Western Outdoor Orientation Trips
Click Here To Register For WOOT 2022!!
Wilderness WOOT offers a 7 day experience that begins here on campus. The following morning students set out on their wilderness adventure with up to 9 other incoming class members and 3 upper class trip leaders.
Students are immersed in their trip beginning Monday returning to campus the following Saturday. During their time away they will have a chance to connect deeply with a small group of peers, gain valuable leadership skills, learn more about the Western Experience, and connect the natural environment.
Sunday, September 11th 2022 Arrival day for WOOT Program
Saturday, September 17th 2022 Return to campus conclusion of WOOT Program
Classifying levels of challenge for Wilderness WOOT
Every trip involves a certain level of physical demand as students are responsible for carrying their own equipment and food on our wilderness backpacking and sea kayaking trips. With regular physical activity leading up to the trip, you should have no problem thriving during your WOOT experience. With that said, they are a bit more than your average walk in the park.
Less strenuous: These WOOT trips are ideal for someone who is seeking an opportunity to become comfortable outdoors. They are designed to introduce the foundational outdoor skills and expose students to new activities.
Moderate: These WOOT trips at the moderate level are ideal for someone who is wishing to expand their technical skills outdoors. It is a great opportunity to challenge yourself if you are an avid hiker and camper, but have limited backpacking or sea kayaking experience. For the backpacking sessions, you will carry a 30-50lb pack and hike around 4 to 10 miles a day with low to moderate elevation gain. For kayak sessions, you will use Viqueen Lodge as home-base and paddle for 3-4 hours a day, with the opportunity to venture out setting up camp away from the lodge on a neighboring island.
More strenuous: These WOOT trips are for those who are very experienced in the outdoors, including experience with elevation, familiarity with technical skills for both kayaking and backpacking, and have a high level of comfort with long days and strenuous exercise. For the backpacking sessions, you are expected to carry 30-50 lb packs and hike 5 to 12 miles a day with substantial elevation gain. For kayak sessions, you will be touring from island to island, setting up camp, and paddling for up to 4-6 hours a day.
Backpacking
As a WOOTer, you can expect to rise early and have a nice cup of tea while listening to the woods coming alive around you. Your morning generally starts with a group activity that gets your blood flowing and everyone laughing. Next, duties are split up to prepare for the day ahead. Some take down camp while others prepare a hearty breakfast. Once packs are on, boots are tied, and morning yawns have dissipated, you will hit the trail and begin trekking to your next destination. During this time you will get to know your group while taking in the beautiful surroundings including mountain streams, views of the San Juan Islands, towering firs, granite peaks, and magnificent glaciers looming in the distance. While on the trail there will be times to take breaks and soak it all in while also learning how to read maps, identify native plants, and connect with your fellow WOOTers through a variety of activities and reflections. After a long day of hiking, rolling into camp brings a sense of familiarity as everyone celebrates the day’s successes, and prepares for nightly activities and duties. Once camp is set, everyone settles in for the night as the fire grows listening to stories from each other as well as your trip leaders about what has made their Western Experience so memorable.
Fall 2022 Backpacking Routes
Fall WOOT 1- Backpacking
Destination: Ross Lake East Bank
Level Of Difficulty: Less Strenuous
Description: On this WOOT experience, you will spend 6 days backpacking in the North Cascades National Park along the East Bank of Ross Lake. This is an incredible out and back trip that offers most campsites right along the shore of the Lake. Expect to hike 2-6 miles per day with moderate elevation gain. There are incredible lake, creek and peak views throughout this entire experience! And those who are up to the challenge, mid way through the trip there is an optional summit of Desolation peak that is rewarded with panoramic views of all the North Cascades from a historical fire lookout station.
Fall WOOT 2- Backpacking
Destination: Bridge Creek
Level Of Difficulty: Less Strenuous to Moderate
Description: On this WOOT, you’ll spend six days backpacking in the North Cascades National Park. Expect to hike 3.5 to 7.5 miles each day with little elevation gain. There may be an optional summit of Goode Ridge (7700’). Evenings will be spent learning how to cook backcountry delights with your group, bonding with fellow WOOT-ers, and enjoying your spectacular surroundings.
Fall WOOT 3- Backpacking
Destination: Rainbow Loop North Cascades National Park
Level Of Difficulty: Moderate
Description: On this WOOT experience, you’ll spend six days backpacking in the North Cascades National Park. Expect to hike between 3 to 7 miles each day, with moderate elevation gain. The trail passes the refreshing waters of Rainbow Lake and McAlester Lake, not to mention plenty of mountain streams. Highlights include scenic vistas and lush alpine meadows. Evenings are usually spent playing games, perfecting the art of backcountry cooking, and getting to know your fellow WOOT-ers.
Fall WOOT 4- Backpacking
Destination: Devil's Dome Pasayten Wilderness & North Cascades National Park
Level Of Difficulty: More Strenuous
Description: On this WOOT experience, you’ll spend six days backpacking in the Pasayten Wilderness & North Cascades National Park. Expect to hike between 5 and 12 miles each day, with substantial elevation gain. This wilderness experience offers several high alpine views of the greater North Cascades. The trail begins at the East Bank trailhead climbing up to Jackita Ridge traversing to Devils Dome eventually dropping back down to Ross Lake. Evenings are usually spent in Alpine Meadows or forest campsites learning the basics of backcountry cooking, playing games, and getting to know your fellow WOOT-ers.
Sea kayaking
Our sea kayaking program shares the same foundational goals and objectives around group and individual growth as our backpacking trips, but differs in the mode of transportation and overnight accommodations. Students will take a boat charter to Sinclair Island, where the first day is spent developing paddle skills, kayak safety, and increasing comfortability on open water. Viqueen Lodge is utilized as a headquarters on Sinclair Island, where the group will return most nights after paddling around neighboring islands. These islands include Cypress Island, Vendovi Island, and Orcas Island, which can all be explored by foot, and makes for an incredible lunch spot! Depending on the group goals and sea conditions, there is also likely to be overnight trips to the neighboring islands mentioned!
Fall 2022 Sea Kayaking Route
Fall WOOT 5- Sea Kayaking
Destination: ViQueen Lodge, San Juan Islands
Level Of Difficulty: Less Strenuous to Moderate
Description: On this WOOT! experience, you will spend six days in the field with your fellow WOOT-ers exploring the San Juan Islands via kayak. We’ll use Viqueen, our rustic cabin on Sinclair Island, as a home-base as we venture out on day and overnight excursions to the surrounding islands for hikes, camping, and viewing the diverse wildlife of the Salish Sea. In addition, there may be an optional night paddle to experience the magic of bioluminescent algae that summer in the islands is known for!
Bike Packing
Our bike packing program shares the same foundational goals and objectives around group and individual growth as our backpacking and sea kayaking trips, but differs in the mode of transportation and overnight accommodations. Students will begin by traveling via vehicle to Anacortes where the bike adventure begins. Arriving at the state ferry for San Juan Islands, students will load up their bikes and make their way through Lopez Island, San Juan Island, and Orcas Island over the course of the week. This trip is supported by a SAG vehicle that will provide transportation for gear, food and supplies needed for camping throughout the adventure!
Fall 2022 Bike Packing Route
Destination: San Juan Islands
Level Of Difficulty: Less Strenuous to Moderate
Description: On this WOOT! Experience, you will spend six days exploring several of the major islands in the San Juans. Each evening you will arrive to a different campsite where you will meet your SAG vehicle with all the camping gear. The days and amount of riding will depend on the group and what they are hoping to accomplish. This is an incredible opportunity to explore the islands slowing down and being able to take in all the San Juans have to offer!
