Oregon Mountaineering, Rafting & Rock Camp 30 Day

This expedition features rafting, mountaineering and a skills-focused Rock Camp at Smith Rock. It is one of our longest and most challenging courses and a fantastic opportunity to gain technical skills and the confidence that goes along with mastery, and to see three gorgeous environments in the wilderness of central Oregon. Students should be ready to commit to 30 days, to try their best and to walk away with the permanent benefit of Outward Bound.

The Deschutes River in Oregon is a wild and scenic designated river that 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. The Warm Springs Reservation borders about 1/3 of the Lower Deschutes River where there is excellent geologic evidence still present. You course travels about 50-100 miles over rapids up to Class IV. 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.

Smith Rock is a uniquely beautiful area that graces postcards and calendars. "The Crooked River" lazily winds its way through the canyon, cutting a path through the multi-colored cliffs and spire. To the west, the snow-capped volcanoes of the Cascade Range rise on the horizon, above the flat checkerboard of irrigated plains.

The Central Cascades 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.

The Outward Bound Difference
Our courses are based on more than just wilderness skills, they are designed to deliver life skills. Students will not only gain and practice leadership skills, they will learn in an environment where instructors role model compassion and environmental stewardship. They will learn in and environment where challenge and adventure lead to a sense of accomplishment and genuine feeling of pride. Students are expected to learn and master skills, to exercise craftsmanship, to try their best and to and are asked to consider their experience in group conversations and through an overall emphasis on reflection and bringing learning home.

This course may be the hardest thing you have ever done. Outward Bound philosophy maintains that by facing the challenges the course will offer you, you will emerge physically and mentally stronger, with an increased mastery of expedition skills as well as a better understanding of your own capabilities. We think that the payoff is well worth the work, but you should be aware of what you’re getting into and excited about tackling the challenges.

Course Description
During this multi-expedition course you will participate in three very different modes of transportation through the Oregon wilderness and explore three amazingly different environments from the river, to the desert and snowcapped mountains. You will get to take on the mighty whitewater of the Deschutes River. You begin the rafting section 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 travel through historic Native American lands.

After your fill of water, you travel to a world-renowned climbing destination that attracts climbers from around the globe, Smith Rock. It is widely considered to be one of the top sport climbing areas in the country. You receive individual instruction and test your will against vertical cracks, faces and boulders. You camp at Smith Rock State Park among the multicolored cliffs and spires with a view to the west of the snow-capped volcanoes of the Cascade Mountain Range.

Finally you will be able to explore the Cascade Mountain Range you have been staring at with amazement. During the mountaineering section, you are introduced to skills like backcountry travel, map and compass navigation, cooking and gear selection. You also learn basic mountaineering skills, and participate in 2-3 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. You also get the opportunity for reflection during a solo. 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.

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: Oregon

Activities: Mountaineering, rafting, peak attempt, low-impact camping, rock climbing, solo, service and final expedition

Additional Information:
Application Fee
Transportation Fee

scholarship program pick
Dates	Days	Age	Location	Tuition	Course	Enroll
06/08/08 to 07/07/08	30	16-18	Oregon	$3995.00	OON866
07/21/08 to 08/19/08	30	16-18	Oregon	$3995.00	OON868