2008 New Student Breakaway Adventures Descriptions

Backpack the Wallowa Mountains Arrive by: 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 19, 2008 Return: Wednesday, August 27, 2008

The Wallowa Mountains are hidden in the northeastern corner of Oregon. Rising up from the mile-deep canyon of the Snake River on the Idaho border, these peaks reach almost 10,000 feet. Eagle Cap Wilderness Area covers most of these mountains, offering great backpacking. Join us on this amazing week-long hike through the high country, complete with alpine lakes, glacier-carved valleys, lush meadows and incredible sights. The group plans to hike an average of 6 miles per day carrying backpacks. Trails in the Wallowas are generally steep, but the scenery makes the effort worthwhile. This wilderness is one of the best kept secrets in the Pacific Northwest and looks much like the Swiss Alps.

Imagine floating on water so clear it looks like you are flying! Waldo Lake, sitting at 5,000 feet in the Waldo Lake Wilderness in the Cascade Mountains, is rated the 2nd clearest lake in the world. Sea kayak this huge lake, camping on islands, munching on huckleberries, and gazing at the snow-covered volcanoes in the distance. The trip includes a number of great hikes to surrounding mountains and waterfalls, so bring your hiking boots! No previous experience necessary, but we recommended folks be able to swim, have reasonable upper body strength for paddling, and be free of back, shoulder or wrist troubles.

Upper Deschutes River Rafting-Long Tour Arrive by: 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 19, 2008 Return: Wednesday, August 27, 2008

If you love paddling on a summer day, this trip is for you. On our longest rafting tour, we float for nearly 100 miles on Oregon’s Deschutes River, from its upper reaches to its confluence with the Columbia River. The Deschutes River basin is a desert environment covered with grasses, sagebrush, and stout juniper trees. It is inhabited by golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, deer, and other Eastern Oregon wildlife. Both novices and seasoned river rats will enjoy long, quiet stretches of water as well as challenging rapids such as Oak Springs and Box Car. Spend late afternoons hiking beautiful side canyons, swimming, or learning to cook excellent river cuisine. (Although everyone wears a life jacket, we still recommend that you be able to swim.)

Upper Deschutes River Rafting Arrive by: 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 20, 2008 Return: Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Prepare yourself for a river adventure! If you love paddling on a summer day, this trip is for you. The Deschutes River basin is a desert environment covered with grasses, sagebrush, and stout juniper trees. It is inhabited by golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, deer, and other Eastern Oregon wildlife. Both novices and season river rats will enjoy long, quiet stretches of water as well as challenging rapids such as Oak Springs and Box Car. Spend late afternoons hiking beautiful side canyons, swimming, or learning to cook excellent river cuisine. Our tour will take you from the Warm Springs put-in to below Maupin, Oregon, roughly 50 river miles. (Although everyone wears a life jacket, we still recommend that you be able to swim.)

Visit the alpine meadows, lakes, forests, and glaciers surrounding this huge dormant volcano, the second tallest peak in the Northwest. Camp in the meadows below massive glaciers and watch the beautiful sunsets. This wilderness has fantastic views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and the jagged Goat Rocks Mountains. The group plans to hike about 6 miles per day carrying backpacks. This is a great place to make new friends.

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, where the mighty Columbia passes narrowly through the Cascade Mountains, is one of country's great natural treasures. Explore the area's extensive hiking trails, taking in sights of towering cliffs, soaring bald eagles, countless waterfalls. We'll spend our nights at the Menucha retreat and conference center in a comfortable lodge featuring showers, bunk bes, and the most spectacular view from any swimming pool in Oregon!

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Also see: Breakaway Service Adventures.