Northwest Explorer

Overview

Offering exciting hikes, spectacular sea kayaking and stunning alpine scenery, the great Northwest is the perfect setting for an Overland program. We’ll discover 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 the members of our group. We’ll then head to the San Juan Islands where we’ll join with professional guides for three days of 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 and along lakes 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 paddling through calm water and some exciting rapids. At trip’s end, we’ll head back to Seattle to reminisce about our fun-filled three weeks together exploring the beauty of the Northwest.

"Overland brings out the best in the child; Jessica always returns confident, independent and more mature." Mary Cary, Highland Park, Illinois

Highlights

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

Grade

For students who will finish grades 7-9 in June 2010. Each group is limited to 10 students.

Call us (800.458.0588) to check on current availability.

Challenge Level

5 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and ends in Seattle, Washington

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.

Dates and Fees

3 Weeks

Sunday, June 27 to Friday, July 16
Sunday, July 18 to Friday, August 6

$4095
(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 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.

“I had such a great time in Washington with my friends and great leaders. I look forward to being a part of Overland next summer." Hannah Osborn, Wayland, 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 progression of this trip is perfect for first timers as well as for those with some hiking and camping experience. We start with day hikes as we adjust to camping and sleeping in tents as well as the challenges of living together in a group. Kayaking is a bit more difficult than day hiking, and it allows us to spend two nights camping on an island which offers an introduction to backcountry life before we head out on our multi-day hike.  Although more challenging than day hiking, our backcountry trip is still designed as an introductory hike, and our leaders will teach students the basics of backcountry travel.  Rafting is a bit more relaxing, as well as an exciting way to end our three weeks together.  Come join us as we spend three weeks exploring the beautiful northwest.

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

Photos

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Videos

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Prepare & Pack

Northwest Explorer is rated 5 on a scale of 1-10 (1 is the easiest). This rating places Northwest Explorer in a moderate category and means participants must be prepared for a mixture of moderate and challenging days throughout the trip.

Your trip will be significantly more enjoyable if you have a basic 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 broken in. The training guidelines below are designed to help you properly break in your boots and develop a solid fitness base.

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.

Northwest Explorer is considered to be an intermediate level trip and experience among participants will vary. No previous experience is required for either our kayaking or rafting sections—just a sense of adventure and a willingness to learn.

Your enjoyment of this trip will hinge on several factors:

1. Your fitness. Any reasonably fit, reasonably active teen will do just fine.
2. Your motivation. It’s not always easy—you must be motivated!
3. Your commitment to teamwork. Overland trips require compromise, patience and selflessness. Support your trip leaders and your tripmates, and you’ll find that you will have a great experience.

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. 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.

Our packing list is designed to keep you safe and comfortable while camping and hiking this summer.  Nighttime temperatures are much cooler when you are at elevation or along the coast than they tend to be in the regions most of us are from.  The warm clothing and layers listed may seem unnecessary now, but we guarantee you'll appreciate them this summer! Keep in mind, however, that there are a wide range of products available in terms of clothing and equipment. Overland programs are relatively short, and although you want your clothing and equipment to be durable, this does not mean it has to be a top of the line piece. Oftentimes the more basic options fit better and perform just as well. Some of our favorite brands in terms of quality of product for a reasonable price include REI, EMS and LL Bean.

Please bring only the clothes listed below. Do not wear an extra set of clothes for the flight. By layering you will stay cool on warm days, dry on rainy days and warm on cool nights. You will have the chance to do laundry periodically. You will be able to leave some extra items in our van while we are on the trail, but please stick to the packing list. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office.

Specialized Gear

Overland will rent specialized gear for any of our non-hiking activities. (e.g. rafting and mountaineering) and this is included in your trip fee.

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. They are heavy, bulky and will not keep you warm if wet.


• Synthetic Long Underwear Top or Synthetic Long-Sleeve Shirt and Bottom
  Two tops and one bottom. Synthetic material will keep you warm in varying weather and is a comfortable layer to wear while hiking or in camp.


• Winter Hat and Gloves/Mittens
  For cool nights in camp.


• Waterproof, Breathable Rain Jacket and Pants
  Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water and/or wind resistant). GoreTex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabrics, but there are many of these fabrics to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable as they are difficult to hike in and don't provide the same protection that a rain jacket does.


• Insulated vest
  An insulated fleece, Thinsulate or down vest will help keep your core warm during cool mornings out on the trail. Be sure it's compactable.


• Shorts To Hike In
  Two pairs of synthetic (no cotton) shorts. Athletic shorts or hiking shorts work well.


• T-Shirts
  Three. Synthetic are recommended; cotton are acceptable. At least one synthetic shirt is recommended because it will dry faster than cotton. One cotton shirt works well for at night in camp.

• Underwear
  Five.


• Socks
  Three pairs of thick wool/synthetic blend socks made for hiking. Synthetic socks dry faster after a day on the trail and help protect your feet better than a cotton sock.


• Pajamas
  One pair only. Pajamas aren't required as many students sleep in shorts and a t-shirt.


• Bathing Suit
  One only.


• Sport Sandals
  With a heel strap for kayaking, rafting, swimming and around camp. No flip-flops or Crocs as these will not be acceptable for kayaking or rafting.


• 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.

Hiking & Camping Equipment

• Hiking Boots
  Waterproof backpacking boots (recommended price range $125 to $175). Choose a comfortable boot that is designed for hiking with a medium weight pack. Your boots should have a durable leather upper that can be treated with waterproofing wax or liquid, or have a waterproof fabric/leather combination. If the boots you like have a GoreTex liner, that is great but your boots do not need to have GoreTex liners to be waterproof; good quality leather when treated properly is waterproof. Follow the waterproofing instructions from the boots' manufacturer prior to the start of your trip; typically you must wear the boots for at least a week before they will accept waterproofing treatment.


• 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. Follow REI's guidelines on how to find your backpack size:
  Measure Your Torso Length.  This is key:  Your torso length, not your height, determines your pack size.  Here's how to measure it: 1.With the help of a friend, locate the bony bump at the base of your neck.  This is where the slope of your shoulder meets your neck, also known as the seventh vertebra.  Tilt your head forward to locate it more easily. 2. Using a flexible tape measure, have your friend start measuring at that spot down your spine, following the curves of your back. 3. Place your hands on your hips to feel your iliac crest, the twin pointy protrusions on the front of your hips.  Position your hands so your thumbs are reaching behind you. 4. Finish measuring at the point where the tape crosses an imaginary line between your thumbs.  This distance is your torso length.  
  Measure Your Hips. While less critical than torso length, this is helpful if you're considering a pack that offers mulitiple sizes of interchangeable hipbelts.  To measure, take your tape measure and wrap it around the tops of your hips.  This is the "latitude line" where you can feel your iliac crest, the two pointy bones on the front of your hips.  A properly positioned hipbelt will straddle your iliac crest at this line.

• 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 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 clothes.


• Sleeping Bag
  We recommend a lightweight, compact sleeping bag either synthetic or down that is warm to 30 degrees or less. Your sleeping bag should compress enough to fit into your backpack. Some sleeping bags come with a stuff sack which is a small bag that you can stuff your sleeping bag into and then cinch down to make it compact. If your bag does not have one, you can purchase one at most outdoors stores. A stuff sack that compresses your bag to 12" to 20" is recommended. Carry your sleeping bag on the plane with you.


• Sleeping Pad
  Either a full length or 3/4 length pad that is inflatable like a ThermaRest or a closed cell foam (thin and firm) like a Therma Ridge Rest is appropriate. It should be compact enough to either fit in your pack or be strapped to the outside. Carry your sleeping pad on the plane with you.


• 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

• Small Flashlight / Headlamp
So you can see in camp when it's dark outside.  A headlamp is a small light attatched to a band that you can wear on your head which is nice because it allows both hands to be free.

• 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.


• Utensils
  For meals you will need a 6" to 8" plastic Tupperware/Rubbermaid dish or bowl with a top and a spoon. We also recommend a plastic insulated mug to be used for hot drinks.

Miscellaneous Gear

• Towel
  Medium size cotton towel or synthetic camping towel.


• Plastic Bags
  10 large ziplocks (1-2 gallon) and four large trash bags. The trash bags will be used to line your pack and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad in. The ziplocks will be used to organize and waterproof the rest of your gear.


• Toiletries
  All travel size (in a plastic bag).  If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.


• Moleskin or Molefoam
  One full package for blister protection.

• Sunglasses & Hat
  With visor (e.g., baseball cap).

• Sunscreen (SPF 15+), Chapstick (with SPF protection) & Insect Repellent


• Paperback Book and/or Journal
  Optional. Your group will collectively keep a group journal, and you will receive a copy of the journal after your trip. If you would like to keep your own journal, you should bring one.


• Camera/Batteries/Memory Card

Optional. Interested in seeing your photographs or videos on Overland's website next year? Bring a camera with lots of pixels (10 or more) and lots of memory (4GB or more). Buying a new camera? One of our favorites is the Canon PowerShot SD960 IS digital camera.

• Spending Money
  $50/week for souvenirs, gifts and necessities (like more sunscreen if you run out, camera film or envelopes to mail letters).

Note: Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool (e.g., Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman).

We do not permit personal electronics on our programs (e.g., cellphones and iPods). We do, however, allow students who fly to their program to carry a cell phone while traveling; on arrival, Overland's leaders will collect all cell phones for the duration of the program and return them for flights home. Perhaps, a better option would be to bring a pre-paid phone card so that the leaders do not have to carry cell phones for the duration of the program.

Admissions

Below is the Admissions Material packet and other information for Northwest Explorer.

Admission Material 2010

Flight & Travel Information 2010

Program Start & End Information 2010

Northwest Explorer Release Form 2010 - NWXA*

Northwest Explorer Release Form 2010 - NWXB*

*Please contact Overland to check if you need the A or B release forms.

Apply

We welcome your interest in joining Overland this summer!

To apply, please complete and sign the application on page 47 of the Overland catalog or download an application. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the application).

Please refer to page 46 of our catalog for important information you should know before signing the application.

Send your application and $795 deposit 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

Sorry, we are unable to accept applications by fax, and we do not take credit cards. Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

To learn about our admissions process, please click here.