Northwest Explorer

3 weeks

open to grades 7-9

Overview

Offering exciting hikes, spectacular sea kayaking and stunning alpine scenery, the great Northwest is the perfect setting for an Overland program. We’ll explore Washington by foot, kayak and raft as we spend three weeks together in a small, supportive Overland group.

Our trip begins with day hikes in Olympic National Park, where we will venture through inland forests, hike past waterfalls and explore tide pools, all while getting to know each other. We’ll then head to the San Juan Islands to join with professional guides for three days of sea kayaking. Paddling through calm waters and stopping to explore remote islands by foot, we’ll keep our eyes open for seals, whales and eagles.

Next, we’ll head to the North Cascades, where we’ll learn the basics of backcountry camping while spending five days backpacking. We’ll hike through forests as we hone our skills and enjoy backcountry life. Then we'll head south to the Wenatchee River, one of Washington’s most famous rivers, to enjoy a day of exciting rapids. At trip’s end, we’ll head back to Seattle to look back on our fun-filled three weeks together exploring the beauty of the Northwest.

"Overland encourages new friendships, independence and leadership, while challenging the kids daily." Mary Cary, Highland Park, Illinois

Highlights

Camp, hike & explore Olympic National Park
Sea kayak & hike the San Juan Islands
Backpack the North Cascades
Raft the Wenatchee River

Grade

For students completing grades 7-9 in June 2012

Each group is limited to 10 students. Multiple sections are grouped by grades

Call us (413-458-9672) to check on current availability

Challenge Level

5 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and ends in Seattle, Washington

Accommodations

All nights are spent camping in tents.

13 nights are at front-country campsites at established campgrounds. 11 nights have flush toilets and 9 nights have showers available. Laundry is available a few times during the program.
6 nights are spent in the backcountry. 4 are spent with just the group at established backcountry sites in the North Cascades are 2 are spent on islands in the San Juans with professional guides.

Dates and Fees

3 Weeks

Sunday, June 24 to Friday, July 13
Sunday, July 15 to Friday, August 3

$4295 (airfare not included)

“It was a life-changing experience." Ryan Mayzell, Memphis, Tennessee

Itinerary

Trip Start

We'll meet in Seattle and then head to our campground on the Olympic Peninsula. We'll spend our first afternoon checking over our gear and getting to know one another before we start hiking.

Day Hikes in Olympic National Park

We'll spend the first three to four days of our trip on a series of day hikes in Olympic National Park. Olympic National Park is a unique national park because of its varied topography. While in the park, we'll hike along a beautiful mountain lake, through a rain forest and on a ridge with views of glaciers in the distance. Just outside of the park, we'll spend an afternoon at the beach, where we'll hike along the rocky shore and explore tide pools.

Sea Kayaking in the San Juan Islands

The next leg of our adventure will take us by ferry to San Juan Island, where we'll meet our kayaking guides. We'll spend three days on an introductory sea kayaking trip, where we'll learn the basics of sea kayaking and see some marine wildlife during our time on the water. We'll carry all of our gear in kayaks to a beautiful island where we'll set up camp for two nights. On our second day, we'll head out to explore the area by kayak, and we'll also have some time off the water to explore the island by foot. After kayaking, we will head to Orcas Island, where we'll spend a day hiking to the summit of Mt. Constitution, the highest peak in the San Juan Islands at just over 2,000 feet.

Backcountry Hike in the North Cascades

We'll ferry back to the mainland and head east into the stunning North Cascades. Although not as well known, the North Cascades are as rugged and as beautiful as the Rockies or the Sierras. We'll head out on a five-day backcountry hike that will take us through beautiful valleys and past remote mountain lakes. We will have a chance to learn basic backcountry skills such as Leave No Trace and come together as a group as we adjust to life in the backcountry.

Rafting

After our backcountry hike, we will head south to the Wenatchee River, where we'll finish off our three weeks together with a return to the water. We'll spend a day on the river with our experienced rafting guides, as we paddle through calm flat water and exciting whitewater and enjoy the impressive mountain scenery.

Trip End

At trip's end we'll head back to the Seattle area, where we'll have a chance to look back on three spectacular weeks of exploration, adventure and fun.

“Jack emerged from his first overnight camp experience confident, capable and happy." Janet Wozniak, Lexington, Massachusetts

Trip Details

Northwest Explorer serves as a great introduction to the outdoors. With a variety of activities, from day hikes to kayaking, backcountry hiking and rafting, it allows students to try new things in a safe, wholesome and supportive environment. Northwest Explorer is slightly longer and a bit more challenging than some of Overland's other introductory trips, but we still expect that many of our students will not have a lot of outdoor experience and that's OK!

“The trip was amazing! The leaders and other students were awesome." Drew Gerber, Highland Park, Illinois

Photos

Click thumbnails below to enlarge

Print View

Enrollment Forms

Enrollment Forms 2012

Northwest Explorer Release Forms

Prepare & Pack

Preparing For The Hiking

Your trip will be significantly more enjoyable if you have an intermediate level of fitness and well-broken-in boots. We cannot overemphasize the importance of well-broken-in boots. There have been students who have had to leave their trips because of blisters from boots that were not well broken in. The training table below is designed to help you properly break in your boots and develop a solid fitness base.

Pre-Trip Training

Five weeks before your trip: Wear your boots for 15-30 minutes a day to walk around your house or neighborhood so your boots will begin to conform to your feet.

Four weeks before your trip: Take three 30-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

Three weeks before your trip: Take three 60-minute hikes or walks in your boots.

Two weeks before your trip: Take three 1-hour hikes or walks in your boots with a backpack loaded with 10% of your body weight.

One week before your trip start: Take two 2-hour hikes or walks in your boots with a backpack loaded with 15-20% of your body weight.

Packing for Your Trip

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.
Bring only what you need and pack everything in your backpack or daypack. Participants can bring one additional set of travel clothes (e.g. jeans and a t-shirt) to wear on the plane. These will be left in the van.
If you are flying to your trip start, you should wear your hiking boots on the plane and carry your sleeping bag and sleeping pad on the plane with you in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time.
You will have the chance to do laundry periodically and you will be able to leave some extra items in our van while we are on the trail, so please stick to the packing list and bring only the clothes and items listed below.
Overland will rent or provide any specialized gear for any of our non-hiking activities (for example, rock climbing, rafting, mountaineering, or kayaking) and that gear is included in your trip fee.
Check out some of our favorite brands and retailers to purchase items on this list.
Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool like a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool.
If you have any questions, please contact our office at 413-458-9672.

Clothing

Fleece Jacket or Pullover & Long Fleece Pants
The fleece should be medium to heavy weight and reasonably compact. Please don't bring jeans or sweatpants.

Synthetic Long Underwear Top & Bottom
Two or three tops and one bottom.

Winter Hat & Gloves/Mittens
For cool nights in camp.

Insulated vest
An insulated fleece, Thinsulate or down vest.

Waterproof Rain Jacket and Rain Pants
Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water resistant). Gore-Tex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabric brands, but there are many to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable.

Hiking Shorts
Two or three pairs of synthetic (not cotton) shorts. Athletic shorts or hiking shorts work well.

T-Shirts
Three synthetic t-shirts.

Underwear
Five pairs.

Socks
Three pairs of thick wool or synthetic socks made for hiking. Sock liners are optional.

Sport Sandals
These must have a heel strap for kayaking, swimming and around camp. Flip-flops or Crocs are not acceptable for water activities such as rafting or kayaking.

Sneakers or Tennis Shoes
A comfortable and lightweight alternative to your hiking boots. To be used on short day hikes and in camp when your hiking boots are not necessary.

Pajamas
Optional.

Bathing Suit
Optional.

Hiking & Camping Equipment

Hiking Boots
Waterproof hiking boots that are mid to high cut (recommended price range $100 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot that is designed for hiking with a medium weight pack.

Backpack
4,000-5,000 cubic inches. Before you purchase a backpack, find your backpack size by measuring your torso length and your hips. We recommend getting fitted at a store where you can try on a number of different packs.

Waterproof Pack Cover
If your backpack does not come with a cover, choose one that fits your pack well.

Day Pack
Your day pack can be used as a carry-on for your flight and will be necessary for day hikes. This can be a very basic backpack, maybe even just your school backpack. You should be able to carry it over both shoulders (i.e., NOT a satchel) and it should be big enough to hold your lunch, 2 water bottles, snacks and some extra warm layers and rain jacket.

Sleeping Bag and Stuff Sack
We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag (synthetic or down) that is rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Your sleeping bag should compress into a stuff sack which can then be cinched down to 12-20” in length.

Sleeping Pad
A full or ¾ length mattress pad that is inflatable or made of closed-cell foam. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside.

Bowl, Mug & Utensils
For meals you will need a 6-8” plastic dish or bowl with a lid. The bowl can be a rigid Tupperware-like material or collapsible. A spoon is all you need but you can bring a spork or a set of lightweight silverware if you’d like. We also recommend a plastic insulated mug to be used for hot drinks.

Water Bottle
One 1-liter Nalgene (or similar) water bottle. Overland will provide you with a second water bottle on arrival. A Camelbak or similar water bladder is acceptable.

Headlamp & Extra Batteries
A small flashlight is OK but headlamps are great because your hands are freed up for other tasks.

Small Safety Whistle
Plastic or metal with a string or lanyard attached. This is for safety reasons in case a student is separated from the group.

Telescoping Hiking Poles
Optional. Hiking poles are great for stability while hiking, reducing strain on the knees and providing balance while crossing streams or on rough terrain.

Gaiters
Optional. Recommended for Alaska Explorer.

Mosquito Head Net
Optional. Strongly advised for Yellowstone Teton Explorer, Northwest Explorer and Alaska Explorer.

Miscellaneous Gear

Towel
Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.

Plastic Bags
Ten large 1-gallon ziplock bags and four large trash bags. The ziplock bags are used to organize and waterproof your gear and small items. The trash bags are used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad.

Toiletries
All items should be travel size. If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.

Moleskin or Molefoam
One full package for blister protection.

Sunglasses & Hat with Visor

Sunscreen (SPF 15+) & Chapstick (with SPF protection)
Please bring ample amounts of sunscreen.

Insect Repellent
Please bring ample amounts of bug spray.

Personal Journal or Book
Optional.

Digital Camera & Extra Batteries
Great for documenting the trip. Make sure you bring a large enough memory card (1 to 4 GB).

Spending Money
$25/week in cash or with a debit or ATM card.

Cell Phones, Electronics and Personal Property

Please note the following important policies:

Our programs offer the opportunity to strengthen independence and self-reliance. To maximize these benefits, we do not permit phone calls to or from our students (except in the case of emergency).

If it is important for your son or daughter to be able to call you while en route to Overland, we recommend that you purchase an inexpensive phone card that your son or daughter can use at any airport pay phone.

If you feel that it is necessary to send your son or daughter with a phone, please do not send an expensive smart phone like an iPhone or BlackBerry. Send an inexpensive prepaid cell phone instead. On arrival we will collect all phones but we have found that safeguarding these phones is problematic given that our programs move from place to place. Despite our best efforts over $25,000 in phones have been lost, damaged or stolen in the last two years alone. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Communications

To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails or text messages to or from our students (except in the case of an emergency).
Your child will call home with our phones and assistance on arrival and departure if he/she flies to his/her program.
In the case of an emergency, we will make sure you are in touch with your child as soon as possible.

Cell Phones

Cell phone use is prohibited on all Overland programs.
Any phone brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and returned at departure.
If you decide to bring a phone, do not bring an expensive smartphone (e.g., iPhone or BlackBerry); instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone (better yet, bring an inexpensive prepaid calling card).

Personal Electronics

We do not permit personal electronics (e.g., iPods, Kindles or iPads) except for digital cameras.
We do not permit emergency response or GPS tracking electronics.
Any electronics brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and mailed home or returned at departure.

Personal Property

Overland is not responsible for any student’s personal property—including but not limited to: phones, electronics, cameras, equipment, bicycles and clothing. Please schedule all expensive items on your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that your child/ward’s personal property and equipment is covered against loss, damage or theft.

No Reimbursements for Lost, Damaged or Stolen Phone, Electronics and Personal Property

Despite taking precautions, some phones, electronics and personal property brought by students (and collected by us) have been lost, damaged or stolen. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Questions or concerns? Please call us. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.

Travel Information

Families are responsible for making travel arrangements to and from Seattle, Washington. Overland’s leaders will be on hand at the airport to provide supervision and assistance at trip start and end.

DROP OFF: Seattle-Tacoma Intl Airport (SEA) Baggage Claim #10, at 11:00 a.m. Sunday
PICK UP: Seattle-Tacoma Intl Airport (SEA) Check-In Area at 10:00 a.m. Friday
FLIGHT ARRIVAL: Seattle-Tacoma Intl Airport (SEA) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday
FLIGHT DEPARTURE: Seattle-Tacoma Intl Airport (SEA) between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday

Any other special cases, please call Overland to coordinate, if you have not done so already.

Flight & Travel Information 2012

Program Start & End Information 2012

Mail Stops

During the trip, students may receive mail sent to the below addresses.

Mail Notes:

1) On the lower left corner of the envelope, please write: "Please hold for Overland."
2) General Delivery addresses: For some programs, a mail stop will be a General Delivery address—this is a post office; post offices can only receive U.S. Postal Service mail (they cannot accept UPS or FedEx).

Northwest Explorer 1A

Mail Stop #1 - must arrive before June 27th

Student's Name, Overland/NWX 1A
c/o San Juan Outfitters
PO Box 325
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Mail Stop #2 - must arrive before July 6th

Overland/NWX 1A
Student's Name
General Delivery
Leavenworth, WA 98826

Northwest Explorer 1B

Mail Stop #1 - must arrive before July 1st

Overland/NWX 1B
Student's Name
General Delivery
Leavenworth, WA 98826

Mail Stop #2 - must arrive before July 6th

Student's Name, Overland/NWX 1B
c/o Outdoor Odysseys
83 Cedar St.
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Northwest Explorer 2

Mail Stop #1 - must arrive before July 18th

Student's Name, Overland/NWX 2
c/o San Juan Outfitters
PO Box 325
Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Mail Stop #2 - must arrive before July 27th

Overland/NWX 2
Student's Name
General Delivery
Leavenworth, WA 98826

Helpful Reminders

Checklist and Reminders 2011

Apply Now

HOW TO APPLY

You have two choices. You can apply online with a credit card by clicking the link below.

Apply Online

Or you can download the 2012 Overland Application as a PDF (you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Then mail your completed one-page application and $795 deposit check to:

Overland
P.O. Box 31
Williamstown, MA 01267

For overnight mail via UPS or FedEx, please use our street address:

Overland
63 Spring Street
Williamstown, MA 01267

Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

Learn about our admissions process.

Ramsey Meigs

Hometown: Newton, Massachusetts
School: Colby College
Leadership: Alaska Service, Northwest Explorer
More about Ramsey »

See More Overland Leaders