Excursions

Sign up for our Spring 2024 Excursions HERE! Registration is open!

Outdoor Center Excursions

The Outdoor Center enhances opportunities for students and other members of the WWU community to involve themselves in outdoor recreation activities. We have a host of in-person events available to all so come join us in exploring the outdoors and connecting with ourselves and others! All Outdoor Center excursions are either free or low-cost. 

Excursions offers a fun, accessible, and affordable way to get outside for students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Emphasis is placed on group involvement, developing and refining skills, responsible environmental practices, fostering diversity, enriching the academic experience, and promoting life-long learning. On our excursions, we attempt to engage all of our participants in fun and absorbing activities based on their comfort and ability levels. This will mean checking in with everyone to see what they want out of the trip and checking in multiple times during the trip to assess how the trip can best fit the groups' needs. We believe that there is a way to balance the excitement level of an activity and the perceived risk/exertion for each of our participants so that everyone can leave our program having learned something and enjoyed themselves.

Spring 2024 Registration

Registration for all fall quarter excursions that require sign-ups will open on Tuesday, April 2nd at 10:00am. You will be required to sign our Hold Harmless form as well as pay for your trip (if applicable).

Trips have a limited number of spots and typically fill up fast - registration is first-come, first-serve. Students will have the option to place themselves on a waiting list once trips are full but there is no guarantee that any spots will open.

Scholarships and Trip Costs

*Scholarships open now!*

The Outdoor Center recognizes that the cost of Trips will be a barrier to some students who are interested in participating in our trips and events. To try and reduce those barriers, 3 spots on each trip with an associated cost will be reserved for students who are experiencing financial insecurity. This scholarship is intended for, but not limited to students who are: Pell eligible, first gen, experiencing financial difficulties, of the Global Majority or experience marginalization in another form that leads to financial difficulty. To receive a spot please email VOR Program Coordinator at crandab2@wwu.edu with your name, phone number, address and desired trip. No other information is required, and we trust your experience is valid. Spots will be reserved the first 2 weeks of the quarter and then opened to the general student body if not used.

Difficulty Ratings Explained

Informed consent is critical, and we want you to be aware of the activity you are signing up for. Each trip has a difficulty level listed in the description: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Below you will find a detailed description of what that entails. Please reach out to your student Excursions Coordinators at as.oc.excursions.coord@wwu.edu and as.oc.excursions.coord@wwu.edu with any questions.

Beginner: Beginner Excursions cater to those individuals who are interested in trying something new! Generally, these introductory experiences are designed to be more laid back and not too strenuous. Most importantly they are created for those who do not have prior experience in the activity. Activities may range from educational experiences to artistic activities and anything in between! These excursions are great if you are looking to learn new skills, gain exposure to new activities, foster community, and have a great time outside!

Intermediate: Intermediate Excursions are a great option for those who would like to explore new challenges and build upon past skills. If you are looking to explore more difficult trails or embark on longer, more strenuous adventures, this activity category is for you! These Excursions are designed to safely instruct participants on more technical skills, and to dive deeper into the activity at hand. Outings often include less introductory material, but still ensure that participants are fully informed on the activity at hand! These are a great option if you are looking to step outside of your comfort zone, continue to explore these awesome activities, and meet new people!

Advanced: Advanced Excursions are designed to build upon prior experience and solidify technical skills in outdoor recreation. Participants must have experience in the associated activity and feel competent, but still open to growth in their individual skill sets. Designed to explore more challenging recreational activities, expect a higher level of potential difficulty on these Excursions. These are great if you are looking to build upon past experiences and use old skills in new ways. Come explore new aspects of your favorite activities, and of course have a great (and safe) time!

Accessibility

For disability accommodations, questions or requests please contact our Outdoor Center Co-Coordinators at as.oc.excursions.coord@wwu.edu or call 360-650-7677 at least two weeks before the trip.

For any other questions or feedback, you can also reach out to our Outdoor Center Co-Coordinators, DM our instagram or call the front desk at the Equipment & Bike Shop at 360-650-3115

FAQ’s

How many trips can I sign up for?

  • 1 trip per quarter that has an associated cost! We have limited number of spots available on each trip and hope to serve as many students as possible. You may sign up for as many Adventure Break trips as you would like.

The trip I wanted is full. What do I do?

  • Once a trip is full you may register for our waitlist. If a spot becomes available on a trip you will receive a text from the Outdoor Center.

I am on a waitlist for a trip. When will I know if a spot is available?

  • You will receive a text from the Outdoor Center if a trip becomes available. You must respond to that text within 1 hour to confirm your spot and come into the Outdoor Center to complete trip registration.

Can I register more than 1 person for a trip?

  • Nope! Please have your friend sign up individually.

I am signed up for a trip and I can no longer attend. What do I do?

  • Cancelations are in person ONLY in the Outdoor Center (Viking Union 150).

I already went on a trip this quarter but got a spot from the waitlist? Is that alright?

  • If you have already been on an Excursion through the Outdoor Center, consider giving other folks the same experience that you had.

SPRING 2024 EXCURSIONS

Adventure Breaks - FREE!

Intro to Thru-Hiking Clinic

  • Wednesday, April 10th from 4:00-6:30pm
  • Are you interested in thru-hiking but don’t know how to get started/plan a trip? Then this is the place for you! We will meet to learn and ask questions about thru-hiking planning and preparations. This is a space to be curious and have fun!
  • Essential Eligibility: None
  • Required Pre-Trip Meeting: None
  • Difficulty Level: Beginner

Arboretum Night Hike

  • Wednesday, April 17th from 6:00-9:00pm
  • Join us for a night hike around the Arboretum with a hangout at the Watchtower, with an amazing view of the stars (weather permitting)! Includes walking up a light incline on uneven terrain for 2-3 miles.
  • Essential Eligibility: Ability to walk on inclined and uneven surfaces.
  • Required Pre-Trip Meeting: None
  • Difficulty Level: Beginner

Slacklining and Acrobatics

  • Wednesday, April 24th from 3:00-6:00pm
  • Join us for slacklining, acrobatics, and hanging out on the Old Main Lawn! Beginners as well as more advanced slackliners are all welcomed! This trip is accessible and open to all!
  • Essential Eligibility: Comfortable being outdoors and partaking in physical activity.
  • Required Pre-Trip Meeting: None
  • Difficulty Level: Beginner

Floral Fragrance Lake Hike

  • Wednesday, May 1st from 3:00-6:00pm
  • Stop and smell the (metaphorical) roses at Fragrance Lake in the beautiful Larrabee State Park! This relaxed pace trek will start at the base of the Chuckanuts and climb to a beautiful mountain lake. This trip is planned around having hikers of all experience levels to enjoy and come with picturesque viewpoints free of charge!
  • Essential Eligibility: Ability to hike moderate but continuous elevation gain, and occasionally muddy trails. The whole trip will cover around 4.5 miles.
  • Required Pre-Trip Meeting: None
  • Difficulty Level: Beginner

Fabulous Frisbee Golf Experience

  • Wednesday, May 8th from 3:00-6:00pm
  • Join the Outdoor Center with a fun and casual afternoon learning how to disc golf at Cornwall Park! Using the Outdoor Center’s discs, we will provide instruction for people that either have never frisbee golfed (“frolfed”) before or are looking to get more into this amazing sport! Includes a short walk around Cornwall Park.
  • Essential Eligibility: Ability to walk over uneven surfaces, ability to throw a disc or frisbee.
  • Required Pre-Trip Meeting: None
  • Difficulty Level: Beginner

Paddleboard and Waffle Party

  • Wednesday, May 15th from 3:00-6:00pm
  • Come have a blast paddleboarding with us on Lake Whatcom and relax by the fireside afterwards with hot drinks and waffles in the Lakewood Lounge. No experience necessary. Basic swimming skills required, and lifejackets will be provided.
  • Essential Eligibility: Ability to swim and maintain balance on a paddleboard. Comfort with water sports.
  • Required Pre-Trip Meeting: None
  • Difficulty Level: Beginner

Full Moon Pump-Track

  • Wednesday, May 22nd from 6:00-9:00pm
  • Ready to get groovy? Join us for a glowstick bike party at the pump track! We will play under the light of the full moon (and glowsticks). This trip is designed for anyone who wants to have fun on bikes, no pump-track experience needed.
  • Essential Eligibility: Ability to ride a bike, ride uphill, and comfortably in low light.
  • Required Pre-Trip Meeting: None
  • Difficulty Level: Beginner

Low Tide Walk at Locust Beach

  • Wednesday, May 29th from 3:00-6:00pm
  • Come reset after a long day of classes at the beach! Located just north of downtown Bellingham, Locust Beach has the BEST low tides in the area with sandflats stretching 0.5-1 miles out into the bay. Come take a walk with us, look at sea life, and watch birds!
  • Essential Eligibility: Able to walk on wet sand for up to 1 hours/1-2 miles. Able to walk over rocks and down/up 2 flights of stairs.
  • Required Pre-Trip Meeting: None
  • Difficulty Level: Beginner

Galbraith Mountain Biking

  • Wednesday, June 5th from 3:00-6:00pm
  • Feeling the springtime blues? Join us for a study break and come ride from campus to Bellingham’s own Galbraith with us! We will explore several intermediate trails and practice our skills on a handful of trails on the North side of the mountain.
  • Essential Eligibility: Ability to ride a bike including some climbing and riding downhill on uneven terrain. Comfortable riding moderate distances on busy roads.
  • Required Pre-Trip Meeting: None
  • Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Makin’ Banana Pancakes

  • Wednesday, June 12th from 3:00-6:00pm
  • Join us for an evening of Jack Johnson, banana pancakes, hot chocolate, and watching the sunset at Larrabee State Park!
  • Essential Eligibility: Ability to walk on uneven surfaces.
  • Required Pre-Trip Meeting: None
  • Difficult Level: Beginner

Single Day Trips – $20

Clayton Beach Bike and Boulder

  • Sunday, May 12th
  • Join us for a car-free, multi-sport adventure! We will bike to the Clayton Beach trailhead on the beautiful Interurban Trail, then walk down to the beach to monkey on some sandstone boulders. Bikes and climbing shoes provided and all skill level are welcome!
  • Essential Eligibility: Ability to ride a bike on gravel, comfortability bouldering (or trying!)
  • Required Pre-Trip Meeting: Outdoor Center 1st Floor Viking Union Tuesday, May 7th from 5:00-7:00pm
  • Difficulty Level: Beginner

Springtime on the Skagit Rafting!

  • Sunday, May 19th
  • Springtime on the Skagit! Come see the beautiful flora and fauna of the North Cascades as we raft our way down the amazing Skagit River! All skill levels are welcomed!
  • Essential Eligibility: Be able to sit comfortably and paddle in a raft. Be comfortable around water, watercrafts, and with getting wet.
  • Required Pre-Trip Meeting: Outdoor Center 1st Floor Viking Union Tuesday, May 14th from 5:00-7:00pm
  • Difficulty Level: Beginner

Fly Fishing Frenzy

  • Saturday, May 25th
  • Flies, rods, and fish, oh my! Come and join the Outdoor Center for our first ever fly-fishing excursion. We will be spending the day in the North Cascades, learning all about the ins and outs of fly-fishing, and hopefully catching (and releasing) some fish in the gorgeous waters of the North Cascades!
  • Essential Eligibility: Be able to walk on rocky, uneven ground to the edge of a body of water and maintain balance on potentially rocky shore.
  • Required Pre-Trip Meeting: Outdoor Center 1st Floor Viking Union Tuesday, May 21st from 5:00-7:00pm
  • Difficulty Level: Beginner

Overnight Trips - $40

Women’s and Non-Binary Sea Kayak

  • Saturday-Sunday, April 20th-21st
  • If a weekend in a rustic cabin on Sinclair Island is for you, look no further! Join us sea kayaking to ViQueen Lodge and for a weekend full of paddling, exploring, some yoga and a great time!
  • Essential Eligibility: Be able to sit comfortably in and paddle a kayak, and paddle moderate distances.
  • Required Pre-Trip Meeting: Outdoor Center 1st Floor Viking Union Tuesday, April 16th from 5:00-7:00pm
  • Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Baker Lake Backpacking

  • Saturday-Sunday, May 4th-5th
  • Spend a weekend sleeping under cedar trees and exploring the lush Baker Lake Trail. We will be learning about forest, river, and alpine ecology along the way!
  • Essential Eligibility: Ability to carry a 30+ lb backpack for approximately 3 miles on mostly flat single-track trail.
  • Required Pre-Trip Meeting: Outdoor Center 1st Floor Viking Union Tuesday, April 30th from 5:00-7:00pm
  • Difficulty Level: Beginner

Orcas Island Bikepacking

  • Saturday-Sunday June 1st-2nd
  • Join us for a glorious weekend filled with biking, laughter, and beautiful sights on Orcas Island! We will be travelling about 27 miles on hilly, paved roads to explore parks, beaches, and the quaint East Sound. No bikepacking experience is needed, but comfort biking long distances with varying elevation is necessary. We will spend the day biking around Orcas Island to our campsite where we will cook a delicious meal together and settle down to a campfire. Goofy costume pieces encouraged but not required!
  • Essential Eligibility: Comfortability riding a bike on hilly paved roads for moderate distances.
  • Required Pre-Trip Meeting: Outdoor Center 1st Floor Viking Union Tuesday, May 28th from 5:00-7:00pm
  • Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Lakewood Classes

View Lakewood Class details here! Sign-ups will open on April 2nd at 10am.

LKWD 101: Intro to Lakewood - FREE

  • General orientation to Lakewood and paddling on Lake Whatcom
  • Most Saturdays in Spring Quarter

LKWD 102: Sailing Basics - $40 for 4 lessons

  • Beginners build skills to start sailing small sailboats at Lakewood
  • Tues/Thurs or Sat/Sun for two weeks

LKWD 201: Intro to Windsurfing - $30 for 2 lessons

  • Learn the basics of this windsport and about the gear at Lakewood
  • Sundays for two weeks

LKWD 202: Sailing Progression - $20 for 2 lessons

  • Sailors learn new skills to start sailing different, bigger boats
  • Sat/Sun for one week

LKWD 302: Performance Sailing - $30 for 2 lessons

  • Intermediate sailors learn how to go further and faster
  • Sundays for two weeks