Lost Coast backpacking

Edward Abbey once said, “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.”

The Outdoor Program has taken that sentiment to heart and scheduled a week-long backpacking trip out to the 25-mile Lost Coast along California’s King Range.

The trip will be led by Lanie White, Allie Ritz, Kat McLaughlin, Drake Carnham, Mackenzie Baxter and Christine Jacobsen. Jacobsen has visited the region before and is eager for another visit to the
Golden State.

“After…the amazing experience that I had on the Lost Coast, I knew that I wanted to propose this trip to the PSU Outdoor Program,” Jacobsen said. “I am thrilled that it was accepted and that I am going back.”

The trip fee is $295 for Academic and Student Rec Center members ($615 for nonmembers) and covers transportation, food, permits and equipment.There is room for up to 18 students in the group, and the Outdoor
Program supplies all the gear you’ll need, including packs, sleeping bags, tents and stoves. Participants are responsible for their own hiking footwear and clothing.

If you are looking to get out of Portland and into nature, and build some lasting relationships with fellow students and outdoor enthusiasts along the way, this is the trip for you.

“I was awestruck when I watched sea lions lounging on the beach, saw fresh black bear tracks about 100 yards from my camp and was surrounded by the serene sounds of the ocean every moment of every day,” Jacobsen said.

Participants are brought into direct contact with the stunning landscape of the Western U.S., a welcome alternative to the typical spring break agenda.

“I am most excited to watch the…sunsets over the Pacific Ocean,”Jacobsen said. “Every night, the sky fills with ribbons of gold, orange and red in every shade, and slowly the ribbons fade beneath the horizon, revealing a pitch-black sky filled with stars. It is incredible.”