Field Trips


Sunday afternoon provides an opportunity to explore the beautiful Northwest by water or by foot. Chose one of our fully inclusive field trips or grab a map and explore the area on your own. Field trips are optional; advanced registration and payment is requested.


White Salmon River - Whitewater Rafting

Designated for protection under the Wild & Scenic River Act, the White Salmon is a breathtaking combination of whitewater and scenery. Fed by natural springs flowing from the glaciers of Mt. Adams, the White Salmon cascades through narrow, cliff lined basalt canyons before heading out into the warm sunshine of a forested valley. Throughout the trip, rafters are treated to continuous class III/IV rapids that challenge even our most adventurous guests. In between the rapids, you will have a chance to view lava formed rock walls, float alongside the rafts in crystal clear pools and watch for wildlife in forests that are only accessible from the river. No experience necessary. All necessary gear, transportation and dinner are included. $65.

More Information and FAQs about whitewater rafting



Klickatat River - Whitewater Kayaking

The Klickitat River is a classic Columbia Gorge river run, offering dramatic scenery of basalt cliffs and wildflowers in an arid environment. We will run a 3-4 mile section of class II/III whitewater. This classic hardshell and inflatable kayak run is about 8 miles up stream from the confluence of the Klickitat and Columbia River. The trip is suitable for intermediate hardshell river kayakers (must have a t-rescue minimum; combat roll preferred) and beginner inflatable kayakers (no experience required) with a gung-ho attitude. Gear, instruction and transportation provided. Hard Shell Cost: $90. | Inflatable Cost: $75.
More Information and FAQs about whitewater kayaking



Rock Cove Flatwater Kayaking

Located on the Columbia River, The Rock Creek watershed drains 43 square miles, with headwaters near Lookout Mountain, Washington, at an elevation of over 4,000 feet. The mouth of Rock Creek empties into Rock Cove on the Columbia River just west of Stevenson, Washington. Rock Creek Park offers an opportunity to explore a beautiful lake inside a protected cove. After a short lesson in basic paddling technique your focus will move towards discovering the islands in the middle of the lake and the mouth of the Creek, which is notated in Lewis and Clark's journals. We will supply the equipment (recreational kayaks, sea kayaks and canoes), naturalist guides and equipment (kayak, pfd, paddle). Dress for the weather and be prepared to get splashed. $65



Portland - Self Tour

Grab a list of recommended stops and hop on a shuttle to the City of Roses. You'll journey along the Columbia River to downtown Portland, where you will have 6 hours to enjoy a self-guided tour of Portland. With coffee shops, parks, pubs, gardens, book stores, museums and tax-free shopping -there is something for everyone. $20



Sandy River Gorge - Dam Tour

Marmot Dam, on the Sandy River, will be removed during the summer of 2007. This will be the first major hydroelectric project to be removed in the Northwest. Join representatives from the Sandy River Basin Watershed Council, Portland General Electric and Western Rivers Conservancy to learn how 21 organizations reached agreement to decommission both of PGE's dams in the Sandy River basin west of Mt. Hood. By fall 2007 the Sandy River will be free-flowing, from its glaciers to the mighty Columbia, for the first time in 93 years. Find out how the dams will be removed and hear the exciting plans for creating a publicly owned conservation corridor along the beautiful Sandy River Gorge. PGE has donated 1,500 acres and Western Rivers Conservancy is purchasing additional land to assemble a fifteen mile, 5,000 acre corridor that will be managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The Sandy River, a gem in the backyard of the Portland metropolitan area, will be enhanced by the dam removal and the collaborative efforts to conserve the river for people, salmon and wildlife. On our return to Skamania, we'll stop for dinner, where you can enjoy some local cuisine and beverages. Cost of dinner not included. $20.



Stormwater Control Demonstration Project

Get your hands dirty and help plant a demonstration stormwater infiltration wetland with Columbia Riverkeeper. This project will include a basic discussion about the design, function and usefulness of low cost stormwater infiltration wetlands that you can use to reduce stormwater pollution and educate the public about stormwater control options. $20



[FULL] Columbia River Gorge Wildflower & Scenic Hike - Dog Mountain Trail [FULL]

[FULL] Enjoy an unforgettable 6 mile loop trail that starts out on a pleasant forest hiking trail dotted with wildflowers. Gain a moderately steep 2,390 feet in elevation for fantastic views of the Columbia River Gorge and stroll through stunning wildflower meadows at the peak of their bloom. Looking up, you will get inspiring views down the rugged Columbia River Gorge and catch a glimpse across to Oregon's jagged north side of Mt Hood. At your feet, you will be awed by expansive and vivid yellow, blue, red and pink wildflowers dancing in the perennial breeze of the Gorge. Naturalist, experienced guide and Oregon-born watershed enthusiast Michael Carlson will offer nature notes for those interested in learning along the way. [FULL]$20



Tamanwit and Spilyay: The Law and Coyote Experience

The Trust for Public Land - Tribal Lands Program will host an interpretive hike on Coyote Wall Trail in the Columbia Gorge. Please join Chuck Sams, National Director of the Tribal Lands Program/River Network Board member, on this hike to learn about the Native Peoples of the N'Chi Wana (Big River/Columbia River). He will discuss the Tamanwit or Natural Law given to the Native Peoples of this region. $20