Jawbone Flats is the perfect base camp for any sort of outdoor adventure. Our science instructors take the summer “off” and become
"Since I only go to Opal Creek over the summer, you might think that it would be hard to get excited about it every year, but it's actually not really. Because all the good memories I have of Opal Creek are what I think of when I think of wilderness, Opal Creek is the first thing that comes to my head." -OCE Participant, 2009-2011
your backpacking guides, sharing their intimate knowledge of the Opal Creek Wilderness. Our unique expeditions combine backpacking skills with field science, giving your child hands-on experience with everything from camp cooking to sediment testing. Each trip approaches the watershed from a different ecological focus and maintains a strong emphasis on backcountry travel.
We continue to expand our Expeditions with the addition of a rafting trip on the McKenzie River on the last day of our Uncut Gem and Advanced Skills expeditions. We are pairing up with the experienced and certified guides of High Country Expeditions to bring you this exciting addition to our summer programs.
Our 2013 Beyond the Gate expeditions will take participants to two new locations this season; the Middle Santiam Wilderness, and the Tillamook State Forest. Beyond the Gate expeditions aim to compare and contrast the Opal Creek Wilderness with other diverse ecosystems throughout the state while honing backcountry camping skills.
»Click here for full descriptions of our 2013 Opal Creek Expeditions offerings!
» Click here to go straight to our Opal Creek Expeditions registration page!
All Opal Creek Expeditions follow leave no trace principles and maintain a staff to student ratio of 1:5. Our instructors are all WFR certified and trained extensively to be prepared for any backcountry medical emergencies.
A complete gear list will be sent on registration. If there are items you do not already own, REI rents equipment at several locations.
Orientation Meetings
This spring we will host two orientation meetings for parents and backpackers to meet with our program director. We strongly encourage everyone interested in a 2013 Opal Creek Expedition to attend one of these meetings, especially first-time backpackers. We will discuss proper gear and backpack sizing with a representative from REI; go over the camp itineraries and hiking routes; and address any questions or concerns you may have.
The orientation meetings will be held in the Alder Room of the Ecotrust Building at 721 NW 9th Ave. in Portland’s Pearl District. The meetings are scheduled for:
- Thursday, May 9, at 6 PM
- Monday, June 3, at 6 PM
Please call the Portland office at 503-892-2782 with any questions about these meetings.
