This expedition features a rafting trip down the Deschutes River and an alpine expedition in the Central Oregon Mountains. Students choosing the three-week version of this course should be prepared for higher challenge levels and higher altitude. Regardless of course length this course is best suited to motivated, fit teens ready to take on challenge and go home ready for success.

This wild and scenic designated river with rapids to Class IV, flows from the Oregon Cascades to the Columbia River and then to the Pacific. A popular river for both whitewater rafting and fly fishing, the river is spring fed, which results in unusually constant water flow and cold water even in the summer. A third of the Lower Deschutes is bordered by Warm Springs Reservation. Excellent geologic evidence is present all around this area. Courses travel 50-100 miles, depending on length of course, age and course outcomes. The environment is that of a very dry and arid desert, which equals very hot summers. Wildlife in the area includes ospreys, bald eagles, deer, bighorn sheep (rare), rattlesnakes, waterfowl such as mergansers and mallard. This region provides a colorful human history, which can be illustrated by the railroad.

The Central Cascades, OR: This range is home to the Three Sisters, Mt. Washington, and Mt. Jefferson Wilderness areas. Four 10,000+ foot glaciated volcanoes are present in this course area, with a total of eight major volcanoes. Courses will attempt to climb at least one major peak in the area. West side of the range is lush; east side dryer. Snow travel is definite on May to mid-July courses, and likely through the end of August. On 22-day courses, several of the peaks will necessitate glacier and roped-team travel. Peaks: Broken Top, South Sister, Middle Sister, North Sister, Mt. Washington, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Jefferson, The Husband

Your course consists of 4-6 days of whitewater rafting on the Deschutes River beginning at Mecca Flats. You begin with lessons in safety and river travel then progress to reading currents, anticipating obstacles, scouting difficult rapids, and working as a team to negotiate technical portions of the river. You also learn about river hydrology, swimming, paddle techniques, captaining the raft, expeditionary travel and take short day hikes. You get the chance to travel through historic Native American lands.

You then trade your water shoes for hiking boots and head into the Central Oregon Mountains. The course will be introduced to backpacking skills like backcountry travel, map and compass navigation, cooking and gear selection. You will also learn basic mountaineering skills, including rock climbing skills in the 1-3 days of rock climbing and participate in 1-2 peak ascents, depending on the weather and group dynamics. There is a possibility you will learn about snow travel in the early season, use an ice axe and glacier travel in rope teams. Students will also get the opportunity for reflection during a solo. 

NOTE: 22-day courses are more challenging. They will include technical peak ascents which means higher altitude and heavier group gear.