to our world. - NOLS

SEMESTER IN THE
Pacific Northwest
THE WILDERNESS OF THE NORTHWEST—
your home for two and a half months—is like
no other region in the country. In close proximity
to the NOLS Pacific Northwest headquarters
are steep, heavily glaciated mountains,
impressive forests of towering evergreens,
outstanding rock climbing areas, and miles of
wilderness coastline. You’ll explore all these
environments, from jamming your hands into
granite cracks on a climb to taking the helm of
a 36-foot sailboat in British Columbia waters.
Throughout, you’ll be experiencing things few
other semesters at NOLS offer, including keelboat
sailing in Canada and a coastal hiking section
where you’ll study the coast’s marine life
and end at the Makah Indian Nation. From the
snow-capped peaks and clear mountain lakes
to old-growth forests and tidal waters, you’ll
explore, navigate, learn, and practice your
skills, returning home with a solid foundation
in wilderness expeditioning.
Offered exclusively on the Pacific Northwest Semester, coastal backpacking provides a unique natural history
opportunity and a chance to explore a breathtaking environment. Olympic National Park, Washington
WILDERNESS FIRST AID (WFA) Hosted by the Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS,
this 16-hour section covers first aid specific to wilderness emergencies and is essential for
anyone spending extended time in the outdoors.
MOUNTAIN TRAVEL The intricacies of backcountry living are revealed as you move
through this stunning environment, from packing your pack efficiently to staying warm
and dry in a wet and sometimes chilly climate. You’ll travel in canoes for four days of this
section to see the area from a unique perspective, and then you’ll hike up through forested
valleys to areas of snow and ice where you’ll learn specialized mountaineering skills such
as ice axe and crampon use, rope systems, and crevasse rescue.
COASTAL BACKPACKING On the outskirts of Olympic National Park, you’ll visit the Port
Townsend Marine Science Center and then embark on a coastal expedition, studying life in
tidal pools and camping and traveling beside the ocean. You’ll learn about tide charts, weather
patterns, and identifying coastal hazards. You’ll also visit the Makah Cultural Center for a
glimpse into the region’s human history. This section culminates in a student-led expedition.
ROCK CLIMBING At a base camp at one of the Northwest’s many great climbing areas,
you’ll immerse yourself in the finer points of rock climbing techniques and systems. You’ll
progress at your own speed, learning skills such as belay and rappel techniques, protection
placement, risk management, and single pitch versus multi-pitch climbing.
SAILING A 36-foot keelboat will be your moving classroom during this segment of your
adventure. Boats will sail in pairs, each carrying five students and one instructor, as you
learn the finer points of seamanship, including how to handle your boat under sail or
power, navigate using charts, and function with your coursemates as one tight-knit crew.
Jamie
Sam Slosburg
O’Donnell
SEA KAYAKING (optional dates only) You’ll paddle the remote waters of British Columbia’s
central coast while learning a range of technical skills, from basic to advanced sea
kayaking strokes to weather awareness and knowledge of tides and currents.
Benjamin Lester
Learn the ropes as you navigate the coastal beauty of the
Pacific Northwest. Strait of Georgia, British Columbia
Facing page: By the end of your semester, no
obstacle will be insurmountable. Squamish, British
Columbia
BACKPACKING (optional dates with sea kayaking) This section begins on the western
edge of the North Cascades National Park and traverses spectacular old growth forest and
rugged ridges to the shores of Ross Lake and beyond in the Pasayten Wilderness.
DETAILS
FALL
Age and Length: 18 & Over • Average age: 21 • Duration: 80 days
Tuition: $11,600
Optional College Credit: 4 hours Biology, 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, 6 hours
Skills Practicum, 2 hours Risk Management
Dates and Sections: page 106
44
www.nols.edu • (800) 710-NOLS • admissions@nols.edu