Northwest Sea Kayaking & Mountain Expedition

This is a multi-expedition In the San Juan Islands of Puget Sound and the North Cascades in Washington. It includes two distinct expeditions, one by kayak and one on foot. The 22-day course offers higher altitude and requires more group gear to accomplish the technical peak ascents included on the longer course. Regardless of course length this course is best suited to motivated, fit teens ready to take on challenge and go home ready for success.

The Puget Sound is nestled between two prominent mountain ranges in the Northwest: Olympic Coast Range and the Cascade Range, is an ultimate cruising ground with large expanses of sparkling water and mountain scenery. There are over 400 islands in the Sound, which is rimmed by rugged shorelines, scenic beaches and mountains.

The North Cascades is the perfect setting for multi-day ridge traverses the glow of alpine sunsets over the 100's of unnamed peaks. This area is full of high mountain meadows peppered with wild flowers: Lupines, Avalanche Lily, Alpine Thistle, Indian Paint Brush, Monks Hoods, Daisies, Asters, Foxgloves, and Columbines. For the climber in you, this same area provides a few of the "50 classic climbs" in North America. This breath-taking area is nicknamed the "American Alps," for the open cliff faces and deep glacially carved valleys, characteristic of the European Alpine environment.

The Outward Bound Difference
As the course progresses and your skills and experience increase, your instructors will turn more and more responsibility over to you and your patrol. You take over decision-making on navigation, route finding, distance to be covered, sharing of duties, campsite setup/cleanup and meal selection. This is your opportunity to make the course your own unique experience – setting up each day’s challenges, setting a pace that is appropriate for your patrol, becoming each other’s friends and confidantes, having more fun. Successful completion of your course demands mastery of skills, trust, fitness, confidence, tenacity, leadership, initiative and compassion. The promotion of these qualities, and the discovery of what’s in you, is the purpose of Outward Bound. Come challenge yourself with us!

Course Description
You experience the power of the Pacific from stable, maneuverable sea kayaks exploring many of the 400 islands and inner-coastal water. Paddle single and double kayaks, with its shallow draft, the kayak allows you to seek out pristine beaches where you sleep under the stars, and get acquainted with the fascinating history of the Pacific Northwest coast. You learn skills on the water such as paddling, sculling, wet exits, navigation with charts, reading the weather, tides and currents, knot tying, and participate in team-building initiatives. Opportunities for short trail hikes allow you to explore the coastal island environment.

Then head over to the breathtaking North Cascades wilderness, where you embark on a true wilderness journey. With your pack on your back, venture deep into the mountain terrain, using a map and compass to navigate. Weather depending, you’ll have the unique opportunity to rock climb, rappel and attempt multiple peak ascents, while navigating your way through the Pasayten Wilderness with your group. This remote and wild area provides opportunities for strenuous hiking, learning and practicing navigation along with basic camp and climbing skills. Snow travel is probable in the early part of the season so the use of an ice axe will be taught. Service projects may include building and maintaining community parks, riparian restoration, aiding with the reintroduction of salmon to mountain streams, lend a hand in fire suppression projects, fixing trails and cleaning up campsites.

During this course, you can expect to travel on and off trail over wooded and alpine terrain which can be rough, steep and exposed to heights, but with lightweight gear for fast and light travel. You learn Leave No Trace camping and travel skills, outdoor cooking, basic first-aid, map and compass use, route finding, and how to use an ice axe if necessary on your route.

NOTE: on 14-day courses you backpack up through the alpine environment and attempt one peak ascent, 22-day courses include at least one technical peak attempt so pack will be heavier and the challenge will be considerably greater on.

To enroll in this course click the enroll button next to the course dates that work for you. To shop comparatively on line visit our Advanced Course Finder or better yet call one of our expert Admission Advisers at 866-467-7651. Course tuitions listed below do not include our Application Fee or Transportation Fee.

Region: Washington

Activities: Mountain travel, sea kayaking, peak attempt, low-impact camping, solo, service and final expedition

Additional Information:
Application Fee
Transportation Fee

Dates	Days	Age	Location	Tuition	Course	Enroll
08/30/08 to 09/20/08	22	18-22	Washington	$3595.00	WPO853