This web page
was created for Lewis & Clark students and anyone else who is interested in
the College or the College Outdoors program. Spaces on College Outdoors trips
are available to currently enrolled graduate, undergraduate, and law students, as well as faculty and staff at Lewis and Clark College. Trip selection and dates are subject to change. Contact the College Outdoors office for the most up-to-date trip list.
Sunday, January 25 to Sunday, January 25
Beg. Cross Country Ski Clinic #1
Signup Begins: Monday, December 1
This is a one-day trip to Mt. Hood for beginning cross-country skiers. After a beginning ski skills clinic we will head out to explore the
surrounding ski trails and practice the techniques we’ve learned. The trip fee includes transportation, instruction, and ski equipment Take
advantage of this great deal!
Saturday, January 31 to Saturday, January 31
Mt. St. Helens Snowshoe #1
Signup Begins: Monday, December 1
Snowshoe on the trails of the Northwest’s most famous volcano! Weather permitting, we’ll head up one of the trails toward timberline on Mt. St.
Helens to great views of this mountain, plus views of Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood in the distance. Snowshoeing takes a fair amount of energy, but
it is great exercise and doesn’t require any previous training. If the weather’s bad, we’ll head for Mt. Hood’s east side.
Sunday, February 1 to Sunday, February 1
Mt. St. Helens Snowshoe #2
Signup Begins: Monday, December 1
Join us for a second section of this trip as we snowshoe on the trails of the Northwest’s most famous volcano! Weather permitting, we’ll head up
one of the trails toward timberline on Mt. St. Helens to great views of this mountain, plus views of Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood in the distance.
Snowshoeing takes a fair amount of energy, but it is great exercise and doesn’t require any previous training. If the weather’s bad, we’ll head for
Mt. Hood’s east side.
Friday, February 6 to Sunday, February 8
Yoga and Meditation Retreat #1
Signup Begins: Tuesday, January 20
Come and have a relaxing weekend doing vinyasa yoga and breath meditation with College Outdoors. Vinyasa yoga is an invigorating (yang)
yoga practice which links breath with movement. Breath practice, or pranayama, is a great way to get in tune with your body and calm your
nervous system while moving through your yoga practice. There will also be some less invigorating (yin) yoga practice as well to create balance
in the body and mind. On Friday evening, after classes, we’ll drive to the Oregon coast and stay in yurts; we’ll return by Sunday afternoon. We
plan to do short hikes mixed with relaxing yoga sessions. Come relax, unwind, and join us on this unique College Outdoors trip. No prior yoga
or meditation experience necessary.
Saturday, February 7 to Saturday, February 7
Intro. Avalanche Field Clinic #1
Signup Begins: Friday, January 23
Learn the basics of snow science and avalanches in this one-day field trip to the mountains. We’ll snowshoe into the backcountry on Mt. Hood
to learn how to evaluate snow and terrain conditions, use avalanche transceivers, and practice rescue strategies. A mandatory 1.5 hour classroom
session will introduce the concepts we will explore in the field. No previous experience needed. This clinic is a basic introduction to the
concepts and skills that make up avalanche awareness.
Sunday, February 8 to Sunday, February 8
Skate Ski Clinic #1
Signup Begins: Friday, January 23
Skate skiing (also called race skiing) is an exciting, fast-moving sport. It’s like ice-skating, but on snow. If you already know how to rollerblade
or ice-skate, you can pick up skate skiing in no time! Come give it a try with our newer skate ski equipment! We have everything you need, at no
extra rental charge. You’ll learn on the groomed tracks at the Teacup Lake Nordic Center on the east side of Mt. Hood. These trails are groomed
each weekend by the Oregon Nordic Club. Since the area is well marked, once you learn the basics, you can go at your own pace and ski
whatever loops you choose. For more information, stop by our office in Templeton. We plan to offer more clinics if there is interest
Sunday, February 8 to Sunday, February 8
XC /Skate Ski Shuttle #1
Signup Begins: Friday, January 23
Saturday, February 14 to Saturday, February 14
Mt. St. Helens Snowshoe #3
Signup Begins: Friday, January 30
We’ll spend another day at beautiful Mt. St. Helens. Weather permitting, we’ll head up one of the trails toward timberline on Mt. St. Helens to
great views of this mountain, plus views of Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood in the distance. Snowshoeing takes a fair amount of energy, but it is great
exercise and doesn’t require any previous training. If the weather’s bad, we’ll head for Mt. Hood’s east side.
Sunday, February 15 to Sunday, February 15
Beg Cross Country Ski Clinic #2
Signup Begins: Friday, January 30
If you missed it the first time around, don’t despair! We’re offering another section of our popular cross-country ski clinic. This is a one-day trip
to Mt. Hood for beginning cross country skiers. After a beginning skills clinic we’ll head out to explore the nearby ski trails and practice the
techniques we’ve learned. The trip fee includes transportation, instruction, and ski equipment.
Friday, February 20 to Sunday, February 22
Ancient Forest Clinic
Signup Begins: Friday, January 23
Hike through ancient forests draped with moss, and learn about the plants, lichens, and trees in this important ecosystem. See how little of this
resource we have left in the Pacific Northwest. Stay in a comfortable, heated yurt on the northern Oregon coast. While the weather may be
soggy as we hike during the day, the yurts are warm, dry, and cozy places to spend the night. This trip is meant for folks who want to learn more
about some of the amazing trees, plants, and animals of the Northwest’s temperate rainforest.
Friday, February 20 to Sunday, February 22
Group Facilitation and Leadership Clinic
Signup Begins: Friday, January 23
You know it’s true- an outdoor experience speaks for itself. However, skillful facilitation and processing of these experiences can make a good
trip into a great trip. This weekend workshop, at Cape Lookout on the Oregon Coast mixes outdoors activities and initiatives with indoor time to
hone your trip leading skills. Learn how to deliver, as well as accept, feedback. Learn how to help your group make deeper connections with the
experience they share and with each other. This workshop will offer you a selection of activities and techniques on group management for your
own personal leadership “toolbox”. It will also offer great scenery, cozy, oceanside yurts, and lots of fun.
Friday, February 27 to Sunday, March 1
Yoga and Meditation Clinic #2
Signup Begins: Friday, February 6
Due to popular demand we’re offering another opportunity to participate in this unique trip. Come and have a relaxing weekend doing vinyasa
yoga and breath meditation with College Outdoors. Vinyasa yoga is an invigorating (yang) yoga practice which links breath with movement.
Breath practice, or pranayama, is a great way to get in tune with your body and calm your nervous system while moving through your yoga
practice. There will also be some less invigorating (yin) yoga practice as well to create balance in the body and mind. On Friday evening, after
classes, we’ll drive to the Oregon coast and stay in yurts; we’ll return by Sunday afternoon. We plan to do short hikes mixed with relaxing yoga
sessions. Come relax, unwind, and join us on this unique College Outdoors trip. No prior yoga or meditation experience necessary.
Saturday, February 28 to Sunday, March 1
Winter Camping Clinic
Signup Begins: Friday, January 30
Learn the skills of winter camping, using gear
sleds, wielding those fancy-looking shovels and
snow saws, and staying overnight in snow shelters you build. This trip is moderately strenuous, and is recommended for those in good physical
shape and who are comfortable in the outdoors. There is a mandatory 1.5 hour pre-trip meeting before we head out for the snow, since winter
camping is not the sort of thing you want to jump into without a little background.
Sunday, March 8 to Sunday, March 8
Intro Avalanche Field Clinic #2
Signup Begins: Friday, February 6
If you missed it the first time, learn the basics of snow science and avalanches in this one-day field trip to the mountains. We’ll snowshoe into
the backcountry on Mt. Hood to learn how to evaluate snow and terrain conditions, use avalanche transceivers, and practice rescue strategies. A
mandatory 1.5 hour classroom session will introduce the concepts we will explore in the field. No previous experience needed. This clinic is a
basic introduction to the concepts and skills that make up avalanche awareness.
Friday, March 20 to Friday, March 27
Wilderness Leadership Course: Spring Break
Signup Begins: Tuesday, December 9
Learn outdoor leadership skills while staying at a lodge in Redwood National Park for Spring Break! We’ll spend the week doing hikes through
huge redwood forests, and an overnight backpack trip to a beach on the stunning Pacific Ocean. We’ll also spend part of the trip learning how to
handle a kayak on the bays and lagoons adjacent to the ocean. It’s the start of spring in these spectacular forests, so the wildflowers will be
blooming. The main lodge we’re renting has a huge kitchen for cooking meals, great resources for learning about redwood ecology, and has hot
showers, too! Redwoods are the tallest living things in the world, don’t miss this opportunity to live among them for a week! You can get one
credit in PE/A 142, “Widerness Leadership” for two class meetings before, and participation during, this trip. This class counts as an activity
credit for graduation. Be sure to sign up by the end of the add/drop period in January 2009 if you want credit. Pick up a syllabus in the College
Outdoors Office.
Friday, March 20 to Friday, March 27
SPRING BREAK: California Surf Clinic
Signup Begins: Tuesday, January 20
Learn to surf! Camp on bluffs just above the crashing Pacific Ocean surf on the central California coast. This course is designed for beginner
surfers, yet more experienced surfers are welcome to take the classes and improve upon their skills. This week of surf training covers all the
basics. Learn to read the surf conditions, choose the safest entry and exit point of the surf break, also paddling and wave catching techniques,
standing up, turning and surfing etiquette. Get the best tips and coaching from the excellent surfing staff from UC Santa Cruz. All you need is
your swimsuit, reasonable swimming ability, and a desire to hit the surf. We provide the rest. Spectacular trails are there to explore after your
surf sessions each day. On top of that, the intriguing city of Santa Cruz and its world famous boardwalk are nearby. Trip fee includes
transportation, food, camping, surf instructors, and all the equipment (including surfboards and wetsuits, and any camping gear) you’ll need!
Saturday, April 4 to Saturday, April 4
Swiftwater Rescue Part 1
Signup Begins: Friday, February 27
This advanced class covers a variety of techniques to employ if you or the people you are with get into a predicament on a river. Paddling skills
are only part of the education you need to do watersports safely, and knowing what to do in an emergency can save your life or the lives of the
people in your party. Similar clinics cost $300 or more! This one trip is spread over two weekends so you can have Sundays free. The Fri.
evening classes (Apr. 3 & 10 from 4:30-6:30 PM) are followed by a day Sat. field sessions (Apr.4 & 11).
Class 1 of 2
Sunday, April 5 to Sunday, April 5
Hike Hardy Ridge
Signup Begins: Friday, March 6
Join us for this great hike along a newly completed trail in the western Columbia Gorge! On this somewhat strenuous hike, we’ll follow a route
through alder and Douglas-fir forests, climbing up to amazing views of the Gorge. This hike is in close proximity to the iconic Beacon Rock.
We expect to hike about 7 miles and gain 2100 feet in elevation, but the payoff is definitely worth the effort.
Saturday, April 11 to Saturday, April 11
Swiftwater Rescue Part 2
Signup Begins:You must sign up for Part 1 and attend the class sessions
This one trip is spread over two weekends so you can have Sundays free. The Fri. evening classes (Apr. 3 & 10 from 4:30-6:30 PM) are
followed by a day Sat. field sessions (Apr. 4 & 11).
Class 2 of 2
Saturday, April 11 to Sunday, April 12
Columbia Gorge Off-trail Backpack
Signup Begins: Friday, March 6
Leave campus after brunch on Saturday, and be back Sunday afternoon to study! This trip traverses the meadows and oak woodlands in the
drier part of the Columbia Gorge. Much of the route is off-trail, as there are no maintained trails in most of this area. We’ll teach map and
compass skills and GPS. Spring is in full bloom in the Gorge by this time in April, with wildflowers popping up all over. There are some ticks,
poison oak, and the occasional rattlesnake to watch out for, but folks who tackle the elevation gain of this hike do so among some absolutely
spectacular scenery. Since the rainfall this far east is minimal, plenty of sunny skies are expected.
Saturday, April 11 to Saturday, April 11
Wildflowers/Waterfalls of Columbia Gorge #1
Signup Begins: Friday, March 6
Come see some of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the Northwest and some of the Gorge’s lesser-known waterfalls! Spring is in full
gear by this time in April, so the wildflowers are really out in full force and the falls will be much more impressive than they were during this
dry summer and fall! Amazing vistas, fabulous scenery, spectacular wildflowers and waterfalls reward folks who tackle this hike.
Saturday, April 18 to Saturday, April 18
Sea Kayak the Gilbert River
Signup Begins: Friday, March 13
Follow the herons through the Everglades-like wetlands of Sauvie Island at the confluence of the Willamette and the Columbia River, only 30
miles from Portland. It’s a wildlife refuge, complete with all that a wildlife refuge should have. Check out the flocks of migrating geese, swans,
and cranes as well as all the spring flowers. Come paddle with us! If you can’t make it Saturday, though, don’t despair!
Saturday, April 18 to Saturday, April 18
Waterfalls and Wildflowers of the Columbia Gorge #2
Signup Begins: Friday, April 3
Come see some of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the Northwest and some of the Gorge’s lesser-known waterfalls! Spring is in full
gear by this time in April, so the wildflowers are really out in full force and the falls will be much more impressive than they were during this
dry summer and fall! Amazing vistas, fabulous scenery, spectacular wildflowers and waterfalls reward folks who tackle this hike.
Saturday, April 25 to Saturday, April 25
Deschutes Rafting #1
Signup Begins: Friday, April 3
Central Oregon’s Deschutes River features seven major rapids in twelve miles, making this one of the premier rafting rivers in the state. You
will get wet, and you need to paddle hard! This trip is not recommended for nonswimmers, although you’ll be led by experienced guides and
everyone has to wear a PFD on the river. If you like whitewater--this is an awesome time!
Saturday, April 25 to Saturday, April 25
Sea Kayaking: the Advanced Elements (Canceled)
Signup Begins: Tuesday, March 10th
NEW! This trip is for those of you who have had previous sea kayaking experience and want to put some more advanced maneuvering and navigation skills into practice. We will take a long day to paddle in areas more prone to wind and waves. Please inquire in the College Outdoors office (or phone 509-768-7116) if this interests you. Participants will be chosen by level of experience. Location is yet to be decided.
Saturday, May 2 to Saturday, May 2
Deschutes Rafting #2 -- Still Room! Sign up today!
Signup Begins: Friday, April 10
Join us for another day of rafting on the Deschutes! This central Oregon River features seven major rapids in twelve miles, making this one of
the premier rafting rivers in the state. You will get wet, and you need to paddle hard! This trip is not recommended for nonswimmers, although
you’ll be led by experienced guides and everyone has to wear a PFD on the river. If you like whitewater--this is an awesome time!
Monday, May 11 to Monday, May 18
May Deschutes Rafting Trip -- Great Deal! Space Available!
Signup Begins: Tuesday, January 20
Come and unwind from your busy semester and let your final exam stress drift away down Oregon’s Deschutes River. We’ll float nearly 100
miles of the lower Deschutes River, to its confluence with the Columbia River. We’ll spend our days rafting, hiking, and swimming in this
beautiful canyon. We’ll be camping under the stars and cooking excellent river cuisine. The Deschutes River basin is a desert environment, with
grasses, sagebrush, and stout juniper trees covering the surrounding land. This time of year, the area is green and wildflowers will likely be
abundant! Although guides will lead you, this trip is not recommended for non-swimmers, and everyone has to wear a personal flotation device
(PFD) on the river. This trip is for those that have a sense of adventure and a desire to be a part of a week-long rafting adventure.
Updated 4 Mar 2009
If you have any questions please call our main office at 503-768-7116 or email outdoors@lclark.edu.
