Wild Coast Discovery

The goal is fun and success for all as our adventure begins in Olympic National Park with a dazzling wilderness backpack to Lena Lake. Our next destination is the San Juan Islands where we enjoy sea kayaking and biking amidst cool towns, unique ecology, diverse marine life and pristine beaches. While on the Islands we participate in a service project with Moran State Park to help restore impacted areas.

Heading north across the Canadian border, we travel to Whistler, British Columbia. We enjoy two days of glacier skiing or snowboarding on Blackcomb Mountain. Those without skiing or snowboarding experience participate in adventure sports in the Whistler Valley instead. In Squamish, two fun-filled days of rock climbing teach us how to rappel, top-rope climb, and practice our climbing skills.

Finally, we explore the stunning Northern Cascades on a backpack exploration of the Wenatchee Wilderness. The glacial features of this landscape are dazzling. We spend our last days together trekking across wildflower meadows as snowfields glisten on the high peaks above us. This is our highest rated backpack!

» Day 1:
You will be met upon arrival at the Seattle airport by your experienced AAVE expedition leaders. After a complete gear check to assure that you are prepared for the diverse regions we explore, we load up our custom vehicles and head off to Lena Lake campground. During orientation we get to know each other and learn what to expect in the days ahead. Our daily routine, jobs and safety rules are explained, and the process of growing together as a group begins.

» Days 2-4:
Our first adventure is a short intro to backpacking. We camp at Lena Lake in the Olympic National Forest. This beautiful and remote area is the perfect region for an introductory wilderness experience. We practice "Leave No Trace" camping skills, including camp stove cooking, topographic map interpretation, and proper campsite selection. Our pace is be moderate enough to assure success for all.

» Day 5:
Today we take the ferry to Lopez Island, part of the San Juan Islands, in preparation for our sea kayaking adventure tomorrow.

» Day 6:
Elakah! Kayaking guides take us on a tour of the San Juan Islands today. Almost 700 islands and reefs make up the San Juans with 176 islands large enough to be named. In some places the ocean gliding beneath our kayaks plunges to 1,000-feet! This environment provides ample opportunities to view Northwestern wildlife, including porpoises, harbor seals, orca whales, sea lions, bald eagles and hawks!

» Days 7-8:
We continue our explorations with an awesome two-day cycling adventure on the San Juan Islands! Inter-island ferries transport us between Lopez and Orcas Islands where we pedal past quaint villages and Pacific beaches. Our toughest ride is up Mt. Constitution, 2,409 feet! We ride touring bikes, wear helmets at all times and are accompanied by a support vehicle throughout our trip. The biking is challenging, but rewarding, and the scenery is gorgeous!

» Day 9:
Today we get an opportunity to give back to the gorgeous wilderness areas we've been enjoying with an environmental service project at Moran State Park. Our commitment to a day of hard work and a positive attitude make this a worth-while service project for all involved!

» Day 10:
We travel to Canada to the quintessential ski town of Whistler, nestled in the heart of the Lollooet Range Mountains. We are sure to get a good night sleep for the skiing and snowboarding adventure that begins tomorrow.

» Days 11-12:
We hit the slopes to ski or ride Blackcomb Glacier. This is for intermediate abilities only, not beginners. An exciting day of mountain biking around Whistler is planned for those who won't be skiing. We make sure to take some time in town to check out the cafes, restaurants and shops.

» Days 13-14:
The world famous rock climbing area of Squamish is where we participate in our rock climbing school. Squamish is known for it's breathtaking scenery, and we scale the cliffs surrounded by glacier covered mountains. Climbs are geared towards participants of all ability levels.

» Days 15-16:
We head to Vancouver, B.C. for some town time in this beautiful city to take in some of the shops, galleries, and museums. We drive to the campsite to restock and prepare for our final back pack.

» Days 17-19:
The North Cascades are the setting for the ultimate backpacking trip. Our route in the Wenatchee Wilderness takes us to Buck Creek Pass, Spider Meadow, Cloudy Pass, Lyman Basin and Pass-No-Pass. The glacial features of this landscape are dazzling to the eye. A patchwork of sparkling white snowfields covers the high peaks and July sunshine warms the grassy meadows in the valleys below. This trip gives us a chance to demonstrate the outdoor skills we've learned and to savor a few more days in the wilderness together.

» Days 20-21:
All great things must come to an end. Our last night together we clean our gear and celebrate our successes! We share our memories and challenges and say our good-byes. Early on the last day we go to the airport in Seattle, confident, tan and strong after the most incredible summer of adventure, fun and friends.