and volunteers like
us can work together to restore histories, landscapes, and animals.
In the late afternoons and evenings, we have time to explore this beautiful area discovering moss-
draped forests, hidden waterfalls, and beautiful rivers.
Accommodations: Olympic Campground
Day 2
olympic coaSt Backpacking
Finishing up our awesome wildlife project, we jump into our next adventure designed to give us an
even deeper knowledge and appreciation of the PNW. With the guidance of our experienced ARCC
leaders, we ditch our daypacks and load our large backpacks for a three-day backpacking trip along
the stunning Olympic Coast.
Day 5
mount Saint helenS exploration
After three days of pure wilderness bliss we bid the beautiful coast adieu and head to one of the most
famous stratovolcanoes in the world, Mt. St. Helens. Here, we learn about the ecological impact of
the volcano’s 1980 eruption and how, given time, the wilderness will heal itself. We also have time to
explore this unique landscape and its beautiful wildflowers, mountain views, and ever-growing crater.
Accommodations: Mt. St. Helens Campground
Day 8
travel to the high DeSert
Journeying up-and-over the Cascades we head to Bend, Oregon, the high desert playground of the
Pacifc Northwest and the location of ARCC’s global headquarters! Bend is our home for six nights as
we explore, climb, raft, and give something back to this incredible mountain community. Since this
is ARCC’s backyard, we’ve picked some of our favorite local activities in this adrenaline-fueled town
nestled at the base of 9,000-foot peaks and along the pristine shores of the Deschutes River.
Accommodations: Bend Campground
Day 10
During our backpacking section we hike along secluded beaches and through old growth forests
hoping to spy eagles, playful otters, and, if we are lucky, spouting whales. Throughout our backpacking
expedition we learn about the diverse ecosystems making up the Pacific Northwest while developing
and practicing fundamental outdoor skills and Leave No Trace ethics.
Camping each night on secluded beaches under the stars, we build a strong connection to the world
around us and our new adventure friends. While in the backcountry, we discover true wilderness and
learn firsthand the importance of protecting these remaining wild spaces!
Accommodations: Backcountry Campground
BenD conServation & trail Service
After several days of fun and sun, courtesy of the high desert, it is time to return the favor. Working
with Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA), a terrific local non-profit, we put on our hardhats and
roll up our sleeves to help build, maintain, and upgrade hiking and biking trails in the Deschutes
National Forest. Nonprofits like COTA are important partners with the National Forest, providing
much-needed manpower and funding to accommodate the many users of these federal lands. We
are proud to do our part and assist in these important environmental projects.
During our time in Central Oregon we are able to see a vast difference between the eastern high
desert and the western coastal forests from earlier in the program, and we’ll learn how conservation
efforts are just as important for the lesser-known tiny desert creatures as they are for the iconic big
forest predators.
Accommodations: Bend Campground
Day 13
Smith rock climBing aDventure
Our Bend adventures officially begin at the famed rock walls and climbing routes of Smith Rock
State Park. No experience is necessary as we are introduced to sport climbing by our expert local
instructors and guides. With the Crooked River meandering at its base, Smith Rock provides us with
countless climbs ranging from beginner to advanced routes. Our day is spent “learning the ropes” as
we scamper our way up these ancient walls, rewarded at the top by some of the best views in central
Oregon.
Accommodations: Bend Campground
Day 11
DeSchuteS WhiteWater rafting
From summiting rock spires one day to descending whitewater the next, our next journey takes
us splashing down the class III rapids of the Deschutes River. The world-renowned Deschutes cuts
through deep, rocky canyons and high desert meadows, eventually draining into the Columbia River.
Alternating between rapids and deep pools gives us a chance to experience heart-pounding drops
in rushing rapids one minute and warming ourselves in the desert sun the next. Rafting the river also
allows us to compare the ecosystems from our past experiences in the Olympic Peninsula and Mount
St. Helens.
Accommodations: Bend Campground
Day 12
BenD exploration & river float
Celebrating the completion of our service project and the end of our time exploring the landscape
of Central Oregon we have a relaxing day enjoying a leisurely float through town. Jumping on our
individual inner tubes we float a lazy section of the Deschutes River and tackle the small, man-made
“da chute” rapids with our groupmates. Drying off and changing, we have a chance to check out the
small shops in downtown Bend and enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants
Bend has to offer.
Accommodations: Campground
Day 15
mount rainier aDventureS
No trip to the PNW would be complete without a chance to explore the crown jewel of the region, Mt.
Rainier. Our group spends two exciting days exploring the most prominent mountain of the Cascade
Mountain range where we explore the area properly named “Paradise.” Here we have unrivaled views
of Mt. Rainier’s glaciated summit, spy colorful wildflowers, and discover awe-inspiring waterfalls. We
celebrate the final day of our adventure planning a special sunrise hike and at night enjoy a final feast
to celebrate our unforgettable journey.
Accommodations: Campground
Day 16
Saying gooDBye to the pnWAfter such a incredible adventure, it’s hard to say goodbye. But, unfortunately, all good things must
come to an end. After an early rise and packing up camp, we make our way to the Seattle-Tacoma
airport where we board our flights for home with memories of our adventure and amazing stories to
share with family and friends!
Day 18
Want to learn more? contact the regional Director:
Bryan Salyer | regional Director: pacific northWeSt
bryan@arccprograms.com415-332-5075 Ext. 245