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