Join an all-girl crew trekking into the deep reaches of the Opal Creek Wilderness. The tall trees and crystal clear waters will provide the backdrop, as we learn more about backpacking skills and safe wilderness travel.  Hike along the deep canyons and steep ridges that make up the Opal Creek watershed.  Learn about the ecology of the western Cascades and swim with the rough skinned newts in some of the clearest water in Oregon.  Climb Battle Ax Mountain for the most spectacular view of the Opal Creek watershed.  We will learn safe wilderness travel skills, including cooking on a camp stove, packing for a backpacking trip, map and compass skills, GPS skills, and wilderness medicine.  As we hike, we’ll identify the native flora and fauna, sample the huckleberries, and discuss the role of wilderness in our lives. 

This is a level 2 program, and designed for students with some backpacking experience.  Students should be physically fit as daily mileage will be between 5 and 7 miles with elevation gain.  Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center will provide all of the food, and participants are responsible for their own gear. All Opal Creek wilderness explorations follow Leave No Trace principles and federal wilderness regulations.  We limit our group sizes to 10, and maintain a student instructor ratio of 1:5.

Throw your pack on your back and head off on foot to visit some of the best kept secrets of the Opal Creek Wilderness.  Learn about backpacking and outdoor skills as you hike under the canopy created by centuries old trees. Travel through deep canyons and over steep ridges as you learn about the ecology of the forest surrounding you.  Swim in some of the clearest water in Oregon as you investigate the underwater habitat of local amphibians and aquatic insects.  You can’t get to these stunning parts of the Opal Creek ecosystem unless you carry your home on your own two feet. Experience the freedom that backpacking allows and explore the wilderness with us. We will learn safe wilderness travel skills, including cooking on a camp stove, map and compass skills, GPS skills, and wilderness medicine .  

This is a level 2 program and designed for students with some backpacking experience.  Students should be physically fit as daily mileage will be between 5 and 7 miles with elevation gain.  Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center will provide all of the food, and participants are responsible for their own gear. All Opal Creek wilderness explorations follow Leave No Trace principles and federal wilderness regulations.  We limit our group sizes to 10, and maintain a student instructor ratio of 1:5.

Join us for our most extensive backpacking trip and journey into the remote reaches of the Opal Creek Wilderness.  Hike through stands of centuries old fir, hemlock, and cedar trees.  Explore habitat that supports grouse, osprey, bald eagles, black bear, and elk.  Travel through deep canyons and over steep ridgelines for views of the Cascades extending from Mt Hood to the Three Sisters.  Cool down with a swim in some of the clearest waters in Oregon.  Much of the Opal Creek watershed remains untouched, and the only way to see it is on foot. We will practice safe wilderness travel skills, including knot tying, map and compass skills, GPS skills, and wilderness medicine. 

This is our only level 3 program and designed for students with moderate backpacking experience.  Students should be physically fit as daily mileage will be between 5 and 10 miles, with elevation gain.  Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center will provide all of the food, and participants are responsible for their own gear. All Opal Creek wilderness explorations follow Leave No Trace principles and federal wilderness regulations.  We limit our group sizes to 10, and maintain a student instructor ratio of 1:5.

Family Opal Creek Wilderness Backpack
August 29th-September 1st, 2008
Ages 10-adult
Cost: $200/adult,
Kids ages 10-17: $100

Have you always wanted to explore the ancient forests of Oregon more deeply, but don’t feel comfortable backpacking on your own?  Bring your family, and join our WFR certified staff, to spend the last weekend of summer away from the crowds, walking through remote reaches of the Opal Creek Wilderness.  Hike under the tall trees, along deep canyons, and over steep ridgelines while learning more about the amazing ecology of Pacific Northwest forests. Swim in some of Oregon’s clearest waters by day, and spend nights under the stars listening for owls.  Much of Opal Creek remains untouched, and the only way to see it is by foot.

Participants will spend Friday night in Jawbone Flats, and we will hit the trail Saturday morning. Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center will provide all food, but participants will need to provide all backpacking gear.  A detailed list will be sent upon registration.  Our instructors are certified in wilderness medicine, and trained in safe backcountry travel and Leave No Trace principles.