Outdoor Program fills summer trip schedule

Portland State’s Outdoor Program is offering a variety of day trips this summer to encourage students to explore a different side of Oregon.

PSU’s outdoor program visiting Multnomah Falls in April. Photo by Corinna Scott.
PSU’s outdoor program visiting Multnomah Falls in April. Photo by Corinna Scott.

Portland State’s Outdoor Program is offering a variety of day trips this summer to encourage students to explore a different side of Oregon.

The trips are set up by the ODP each term; this summer they’re being offered through Aug. 24.

“We’re [offering] hikes, climbing, a paddleboard trip and inclusive cycling in Eugene, Oregon, for the ‘Blackberry bRamble” cycling event,” said Ann Marie Hingley, the Outdoor Program coordinator at the Academic and Student Rec Center.

The trips are open to people of all skill levels and are great for beginners unless otherwise stated in the trip description.

“[Most of] these trips are designed for beginners,” Hingley said.

Hingley also mentioned that this summer will be the first time they offer a stand up paddleboard trip.

“You can also rent the paddleboards for your own trip,” Hingley added.

Along with paddleboards, the ODP is also renting out camping gear, climbing gear, rafts, kayaks and inner tubes.

“We do a lot of gear rental specials, too,” Hingley said.

They also offer holiday weekend specials, when you can rent gear for a discounted price.

2013 Outdoor Program

Bulo Point Climbing
July 13, 8 a.m–6 p.m.

This is a day trip to the Bulo Point crag in Mount Hood National Forest. This trip is open to beginners. The ODP will provide climbing gear.

Registration deadline: July 10 at noon
Pre-trip meeting: July 10 at 5 p.m.
Rec Center member cost: $35
Non-member cost: $70

SUP! Stand Up Paddleboard Day Trip
July 21, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

This trip is open to all skill and experience levels. The ODP will provide transportation, a paddleboard, paddle and personal flotation device.

Registration deadline: July 10 at noon
Pre-trip meeting: July 17 at 5 p.m.
Rec Center member cost: $25
Non-member cost: $50

Hamilton Mountain Day Hike
July 28, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

This challenging hike through the Columbia Gorge is a nine-mile loop. The ODP recommends wearing sturdy shoes or boots and appropriate clothing for weather that may be unpredictable.

Registration deadline: July 24 at noon
Pre-trip meeting: July 24 at 5 p.m.
Rec Center member cost: $25
Non-member cost: $50

Inclusive Cycling
Aug. 3 at 2 p.m.–Aug. 4 at 6 p.m.

This is an overnight trip to Eugene to participate in the “Blackberry bRamble” community cycling event. The cost includes transportation, adaptive bicycles (you can also bring your own), food, camping and event registration. The ODP website states that “this trip is specifically designed for participants needing some form of accommodation, although everyone is welcome on this trip regardless of ability or need for accommodation.” To discuss your particular concerns or accommodation needs, please contact Jen Armbruster, coordinator of Inclusive Rec, at 503-725-2927 or [email protected].

Registration deadline: July 31 at noon
Pre-trip meeting: July 31 at 5 p.m.
Rec Center member cost: $70
Non-member cost: $120

Saddle Mountain Day Hike
Aug. 10, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

This is a challenging 2 1/2-mile hike to the summit of Saddle Mountain, near the Oregon Coast. The ODP recommends wearing shoes appropriate for rough terrain.

Registration deadline: Aug. 7 at noon
Pre-trip meeting: Aug. 7 at 5 p.m.
Rec Center member cost: $25
Non-member cost: $50

Eagle Creek Hike and Snorkel
Aug. 18, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

This trip will include a moderately difficult four-mile hike to reach the pool at the base of Punchbowl Falls, where participants will have the opportunity to snorkel. Snorkeling basics will be reviewed at the falls.

Registration deadline: Aug. 14 at noon
Pre-trip meeting: Aug. 14 at 5 p.m.
Rec Center member cost: $35
Non-member cost: $70

Ecola State Park Day Hike
Aug. 24, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

This trip will include a comfortable hike near the beach and, if there’s time, some time in the town of Cannon Beach.

Registration deadline: Aug. 21 at noon
Pre-trip meeting: Aug. 21 at 5 p.m.
Rec Center member cost: $25
Non-member cost: $50