SEMESTER IN THE Pacific Northwest THE WILDERNESS OF THE NORTHWEST— y<strong>our</strong> home for two and a half months—is like no other region in the country. In close proximity <strong>to</strong> the <strong>NOLS</strong> Pacific Northwest headquarters are steep, heavily glaciated mountains, impressive forests of <strong>to</strong>wering evergreens, outstanding rock climbing areas, and miles of wilderness coastline. You’ll explore all these environments, from jamming y<strong>our</strong> hands in<strong>to</strong> granite cracks on a climb <strong>to</strong> taking the helm of a 36-foot sailboat in British Columbia waters. Throughout, you’ll be experiencing things few other semesters at <strong>NOLS</strong> 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 <strong>to</strong> old-growth forests and tidal waters, you’ll explore, navigate, learn, and practice y<strong>our</strong> skills, returning home with a solid foundation in wilderness expeditioning. Offered exclusively on the Pacific Northwest Semester, coastal backpacking provides a unique natural his<strong>to</strong>ry opportunity and a chance <strong>to</strong> explore a breathtaking environment. Olympic National Park, Washing<strong>to</strong>n WILDERNESS FIRST AID (WFA) Hosted by the Wilderness Medicine Institute of <strong>NOLS</strong>, this 16-h<strong>our</strong> section covers first aid specific <strong>to</strong> 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 y<strong>our</strong> pack efficiently <strong>to</strong> staying warm and dry in a wet and sometimes chilly climate. You’ll travel in canoes for f<strong>our</strong> days of this section <strong>to</strong> see the area from a unique perspective, and then you’ll hike up through forested valleys <strong>to</strong> 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 in<strong>to</strong> the region’s human his<strong>to</strong>ry. 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 y<strong>our</strong>self in the finer points of rock climbing techniques and systems. You’ll progress at y<strong>our</strong> 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 y<strong>our</strong> moving classroom during this segment of y<strong>our</strong> adventure. Boats will sail in pairs, each carrying five students and one instruc<strong>to</strong>r, as you learn the finer points of seamanship, including how <strong>to</strong> handle y<strong>our</strong> boat under sail or power, navigate using charts, and function with y<strong>our</strong> c<strong>our</strong>semates 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 <strong>to</strong> advanced sea kayaking strokes <strong>to</strong> 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 y<strong>our</strong> 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 <strong>to</strong> 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 h<strong>our</strong>s Biology, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Environmental Ethics, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Leadership Techniques, 6 h<strong>our</strong>s Skills Practicum, 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Risk Management Dates and Sections: page 106 44 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-<strong>NOLS</strong> • admissions@nols.edu
PACIFIC NORTHWEST Rainbow Weins<strong>to</strong>ck 45
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