2026 Youth Expedition offerings include:

• • Backpacking Fundamentals: Ochoco Mountains - 10-12 year olds and Middle School - July 7-10
  • Backpack & Raft: Strawberry Mountains - Middle School - July 14-20
  • Boys Going Glacial - Middle & High School Boys - July 21-24
  • Backpacking: The Elkhorn Crest - High School - July 21-27
  • Backpacking: Mt. Hood - 10-12 year olds - July 28-31
  • Backpacking: Strawberry Lakes Loop - Middle School - July 28-August 3
  • Backpack & Raft: Mt. Jefferson Wilderness - Middle School - August 4-10
  • Girls Backpacking: Mt. Hood - Middle & High School Girls - August 11-14*
  • Paddle & Pack: Willamette Riverkeeper - Middle & High School - August 11-14*
  • PCT Section Hike - High School - August 18-24

*New expedition alert!

Trip Formats:

We’re sticking with our popular 7-day/6-night expeditions and our shorter 4-day/3-night adventure. The shorter option is perfect for adventurers with tighter schedules who still want to immerse themselves in Oregon’s backcountry.

Drop Off & Shuttle Service:

Youth Expeditions are launched from the Minto Brown Island Park in Salem. Our shuttle service departs from Portland Oregon!

Schedule:

All youth trips will begin on Tuesdays. This schedule, paired with our morning shuttle drop-offs before the workday starts, make for a more convenient and accessible start to your adventure.

We’re looking forward to another incredible season of adventures and can’t wait to have you join us!

Are you ready for an Opal Creek Expedition?

Our backpacking, rafting, and paddle adventures are open to anyone 10 and up who’s ready to connect with nature, challenge themselves, and have fun. The backcountry requires teamwork, awareness, and physical fitness. If you are wondering if a trip is right for you or your child, please review our Essential Eligibility Criteria and difficulty levels.

Opal Creek provides all food (snacks and meals), tents, water filters, stoves, fuel, first aid, cookware, bug spray/sunscreen, and bear/animal-proofing. You are required to bring personal items and equipment, though we have a gear library for your use with extra sleeping bags, backpacks, sleeping pads, water bottles, and dishes. View the full packing list for more details.

Cancellation Policy

Your reservation is fully refundable at least 60 days out from the trip start date. Within 60 days, this trip is no longer refundable. If this is a problem for you, we strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. Visit SquareMouth to get a quote from many different trip insurance providers. If you'd like "cancel for any reason" insurance, there's usually a requirement that you acquire it within a short window after booking your trip.