Fall Trips - College Outdoors - Programs

College Outdoors

Welcome to the Fall 2012 Trip Schedule

Please note that this list is updated frequently throughout the semester. Trips here are open to Lewis & Clark College students (undergrad, graduate, and law), faculty, and staff only. Please contact our office for more details on any of these trips.

CLIMBING SHUTTLE TO THE CIRCUIT GYM

Begins Thurs., Sept. 6

Join us on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 - 10:30 pm for this free shuttle to the Circuit Bouldering Gym. To reserve a spot please stop by our office in Templeton. We will meet outside the Bon and leave promptly at 8:30 pm.

DESCHUTES RIVER RAFTING #1

Fri. eve, Sept. 14- Sat., Sept. 15
Sign up begins: Friday, August 31
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues., Sept. 11, 5:00 pm

Central Oregon’s Deschutes River features seven major rapids (rated Class 3+) in ten miles, making this one of the premier rafting rivers in the state. This beautiful river runs through juniper and sagebrush country in the rainshadow of the Cascade Mountains. We’ll leave on Friday night to camp by the put-in & will return to campus after rafting on Saturday.

WALDO LAKE SEA KAYAKING

Fri. eve, Sept. 14 - Sun., Sept. 16
Sign up begins: Friday, Aug. 31
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Sept. 11, 5:30 pm

Imagine floating on water so clear it looks like you’re flying! Waldo Lake, perched at an elevation of 5,400 feet in the Cascade Mountains, is the second clearest lake in the world. On this trip we will be camping on the shore of Waldo Lake.We’ll explore this 10 mile long lake by sea kayak on Saturday and Sunday before returning Sunday evening.

BACKPACK MT. ST. HELENS

Fri. eve, Sept. 14- Sun., Sept. 16
Sign up begins: Friday, August 31
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues., Sept. 11, 6:00 pm

Explore the trails of the Northwest’s most active volcano; observe close-up the aftermath of the 1980 eruption and the area’s natural recovery. Backpack to a nearby lake on Friday evening by headlamp. The next day, we’ll hike through islands of old growth forests, shielded from the volcano’s fury by lucky geographic placement. Discover great views, ripe huckleberries and stunning scenery at this national monument, known to Native Americans as “Loowit.”

SURF THE OREGON COAST

Sat., Sept. 15
Sign up begins: Friday, August 31
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues., Sept. 11, 6:30 pm

Ever wanted to learn how to surf? Join us as we head to Cannon Beach to surf for the day. Participants need to be good swimmers prepared to learn the basics of surfing. Fees includes transportation from campus, surfing equipment rental, and instruction. This is an awesome opportunity to learn to surf and enjoy the beautiful Oregon Coast!

KAYAK CASCADE LAKES

Fri. eve, Sept. 21- Sun., Sept. 23
Sign up begins: Friday, August 31
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues., Sept. 18, 5:00 pm

Stay in a rustic lodge near the trendy town of Bend and paddle the lakes and class 1 rivers in the area (Class 1 means there is current, but no significant rapids) in sea kayaks. You definitely want to have some upper body strength to do this trip, but don’t need to be an experienced paddler. This side of the Oregon Cascades usually has great, sunny fall weather, and the mountain scenery you’ll see while paddling is spectacular.

ASTRONOMY & GEOLOGY IN EASTERN OREGON #1

Fri. eve, Sept. 21- Sun., Sept. 23
Sign up begins: Friday, August 31
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Sept. 18, 5:30 pm

Come enjoy the east side of the Cascade Crest where the stars are out and the geology is amazing! On this trip we’ll head out towards Bend, Oregon and stay in a rustic lodge for the weekend. During the day we’ll hike canyons and extinct volcanoes while exploring vast geologic features from the Cascade Range’s eruptive past. At night we’ll use our perch in the high desert to our advantage and learn basic astronomy. This new trip is packed full and isn’t one to miss!

OREGON COAST HIKE #1

Sat., Sept. 22
Sign up begins: Friday, Aug. 31
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Sept. 18, 6:00 pm

On the Central Oregon Coast lies an area of huge Sitka trees, ferns, cascading streams and waterfalls. We’ll hike through old growth forest to a secluded bay where we can watch sea lions. The seven-mile round trip hike traverses some of the most productive rainforest on earth, showcasing Oregon’s natural treasures.

DESCHUTES RIVER RAFTING #2

Fri. eve, Sept. 28 - Sat., Sept. 29
Sign up begins: Friday, Sept. 7
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Sept. 25, 5:00 pm

Central Oregon’s Deschutes River features seven major rapids (rated Class 3+) in ten miles, making this one of the premier rafting rivers in the state. This beautiful river runs through juniper and sagebrush country in the rainshadow the the Cascade Mountains. We’ll leave on Friday night to camp by the put-in & will return to campus on Saturday.

BACKPACK INDIAN HEAVEN AT MT. ST. HELENS

Fri. eve, Sept. 28- Sun., Sept. 30
Sign up begins: Friday, Sept. 7
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Sept. 25, 5:30 pm

This sub-alpine environment just north of the Columbia River Gorge is dotted with dozens of fascinating lakes. Fall colors will brighten the trailside, featuring unbeatable views of Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Hood. We’ll explore some of the trails and lakes of this high plateau.

FALL BREAK: HIKE CRATER LAKE AND KAYAK EASTERN OREGON

Wed. eve., Oct. 10 to Sun., Oct. 14
Sign up begins: Friday, Sept. 7
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues., Oct. 2, 4:30 pm

Come see Crater Lake National Park (Oregon’s only National Park) and paddle a sea kayak on Klamath Lake and a crystal clear tributary. On this trip, we’ll stay in a lodge, visit Crater Lake National Park for a day (snow permitting), paddle stunningly beautiful water and hike some spectacular trails. Cost includes all the gear you need, kayaks, transportation, food, and lodging.

FALL BREAK: RAFT GUIDE CLINIC

Wed. eve., Oct. 10- Sun., Oct. 14
Sign up begins: Friday, Sept. 7
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Thurs., Oct. 4, 5:00 pm

This clinic is the first step to becoming a professional guide, for those of you who’d like to guide a whitewater raft. You’ll learn technical knowledge and gain valuable experience in the art of running rivers. This trip takes place on the Maupin section of the Deschutes River, at Wapinitia, Box Car, and Oak Springs rapids.

FALL BREAK: BACKPACK OREGON’S CANYONLANDS

Thurs., Oct. 11- Sun., Oct. 14
Sign up begins: Friday, Sept. 7
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Oct. 2, 5:00 pm

Visit a gorgeous arid canyon as autumn blankets the high desert. This area is in the rainshadow of the Cascades, so the weather should be dry. The canyon walls tower above your camp here, making it feel like you’re in a smaller version of the Grand Canyon. One of the largest springs in eastern Oregon is in the middle of this proposed wilderness area.

FALL BREAK: OPAL CREEK ANCIENT FOREST CLINIC

Thurs., Oct. 11- Sat., Oct. 13
Sign up begins: Friday, Sept. 7
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Oct. 2, 5:30 pm

Spend your fall break hiking through one of Oregon’s most spectacular ancient forests! We’ll learn about the plants, lichens, and trees in this important ecosystem that was saved from logging in the 1990’s. Stay in warm cabins in the wilderness at Opal Creek’s old mining camp, Jawbone Flats, and learn how the forest makes the waters of Opal Creek so clear.

ASTRONOMY & GEOLOGY IN EASTERN OREGON #2

Fri. eve., Oct. 19 - Sun., Oct. 21
Sign up begins: Friday, Sept. 28
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Oct. 16, 5:00 pm

Come enjoy the east side of the Cascade Crest where the stars are out and the geology is amazing! On this trip we’ll head out towards Bend, Oregon and stay in a comfy lodge for the weekend. During the day we’ll hike canyons and extinct volcanoes while exploring vast geologic features from the Cascade Range’s eruptive past. At night we’ll use the perch of the high desert to our advantage and learn basic astronomy. This new trip is packed full and isn’t one to miss!

ROCK CLIMBING AT SMITH ROCKS #1

Fri. eve., Oct. 19 - Sun., Oct. 21
Sign up begins: Friday, Sept. 28
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Oct. 16, 5:30 pm

Start scaling some of Oregon’s best rock by joining us at Smith Rocks, of the most well-known sport climbing areas in the country. This trip will be contracted by a professional rock guiding company in the Bend area. They will provide the appropriate gear and lessons for a full day of climbing. We’ll stay at a house near the park and we’ll be climbing on Saturday. On Sunday, we’ll do some hiking in the area before heading back to LC. This is an opportunity for you to learn technique, visit a new climbing area. or take your gym climbing outdoors.

ADVANCED SEA KAYAK SKILLS CLINIC

Fri. eve, Oct. 26- Sun., Oct. 28
Sign up begins: Friday, Oct. 5
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues, Oct. 23, 5:00 pm

Improve on your current skills, paddle under adverse conditions, learn about leadership and how to teach others to kayak. We will tackle challenging wind and waves by the time the weekend is out (weather permitting), and we guarantee you’ll learn a lot. This clinic takes place at various lakes and bays on the Oregon coast, and we’ll be staying in dry yurts at night. Prerequisites: You must know how to swim and should have some prior paddling experience. Due to strong currents and win, participants need reasonable upper body strength.

ROCK CLIMBING AT SMITH ROCKS #2

Fri. eve., Oct. 26 - Sun., Oct. 28
Sign up begins: Friday, Oct. 5
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Oct. 23, 5:30 pm

YOGA COAST RETREAT

Fri. eve, Oct. 26 to Sun., Oct. 28
Sign up begins: Friday, Oct. 5
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Oct. 23, 6:00 pm

Come have a relaxing weekend doing yoga with College Outdoors. This is also a great opportunity to spend some time on the Oregon coast. We plan to do short hikes mixed with relaxing yoga sessions. On Friday evening, we’ll go to the Oregon coast, stay in yurts and we’ll return by Sunday afternoon. Come relax, unwind, and join us on this unique, popular College Outdoors trip. No prior experience is necessary.

OVERNIGHT MUSHROOM HIKE #1

Fri. eve, Nov. 2 - Sat., Nov. 3
Sign up begins: Monday, October 15
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Oct. 30, 5:00 pm

Oregon has an enormous number of mushroom species and it’s no wonder, with all this rain! As long as you’re living in Oregon, and since they taste so good, you might as well be introduced to some of them. We’ll stay in yurts overnight and spend the following day searching nearby coastal forests for all sorts of fascinating fungi. This trip culminates in a mouth-watering mushroom feast!

OVERNIGHT MUSHROOM HIKE #2

Sat. aft., Nov. 3 - Sun., Nov. 4
Sign up begins: Monday, October 15
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Oct. 30, 5:30 pm

Oregon has an enormous number of mushroom species and it’s no wonder, with all this rain! As long as you’re living in Oregon, and since they taste so good, you might as well be introduced to some of them. On Saturday we’ll hunt for mushrooms on our way out to the coast, then stay in yurts overnight. We’ll spend the following day searching nearby coastal forests for all sorts of fascinating fungi. This trip culminates in a mouth-watering mushroom feast!

OVERNIGHT MUSHROOM CLINIC AT THE OREGON DUNES

Fri. eve, Nov. 9 - Sun., Nov. 11
Sign up begins: Monday, October 15
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Nov. 6, 5:00 pm

Oregon has an enormous number of mushroom species and it’s no wonder, with all this rain! As long as you’re living in Oregon, and since they taste so good, you might as well be introduced to some of them. We’ll spend two nights at the Oregon Dunes hiking the largest coast sand dunes in the world and searching for mushrooms. This trip culminates in a mouth-watering mushroom feast!

CAVING & CAVE CONSERVATION

Sat., Nov. 10
Sign up begins: Friday, Oct. 19
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Nov. 6, 5:30 pm

Thousands of years ago the lava from a spectacular volcanic eruption created these lava tube caves at the base of Mt. Adams. These awesome natural formations stay relatively dry and at a constant temperature of about 50 F, making them ideal for caving.

GORGE WATERFALL HIKE #1

Sat., Nov. 10
Sign up begins: Friday, Oct. 19
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Nov. 6, 6:00 pm

Come join us on an excursion to see some of the Gorge’s lesser known falls, and take in the autumn scenery. The natural power and beauty of these waterfalls has to be seen to be believed. Plus, getting there is half the fun- we’ll roam the trails of the Gorge with plenty of time to stop and enjoy the view.

OREGON COAST HIKE #2

Sat., Nov. 17
Sign up begins: Friday, Oct. 26
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Nov. 13. 5:00 pm

On the Central Oregon Coast likes an area of huge Sitka trees, ferns, cascading streams and waterfalls. We’ll hike through old growth forest to a secluded bay where we can watch sea lions. The seven-mile round trip hike traverses some of the most productive rainforest on earth, showcasing Oregon’s natural treasures.

GORGE WATERFALL HIKE #2

Sun., Nov. 18
Sign up begins: Friday, Oct. 19
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Nov. 13, 5:30 pm

MAP & COMPASS CLINIC

Sat., Dec. 1
Sign up begins: Friday, Oct. 19
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Nov. 27, 5:00 pm

This clinic establishes an understanding of the tools and basic navigation skills required for outdoor exploration. The knowledge you can gain can form an important part of your leadership development, and is useful for anyone who loves to take outdoor trips.

OREGON COAST HIKE #3

Sat., Dec. 1
Sign up begins: Friday, Oct. 26
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Nov. 27. 5:30 pm

GORGE WATERFALL HIKE #3

Sun., Dec. 2
Sign up begins: Friday, Oct. 19
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): Tues. Nov. 27, 6:00 pm

BIG BIRD COMES TO RIDGEFIELD

Sun., Dec. 2
Sign up begins: Friday, Oct. 19
Pre-Trip Meeting (PTM): None

Oh, it’s not THAT Big Bird from Sesame Street. We’re talking other Big Birds: bald eagles, Sandhill Cranes, Tundra Swans, and raptors of very large size. Saturday morning at 8 AM, we’ll leave campus to see some of these creatures, which rank among the biggest birds in the world! Just 45 minutes away, on the Washington side of the Columbia River, you can spot all sorts of birds, including cool little songbirds just starting to migrate south this time of year. College Outdoors has binoculars, and spotting scopes, which you can use on this hike. You’ll be back by 12:30 PM- just in time for brunch!

WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER COURSE

Thurs. Jan. 10 to Sat. Jan. 19, 2013

This ten-day, intensive seminar on wilderness medicine is becoming the standard training for Outward Bound instructors, National Outdoor Leadership School instructors, and other outdoor professionals. Improve you resume for that ideal summer job, and be ready for any emergency that might happen to you and your friends in the outdoors. The workshop is taught by NOLS/Wilderness Medicine Institute. This course can count towards 1 PE/A credit required for graduation.

If you have any questions please call our main office at 503-768-7116 or email us.

Contact Us

The College Outdoors Program is located in room 244 of Templeton Campus Center on the Undergraduate Campus.

Emailoutdoors@lclark.edu

Voice503-768-7116
Fax503-768-7876

DirectorJoe Yuska

College Outdoors Program
Lewis & Clark
0615 S.W. Palatine Hill Road, MSC 188
Portland, OR 97219