The Outdoor Program is getting ready for the next trip—a challenging climb up King Mountain. The trip will be a hike and overnight stay on the weekend of May 19 and 20. The peak of King Mountain offers a superb view of the Cascades from the north to the coast.
The trip leaders for the hike are Kat McLaughlin and Dustin Abbott. Both leaders encourage all levels of expertise to attend.
“It’s an awesome hike…It definitely gives you some bragging rights,” Abbot said. “[climbing] 3,000 feet in under three miles is a pretty hefty challenge to overcome. Its definitely something we really encourage people to attempt. I think it would be pretty rewarding for people who aren’t very familiar with hiking or the outdoors in general.”
The King Mountains are in the Tillamook National Forest, an area that offers many camping areas and a variety of hiking trails. McLaughlin said these options, paired with the stunning views, made it a perfect choice for an overnight trip.
“It’s a great way to get outdoors and spend the weekend away from the urban environment,” Mclaughlin said. “This trip gives students a taste of hiking and camping, plus the trip cost covers equipment, transportation and food. The Outdoor Program has many friendly trip leaders that love to share an enjoyment of the outdoors.”
The leaders said that there is a summit registry at the peak of the mountain where hikers can sign their names after they complete the climb.
The King Mountain location is new to the Outdoor Program, however McLaughlin said that they have gone on similar trips, which have garnered many popular responses from students. She said that the overnight trips in particular are very well received by students.
While ODP as an organization has not done this particular hike, Abbott said that he has done it on his own and said it is a very rewarding experience.
McLaughlin said hiking is a great form of physical exercise. “Hiking is a physical workout with beautiful scenery all around,” he said. “I love exploring the outdoors through hiking because you can hike the same trail but see and experience something different each time. Also, hiking is an activity that beginners to advanced can enjoy.”
The deadline to sign up for the trip is May 16 at noon, with the mandatory pre-trip meeting for the hike the same day at 6 p.m. in ASRC, room 180. This will explain the itinerary, getting equipment and explaining the details of the event. The cost is $105 for all students and Rec Center members and $200 for non-members. The cost includes transportation, food and equipment.