Get The Thrill: Summertime Adventure Activities
Northwest Travel Magazine 2014
By Mattie John Bamman
The chill of spring is long gone, and, like a pair of binoculars, the summer sun opens up the horizon. The day calls out for something new. Places never explored. Untried adventures to test your mettle. From Washington and Oregon to Idaho, they await—crampons, paddles, surfboards and expert guides at your fingertips. Welcome to another adventurous summer in the Pacific Northwest.
While adventure activities can seem extreme, the following are all accessible to beginners with no experience, and most can be enjoyed within a day—not that you’ll necessarily want to stop there.
Elakah Expedition’s Sea Kayaking and Foraging Tour
Glide into the mouth of a secluded tide pool and skim just inches above neon-colored sea life. Whether along the Oregon Coast or in the Puget Sound, sea kayaking unlocks a world of rippling kelp, spiked urchins, sea cucumbers and crabs—all of which taste delicious, by the way.
Leaving from Bellingham, Washington, Elakah Expeditions offers an “over the top” foodie tour. Kayak in the San Juan Islands; learn to sustainably forage at a massive, hidden reef; and prepare a multi-course meal using the ingredients you find. Dishes have included Seaweed-Ginger Salad and BBQ Salmon Wrapped in Kelp, and, once, delicate urchin roe– topped baked red potatoes with sour cream.
Sea kayaks are more stable than most canoes, yet, looking down into the watery darkness draws out ancient fears of the moody sea. It’s a fear worth facing. “Sea kayaking is nothing like kayaking in white-water rapids,” says Mike Passo, who has owned Elakah Expeditions for twelve 12 years. “You rarely tip over. You can always take breaks.” “Universally programmed,” Elakah’s tours include techniques for overcoming bad backs and knees and poor circulation, too.
The full-day foodie tour has a four-person minimum and cost $125 per person. Don’t forget a shellfish/seaweed license, available at sporting goods stores. Bellingham is an hour -and -a -half north of Seattle and accessible by plane, train and ferry. While there, visit galleries and breweries in Fairhaven Historic District; check out the explosive music scene; or stay at the once-in-a-lifetime Willows Inn on Lummi Island. www.elakah.com, www.bellingham.org
Kiteboarding wWith Air -Pirates
Across rivers, lakes and ocean, kiteboarders hoist brightly colored sails to travel at speeds of 30 mph or more. It’s a beautiful spectacle—one that has many people asking, Can I do that? With trained instructors and prime locations in the Columbia Gorge; Jetty Island, Washington; and the Oregon Coast, kiteboarding is more accessible than ever.
Located near Portland, Air Pirates Kiteboarding offers lessons both in the Columbia Gorge and on the Oregon cCoast. Owner Nate Tussing has worked with students ages 10–-60. “The scariest part, for most, is when they first get into the water, because they don’t know what to expect,” he says. “I hang on to them the whole time.”
Air Pirates’ go-to location for lessons is the uncrowded Jones Beach, an hour from Portland on Highway 30. It has friendly winds and currents. “You can lose your kite,” says Nate, “and you’re usually blown to shore within ten 10 minutes.”
All Air Pirate trainers are certified by the Professional Air Sports Association, and. Llike skiing or snowboarding, kiteboarding takes practice, so only dive in if you’re in it for the long haul. Day courses cost $550 per person, and the first two hours focus on safety. To prepare, watch “how-to” videos on YouTtube. Quickly grasping the fundamentals means more time on the water. www.air-pirates.com, www.travelcolumbiacounty.com, www.hoodriver.org
Rock Climbing wWith Sawtooth Mountain Guides
Wind. Rock. Solitude. Rock climbing takes you into isolated scenery, where it is just you and the precipice. Simultaneously, it’s a group activity—one that’s fun for friends and families.
Operating since 1985, Sawtooth Mountain Guides offers half-day courses, perfect for children under age seven7, as well as full-day courses, and the introductory Super Slabs is out of this world. Offered May through -September, the course begins with a boat ride across Redfish Lake and a two2-mile hike through Redfish Canyon and ends with a multi-pitch accent. When you reach to the top, the feeling of accomplishment is reinforced with views over a glacier-carved canyon. “Multi-pitch sounds intimidating,” says co-owner Chris Lundy, “but it really isn’t hard. The most important thing to know is that you’re tied to a rope. It’s a chance to push yourself in a safe environment.”
Tours leave from Stanley, Idaho, with nearby opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, soaking in hot springs and river rafting. Full-day tours range $185–-$420 per person. Boise is 130 miles away, and Sun Valley, which offers the regional Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey, is 70. Other prime rock-climbing destinations for beginners include Leavenworth, Washington, and Smith Rock in Oregon. www.sawtoothguides.com, www.stanleycc.org
Slopestyle Skiing and Snowboarding on Mt. Hood
An hour from Portland, Mt. Hood has the longest ski season in North America, and, each summer, Olympians and pro skiers worldwide visit for the predictable snowpack. For downhill, head to Timberline Lodge, where the lift drops you off at 8,450 feet elevation on Palmer Glacier. The run is ideal for intermediates and up, and. Oother outdoor activities in the area include hiking, fly fishing, zip lining and golfing.
But if you want to try something new, learn to freestyle ski or snowboard. The 2014 Winter Olympics premiered slopestyle skiing and snowboarding, and Windells Camp offers weeklong, all-inclusive courses. “People come from all over at all ages and abilities,” says marketing coordinator, Angela Swain. “It’s about having fun first, with progression as a close second.” Camps are divided between under-18s and adults, and lots of families book together.
Prices range $1399–$-1799 and include meals, lift tickets, daily transportation, professional trainers and use of campus training facilities. Adults often view the experience as an all-inclusive vacation with scenic sights and a happening nightlife (we’ve heard rumors of wasabi-eating contests). You can be new to slopestyle but should have at least upper-beginner knowledge of turning, speed control and mountain safety. “At the end of the week, some people are blown away with completing a flat 360,” says Angela, “others, with double backflips.” www.timberlinelodge.com, www.windells.com, www.mthoodterritory.com
Fly Fishing in Teton Valley, Idaho
Fly fishing may not seem adventurous at first, but there’s more to it than perfecting your cast. Fly fishing can combine everything from camping to exploring rapid-filled canyons, and the full force of the river reveals itself when standing you stand in it up to your thighs (wearing waders, hopefully).
The Northwest has no shortage of river and ocean locations. The Puget Sound offers near-year-round fishing for cutthroat trout, and the Deschutes and Rogue rivers are popular Oregon spots. That said, fly fishing in Idaho is legendary, and the Teton Valley is known among anglers worldwide for its majestic river canyons and plentiful cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout. New anglers usually catch a fish—so long as they have a guide—and the local wisdom is catch-and-release. “They’re our buddies,” explains Matt Berry, who, with his brother, owns Teton Valley Lodge, which has guided customizable fly fishing trips since 1919.
For beginners, fly fishing isn’t hard to pick up, but the skills involved can be honed for a lifetime. The lodge sells licenses and rents rods; otherwise, the guided trips are all inclusive and cost $350 for a half day, $555 for a full.
Neighbor to Yellowstone National Park, Teton Valley has intense natural beauty; historic lodges; endless outdoor sports, including standup paddleboarding; and world-class golfing at Huntsman Springs. Get there by flying to Idaho Falls, 80 miles away. www.tetonvalleylodge.com, www.tetonvalleychamber.com
Sandboarding at Sand Masters Park
Since emerging ten 10 years ago as one of the coolest sports on sand, sandboarding has taken off in Dubai, Egypt, Australia, South America and—that’s right—Oregon. In fact, Oregon has the world’s first sandboard park, Sand Master Park, and it is located in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The largest patch of coastal dunes in North America, the area stretches 40 miles between Coos Bay and Florence, and large sections are open to off-road vehicles, including dune buggies, which can be readily rented.
Sand Master Park owner Lon Beale, aka Dr. Dune, says of participants, “The youngest I’ve seen was a year-and-a-half-year-old, and our oldest guy is 84; he’s always putting the kids to shame.” The private, 40-acre park features sculpted dunes and a 40-foot ramp with optional jump. “Most people come just to play around,” says Lon, “and, once you get the hang of it, there’s the entire dune area to explore with a sandboard.”
Sandboard rentals start at $10, and a rental with lesson costs $40–$-75. Teachers include world champions Josh Tenge and Gabe Cruz, and the area boasts beaches, cute coastal towns, lighthouses, snorkeling and crabbing. Drive from I-5 or fly into the newly opened Southwest Oregon Regional Airport in North Bend. www.sandmasterpark.com, www.oregonsadventurecoast.com
Northwest Travel Magazine 2014
By Mattie John Bamman
The chill of spring is long gone, and, like a pair of binoculars, the summer sun opens up the horizon. The day calls out for something new. Places never explored. Untried adventures to test your mettle. From Washington and Oregon to Idaho, they await—crampons, paddles, surfboards and expert guides at your fingertips. Welcome to another adventurous summer in the Pacific Northwest.
While adventure activities can seem extreme, the following are all accessible to beginners with no experience, and most can be enjoyed within a day—not that you’ll necessarily want to stop there.
Elakah Expedition’s Sea Kayaking and Foraging Tour
Glide into the mouth of a secluded tide pool and skim just inches above neon-colored sea life. Whether along the Oregon Coast or in the Puget Sound, sea kayaking unlocks a world of rippling kelp, spiked urchins, sea cucumbers and crabs—all of which taste delicious, by the way.
Leaving from Bellingham, Washington, Elakah Expeditions offers an “over the top” foodie tour. Kayak in the San Juan Islands; learn to sustainably forage at a massive, hidden reef; and prepare a multi-course meal using the ingredients you find. Dishes have included Seaweed-Ginger Salad and BBQ Salmon Wrapped in Kelp, and, once, delicate urchin roe– topped baked red potatoes with sour cream.
Sea kayaks are more stable than most canoes, yet, looking down into the watery darkness draws out ancient fears of the moody sea. It’s a fear worth facing. “Sea kayaking is nothing like kayaking in white-water rapids,” says Mike Passo, who has owned Elakah Expeditions for twelve 12 years. “You rarely tip over. You can always take breaks.” “Universally programmed,” Elakah’s tours include techniques for overcoming bad backs and knees and poor circulation, too.
The full-day foodie tour has a four-person minimum and cost $125 per person. Don’t forget a shellfish/seaweed license, available at sporting goods stores. Bellingham is an hour -and -a -half north of Seattle and accessible by plane, train and ferry. While there, visit galleries and breweries in Fairhaven Historic District; check out the explosive music scene; or stay at the once-in-a-lifetime Willows Inn on Lummi Island. www.elakah.com, www.bellingham.org
Kiteboarding wWith Air -Pirates
Across rivers, lakes and ocean, kiteboarders hoist brightly colored sails to travel at speeds of 30 mph or more. It’s a beautiful spectacle—one that has many people asking, Can I do that? With trained instructors and prime locations in the Columbia Gorge; Jetty Island, Washington; and the Oregon Coast, kiteboarding is more accessible than ever.
Located near Portland, Air Pirates Kiteboarding offers lessons both in the Columbia Gorge and on the Oregon cCoast. Owner Nate Tussing has worked with students ages 10–-60. “The scariest part, for most, is when they first get into the water, because they don’t know what to expect,” he says. “I hang on to them the whole time.”
Air Pirates’ go-to location for lessons is the uncrowded Jones Beach, an hour from Portland on Highway 30. It has friendly winds and currents. “You can lose your kite,” says Nate, “and you’re usually blown to shore within ten 10 minutes.”
All Air Pirate trainers are certified by the Professional Air Sports Association, and. Llike skiing or snowboarding, kiteboarding takes practice, so only dive in if you’re in it for the long haul. Day courses cost $550 per person, and the first two hours focus on safety. To prepare, watch “how-to” videos on YouTtube. Quickly grasping the fundamentals means more time on the water. www.air-pirates.com, www.travelcolumbiacounty.com, www.hoodriver.org
Rock Climbing wWith Sawtooth Mountain Guides
Wind. Rock. Solitude. Rock climbing takes you into isolated scenery, where it is just you and the precipice. Simultaneously, it’s a group activity—one that’s fun for friends and families.
Operating since 1985, Sawtooth Mountain Guides offers half-day courses, perfect for children under age seven7, as well as full-day courses, and the introductory Super Slabs is out of this world. Offered May through -September, the course begins with a boat ride across Redfish Lake and a two2-mile hike through Redfish Canyon and ends with a multi-pitch accent. When you reach to the top, the feeling of accomplishment is reinforced with views over a glacier-carved canyon. “Multi-pitch sounds intimidating,” says co-owner Chris Lundy, “but it really isn’t hard. The most important thing to know is that you’re tied to a rope. It’s a chance to push yourself in a safe environment.”
Tours leave from Stanley, Idaho, with nearby opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, soaking in hot springs and river rafting. Full-day tours range $185–-$420 per person. Boise is 130 miles away, and Sun Valley, which offers the regional Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey, is 70. Other prime rock-climbing destinations for beginners include Leavenworth, Washington, and Smith Rock in Oregon. www.sawtoothguides.com, www.stanleycc.org
Slopestyle Skiing and Snowboarding on Mt. Hood
An hour from Portland, Mt. Hood has the longest ski season in North America, and, each summer, Olympians and pro skiers worldwide visit for the predictable snowpack. For downhill, head to Timberline Lodge, where the lift drops you off at 8,450 feet elevation on Palmer Glacier. The run is ideal for intermediates and up, and. Oother outdoor activities in the area include hiking, fly fishing, zip lining and golfing.
But if you want to try something new, learn to freestyle ski or snowboard. The 2014 Winter Olympics premiered slopestyle skiing and snowboarding, and Windells Camp offers weeklong, all-inclusive courses. “People come from all over at all ages and abilities,” says marketing coordinator, Angela Swain. “It’s about having fun first, with progression as a close second.” Camps are divided between under-18s and adults, and lots of families book together.
Prices range $1399–$-1799 and include meals, lift tickets, daily transportation, professional trainers and use of campus training facilities. Adults often view the experience as an all-inclusive vacation with scenic sights and a happening nightlife (we’ve heard rumors of wasabi-eating contests). You can be new to slopestyle but should have at least upper-beginner knowledge of turning, speed control and mountain safety. “At the end of the week, some people are blown away with completing a flat 360,” says Angela, “others, with double backflips.” www.timberlinelodge.com, www.windells.com, www.mthoodterritory.com
Fly Fishing in Teton Valley, Idaho
Fly fishing may not seem adventurous at first, but there’s more to it than perfecting your cast. Fly fishing can combine everything from camping to exploring rapid-filled canyons, and the full force of the river reveals itself when standing you stand in it up to your thighs (wearing waders, hopefully).
The Northwest has no shortage of river and ocean locations. The Puget Sound offers near-year-round fishing for cutthroat trout, and the Deschutes and Rogue rivers are popular Oregon spots. That said, fly fishing in Idaho is legendary, and the Teton Valley is known among anglers worldwide for its majestic river canyons and plentiful cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout. New anglers usually catch a fish—so long as they have a guide—and the local wisdom is catch-and-release. “They’re our buddies,” explains Matt Berry, who, with his brother, owns Teton Valley Lodge, which has guided customizable fly fishing trips since 1919.
For beginners, fly fishing isn’t hard to pick up, but the skills involved can be honed for a lifetime. The lodge sells licenses and rents rods; otherwise, the guided trips are all inclusive and cost $350 for a half day, $555 for a full.
Neighbor to Yellowstone National Park, Teton Valley has intense natural beauty; historic lodges; endless outdoor sports, including standup paddleboarding; and world-class golfing at Huntsman Springs. Get there by flying to Idaho Falls, 80 miles away. www.tetonvalleylodge.com, www.tetonvalleychamber.com
Sandboarding at Sand Masters Park
Since emerging ten 10 years ago as one of the coolest sports on sand, sandboarding has taken off in Dubai, Egypt, Australia, South America and—that’s right—Oregon. In fact, Oregon has the world’s first sandboard park, Sand Master Park, and it is located in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The largest patch of coastal dunes in North America, the area stretches 40 miles between Coos Bay and Florence, and large sections are open to off-road vehicles, including dune buggies, which can be readily rented.
Sand Master Park owner Lon Beale, aka Dr. Dune, says of participants, “The youngest I’ve seen was a year-and-a-half-year-old, and our oldest guy is 84; he’s always putting the kids to shame.” The private, 40-acre park features sculpted dunes and a 40-foot ramp with optional jump. “Most people come just to play around,” says Lon, “and, once you get the hang of it, there’s the entire dune area to explore with a sandboard.”
Sandboard rentals start at $10, and a rental with lesson costs $40–$-75. Teachers include world champions Josh Tenge and Gabe Cruz, and the area boasts beaches, cute coastal towns, lighthouses, snorkeling and crabbing. Drive from I-5 or fly into the newly opened Southwest Oregon Regional Airport in North Bend. www.sandmasterpark.com, www.oregonsadventurecoast.com
