First Year Adventures

Welcome, First Year Huskies!

In collaboration with First-Year Programs, UWild (pronounced “you wild”) hosts a number of adventures for incoming University of Washington students.

Who Participates?

These trips are for incoming first year students looking to have an adventure and get a jump start on building a community before the fall quarter begins. All of the trips are for incoming freshmen, we do not offer trips for transfer students or graduate students.

Who Leads the Trips?

Fellow UW students trained in wilderness education lead most of UWild’s FYA trips. These educators will guide you through the development of outdoor skills and provide insights into their experience as a UW student and introduce campus resources.

Where Do Trips Start and End?

Your trip starts and ends at the best spot on campus, the Waterfront Activities Center, the home of UWild Adventures. Located on the shore of Lake Washington and a short walk from the University of Washington Light Rail Station. Post-trip pick-up is easy as there is plenty of parking, and the aforementioned light rail to the airport.

Which Trip is right for me?

We have three indicators to provide a snapshot of the challenges and skills associated with each adventure- Difficulty, Previous Experience, and Prerequisite Skills. We suggest you find trips that fit an honest reflection of your abilities, not just the date that fits a busy summer schedule. Once we leave the trailhead the group is committed to completing the trip together, there are not typically easy exits mid-course so please pick a trip that suits your abilities.

What is Included in the Price?
Transportation from the WAC to the trip trailhead/put-in and back to the WAC, meals (Breakfast, lunch, dinner), and all group gear (backpacks, shelters, cookware, etc.) will be provided. Individual gear (sleeping bags, sleeping pads, headlamps, clothing, footwear) must be provided by participants. Some individual gear can be rented from the UWild’s Gear Garage Rental Center, with discounts for FYA participants. After registration, you’ll receive a packet with detailed information about meeting times and places, preparation suggestions, a packing list, and other important information.

Summer 2023 Trips Coming Back soon!

Gem Lake-Closed:

Over 2 days you will cover 10 miles and 2,200 feet of elevation gain. You will hike to Gem lake and spend the night right next to a beautiful alpine lake. In the morning you can take a nice cold plunge and enjoy a nice cup of coffee surrounded by the pine trees and your fellow huskies!

Difficulty Rating– Moderate

Experience Level– Intermediate

Pre-requisites– Some backpacking experience

Dates:

Trip dates: June 28th- July 1st

Course fee:$300

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North Fork Skokomish River Backpacking- Full

Difficulty Rating	Experience Level	Pre-requisites
Moderate	Beginner to Advanced	None, but some backpacking experience is helpful

Hiking through a lowland forest river valley, the North Fork Skokomish Trail leads through the thick Olympic forest to subalpine meadows with unbelievable views of the heart of the craggy, snow-capped Olympic Range. Over the course of 5 days you will learn the basics of backpacking, topics include: how to pack a backpack, backcountry navigation, how to set up camp, and so much more! The trail has minimal elevation gain so this is a great introduction for all of you who are new to backpacking!

Trip Dates: July 1st-7th

Course Fee: $500

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Mountaineering @ Mt.Baker- 3 spots left

Difficulty Rating

Experience Level

Pre-requisites

Strenuous

Advanced

No Mountaineering Experience Required; Previous Backpacking Experience in Challenging Terrain Strongly Recommended

The quintessential glaciated Cascades peak, Mt. Baker, originally named Koma Kulshan or simply Kulshan, provides a fantastic climbing experience for both the novice and developed mountaineer. Unlike the geographically-lonely Rainier, Mt. Baker looks into the heart of the Cascade Range for tremendous views of endless steep, snow-capped peaks. Mt. Baker offers the perfect introduction to mountaineering, and is often considered the best glacier training venue in the US. During this trip you will learn the basics of how to summit a glacier, this is a roped travel class so you do have to be physically fit and able to carry a heavy pack.

Dates

Trip Dates: 7/6-7/11

Course Fee: $800

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Goat Lake Backpacking- Full

Difficulty Rating	Experience Level	Pre-requisites
Moderate to Strenuous	Intermediate	Some backpacking experience

Beautiful forest, a rushing creek, waterfalls of all shapes and sizes,history, and of course a large blue-green lake surrounded by snowy peaks. On this Backpacking trip you will get to see the beauty that the PNW has to offer while building a new community. Goat lake requires quite a bit of elevation gain, this will be a hard hike but is well worth the view at the top.

Dates:

Trip Dates: July 9 – 12, 2023

Course fee:$300

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Mountain Biking – Olympic Bridges 3 Spots Left

Difficulty Rating	Experience Level	Pre-requisites
Moderate	Beginner to Advanced	None, but mountain biking experience would be helpful.

The Olympic Bridges connects two of Washington state’s highest arched bridges to make a memorable ride in the Olympic National Forest. The route includes three lakes for snack breaks and swimming among forested shorelines. The smooth and secluded gravel roads make it a great introductory bikepacking trip.

Dates:

Trip Dates: 7/16-7/20

Course Fee: $500

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The Enchantments Day Hike Series- Full, No longer taking applications

Difficulty Rating	Experience Level	Pre-requisites
Moderate- Hard	Moderate to Advanced	None, but some backpacking experience would be helpful

The Enchantment Lakes are an alpine wonderland of pristine lakes set among polished granite, soaring peaks, blazing larches, and ambling mountain goats. Widely regarded as the crown jewel of hiking in Washington, this trail exceeds even the wildest of superlatives.This trip will be difficult, with hikes each day averaging about 8-10 miles, you will wake up early and get to camp around dinner time. This is not a backpacking course, you will be “basecamping” below at eightmile creek and you will do a series of day hikes to see the beautiful alpine lakes wilderness.

Dates:

Trip dates: 7/22-7/27

Course Fee: $500

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Pacific North West Road Trip- 1 spot open

Difficulty Rating	Experience Level	Pre-requisites
Easy to Moderate	Never Ever to Advanced	None, but some backpacking experience would be helpful

You will Start by driving down the WA/ OR coast where you will make your first camp stop at the OR sand dunes. Then you will make your way to Crater lake where you will Hike down Cleetwood cove for a lovely swim. The next day will be a drive to Trillium lake which has a beautiful view of Mt.Hood. You will end the trip with a stop at Mt. Rainer.

Dates:

Trip Dates: 8/1-8/8

Course Fee: $700

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Rock Climbing @ City of Rocks National Reserve-1 Spot Left

Difficulty Rating	Experience Level	Pre-requisites
Moderate	Beginner to Advanced	None, but climbing experience would be helpful

If you’re a climber, this is the trip!!! ‘The City” as it is known to rock climbers is a remote and other-worldly climbing destination tucked in the heart of southern Idaho. Popular since the early ’70s, City of Rocks granite is internationally renowned among climbers. There are more than 600 routes within the park that are both traditional and sport. This trip is ideal for both those with limited previous rock climbing experience and those who have been climbing outside for years. You’ll learn the basic climbing skills including knots and top rope belaying. We will be camping nestled among the rocky spires – some days we will be climbing just minutes from our tents! You can expect to hike .5 to 2 miles per day on trails that can be uneven and muddy, carrying a backpack weighing up to 30 pounds. Climbing will begin on easy and moderate terrain and will progress depending on the group’s desire and ability level!

Dates:

Trip Dates: 8/8-8/16

Course Fee: $750

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Women/ LGBTQ+ Backpacking- Full, wait list is open

Difficulty Rating	Experience Level	Pre-requisites
Easy to Moderate	Never Ever to Advanced	None, but some backpacking experience would be helpful

Stunning views, stargazing, backcountry lakes and plentiful wildlife await you on this classic 19-mile loop on the Olympic Mountains. This is one of the most popular trails in Washington.This affinity trip is designed so that you will be with like minded people and are able to build a community before stepping on campus!

Dates:

Trip Dates: 8/20-8/25

Course Fee: $500

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Washington Waterfall Tour- Full

Difficulty Rating

Experience Level

Pre-requisites

Easy

Never-Ever

None

Washington is home to over 3,000 waterfalls, on this trip you will travel to some of the most iconic waterfalls Washington has to offer.What better way to get to know fellow huskies than looking at some of the most beautiful signs Washington has to offer.This is a road trip style trip, so you will basecamp and hike to the waterfall each day. The hikes range from 2 miles all the way up to 7 miles.

Dates:

Trip dates: 8/26-8/31

Course Fee: $550

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Sea Kayaking- Lake Crescent- Full

Difficulty Rating

Experience Level

Pre-requisites

Easy to Moderate

Never-ever to Advanced

No kayaking experience required but you do have to know how to swim.

Are you new to kayaking but still want to see some beautiful sights? Then this is the trip for you! Lake crescent is at the top of Olympic National Park, with some of the most beautiful sunsets. Lake crescent is the perfect spot for new paddlers! The first couple days of the trip will be spent going over the basics and learning rescue techniques. Then you will do a full day paddle on lake crescent.

Dates:

Trip dates: 9/4-9/8

Course Fee: $550

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Olympic National Park Backpacking- 1 Spot left

Difficulty Rating	Experience Level	Pre-requisites
Easy to Moderate	Never Ever	None

From rain forests to mountain peaks all the way to the coast Olympic National park has it all! On this backpacking trip you will get to experience the heart of Olympic National Park. With views of mount Olympus this trip will be one to remember!

Dates:

Trip dates: 9/4-9/9

Course Fee: $500

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Mountain Biking – Fire and Ice Caves- Full

Difficulty Rating	Experience Level	Pre-requisites
Moderate	Beginner to Advanced	None, but mountain biking experience would be helpful.

The Fire & Ice Cave Loop connects two caves in Gifford Pinchot National Forest to make a perfect ride surrounded by lava beds formed 20,000 years ago. The route offers varied gravel and dirt roads between open forests, subalpine meadows, and huckleberry fields. On this biking loop you will get to gain knowledge in the history of Washington as well as learning about mountain biking.

Dates:

Trip Dates: 9/12-9/17

Course Fee: $500

How do I apply for a trip?

Please read through all of the trip information (posted above) thoroughly to ensure that the course is a good fit for your desires and abilities!
Complete the “Apply Here” form in it’s entirely – there are some courses that are designed for those that identify with a particular affinity group, and we have others where foundational experiences are recommended to ensure all participants are set up for success!

Apply Here!

- After May 31st, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis!
  - Please expect to be contacted via email within 5 business days after we receive your application.

How to submit payment and finalize registration

A member of UWild’s staff will contact you via the email provided when we are able to process registrations. We may have supplemental questions at that time to ensure the program is a good fit and to answer any questions you may have regarding the course prior to your registration!
After you have been contacted and accepted into the course we will follow up with a separate payment portal to complete course fees. Course fees can be paid with either Credit Card or billed through tuition.

Are there financial awards available?

Yes! We are pleased to partner with the First Year Programs Office to provide partial funding for our courses!

Simply click the “I would like to apply for the Adventure Fund” option at the bottom of the application form and complete the prompted questions to apply!

Funding is available on a “first come, first served” basis for any incoming first year students that have a demonstrated financial need and / or come from traditionally underserved populations within higher education broadly and outdoor recreation in particular. Unfortunately, we cannot offer Adventure Funds to all applicants, but we will try our best to ensure the funds are divided equitably and justly!