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Rock climbing sections start with the basics, progressing from top-roping (pictured) to multi-pitching and more.
Photo: Katie Jezek |
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 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.
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 use, rope systems and handling, crevasse rescue, and crampon use. You’ll learn how to cope with uncertain weather, steep slopes and complicated route finding.
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, moving into skills such as belay and rappel techniques and protection placement. There will be an emphasis on risk management throughout this section as you advance from single pitch to multi-pitch climbing.
Wilderness First Aid (WFA)
The Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS (WMI) presents this 16-hour section specific to wilderness emergencies. The course is the approved certification for the American Camping Association, the United States Forest Service, and many other governmental agencies and outdoor programs.
Coastal Backpacking
Natural history abounds as you travel though the splendid environments of the Olympic National Park. On the coast, 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 in the mountains, during which you’ll plan and complete a six-day hike with your fellow students.
Sailing
A 36-foot sailboat will be your moving classroom during this segment of your adventure. Boats will sail in pairs, each carrying a group of five students and an instructor, as you learn the finer points of seamanship, including how to handle your boat under sail or power, read charts and navigate. This will also be a true test for everything you’ve learned about leadership and expedition behavior as you and your coursemates cook and sleep on board as one tight-knit crew.
Semester
in the Pacific Northwest
 |
| Duration: |
80 days |
| Age |
18 and Over (Average Age: 21) |
| Tuition: |
$10,150
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| Financial Aid Options: |
NOLS Scholarships
Federal Financial Aid |
| Dates: |
Aug. 27-Nov. 14, 2008
Sept. 3-Nov. 21, 2008
Sept. 10-Nov. 28, 2008 |
College Credit:
(Optional) |
16
Semester Credit Hours
2 Hours Biology
2 Hours Environmental Ethics
4 Hours Leadership Techniques
6 Hours Skills Practicum
2 Hours Risk Assessment |
| Course start/end: |
Conway, Washington |
| Equipment Deposit: |
$700 |
| Fly in/out: |
Seattle, Washington |
| Downloads: |
Course Description
(pdf)
Equipment List
(pdf) |
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Next Steps
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Related Courses
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