Upper School
Bandon-Port Orford Wilderness Backpacking and Surfing
Explore Oregon's only true wilderness coast on this five day backpacking and surfing trip. Between the small, coastal towns of Bandon and Port Orford, Highway 101 pulls away from the Pacific shore, leaving a 29-mile section of untrammelled beaches, remote lighthouses, and rugged headlands. Our group will backpack this section of the coast, crossing the Sixes and Elk rivers. We will wade in the Pacific, explore the natural wonders of the area, and camp in breezy, secluded campsites along the way. Beach bonfires will be a nightly ritual, as well! After completing our one-way exploration of the coast, we will spend a day learning to surf in the ocean or windsurf at the nearby Floras Lake.
This trip is open to all Upper School students and incoming 9th grade students. No surfing or 
backpacking experience is required, but students should be comfortable outdoors and the hiking along the beach will be demanding. The estimated cost for this trip is $225.
Interested students should email David Zonana (zonanad@catlin.edu) to sign up.
Llama backpacking in the Wallowas
Imagine backpacing through the world famous backcountry of the Wallowa Mountains -- but you don't have to carry a pack. Crazy? yes - but true. This is the fourth year in a row we've offered this popular trip to Northeast Oregon’s Wallowa Mountains. The Wallowas offer white granite peaks, sparkling alpine lakes, and lush wildflower meadows. Spend six days hiking and camping in this beautiful area—with gear carried by llamas, delightful animals that we lead down the trail and care for at night. We camp near crystal clear lakes, hike to the top of peaks, and frolic in the wilderness. Each day we hike 6–10 miles to a new mountain camp. No experience is necessary, but students should be fit enough to be active every day.
The cost of the trip is $425.
This trip is open to graduating 8th graders and all Upper School Students. You can sign up by sending an email to Renee Jenkinson at JenkinsonR@catlin.edu.
Biking in the Canadian Gulf Islands
Could there be a better place to bicycle tour than the Canadian San Juan Islands? Join Len Carr and John Mayer for a five-day cycling trek in Canada. Each day We’ll explore by bike, sometimes taking a ferry to another island. we'll explore hidden coves, sandy beaches, and mossy forests—with wildlife and swimming holes waiting around each bend. At night we cook dinner and camp under the stars. Rides are moderately difficult (12 to 25 miles each day with some hills). Extensive bicycling experience is not necessary, but students should be in good physical condition and comfortable riding on road shoulders. Students must provide their own bicycle; either a road bike or mountain bike is fine.
The cost of this 5-day trip is $375. The trip is open to graduating 8th graders and all Upper School Students.
You can sign up by sending an email to Peter Green at greenp@catlin.edu
City of Rocks Climbing Trip
With 3000+ climbs to choose from, it is a perfect location for beginning climbers as well as aspiring leaders.We will focus on climbs mostly in the 5.7-5.11 range, climbing primarily on traditional gear-protected routes, but there are many bolted routes (5.8 and up). We will set up top ropes on many climbs, and do a few multi-pitch routes as well, depending on skill levels. Students who have passed the leading on rock course and wish to practice leading will find this a good location. The rock is superb quality. Each day we will climb from the morning until dark (or after) and walk back to the vehicles for the short drive back to the campsite. We'll return to Portland on Saturday evening.
Both adults and trained students will belay those who are climbing. Although no previous climbing experience is necessary, participants will need to be responsible for their behavior, alert at all times and follow all the rules established by the group and the leader.
The cost of this six-day trip is $375. The trip is open to graduating 8th graders and all Upper School Students. You can sign up by sending an email to Peter Green at Greenp@catlin.edu
Mt. Hood Bike Trip
We have designed the ideal summer bicycle trip. We'll bike on paved roads through the old growth forests south of Mount Hood. On each of the two evenings we'll camp in campgrounds and cook some fine meals. We've designed this trip so that our route will be mosty downhill. The bus will drop us off on the first day at a high point -- then we'll bike and cruise across the landscape- mostly downhill. The group will carry its own food, tents and gear with us - a self supported adventure through some of the most beautiful forests of the west. We may stop and swim at a few of the dozens of lakes along our chosen route. The plan is to bike 12-15 miles each day.
Students should be comfortable camping in the outdoors and in good physical condition. Students should plan to bring their own bicycles.
The cost of the three day trip will be $95.
The trip is open to students 14 and older.
To sign up send an email to Greenp@catlin.edu
Steens Mountain Adventure
This will be an adventure! Our group of ten students and two leaders will hike the spectacular gorges, canyons and ridges of Steens Mountain for five days. This is an unbelievable opportunity for students to experience wilderness at a deeper level, learn group living skills, and see one of the great landscapes of the West. On the first day we'll drive to the legitimately romantic town of Frenchglen and then to the trailhead. Our hike will be short on this initial day as we head up one of the gloriously lush gorges on the south end of the massif. The next three days will see us scrambling and backpacking up toward the summit of this 9100 foot escarpment. We will see snowfields, mountain goats, petroglyphs, ancient homesteads and fabulous desert scenery. 
The trip is open to Upper School students age 15 and over. Students should be in good physical condution and be comfortable backpacking and camping in the outdoors.
The cost of the five day trip is $150.
To sign up, send an email to Greenp@catlin.edu
The Ascent of South Sister
Oregon's South Sister is the third highest peak in the state at 10,250'!. Our attempt to reach its lofty summit will be a noble adventure, featuring a spectacular camping location and a small amount of travel on a live glacier. The trip will commence on Sunday June 16th with a drive to the south of Bend where we will hike in on the Green Lakes trail for hree hours. After a fine meal of grass-fed Oregon beef and certified organic vegetarian options we will bed down under the stars. Monday will be climb day. An early start will get us onto the legendary prouty Glacier and, if fortune is with us, to the summit before noon if conditions are favorable. We will spend another evening at our gorgeous camp, swapping stories and playing cards. On Tuesday we'll make the hike out to the bus and drive back to Catlin Gabel, arriving in the early evening.
The trip is open to students 14 and over. Students should be in good physical condition, able to carry a backpack, and comfortable camping in the outdoors. Students do not need prior mountaineering experience though it is helpful to be comfortable on steep snow. 
The cost of the three day trip is $95.
To sign up, send an email to Greenp@catlin.edu
Oregon Coast Day Hike
A Classic Oregon day! This day-long adventure will include a hike to the top of Saddle Mountain followed by a short drive and a hike to the top of Neah-Kanie mountain. The group will have spectacular views of the coast and the Oregon landscape. The hiking is not especially strenuous, though students should be in reasonably good condition. The trip will be led by the entertaining duo of Len Carr and Mike Wilson. Following the two hikes the group will enjoy a fine dinner at Camp 18 along US 26 before returning to Catlin Gabel about 8pm.
The trip is free, but students should bring $12-15 for their dinner.
The trip is open to students 14 and older.
To sign up, send an email to greenp@catlin.edu.
Exploring Oregon's Magical High Country
You've maybe heard about the special places of Oregon that are byond Mt. Hood and even beyond Bend? Well this is the trip to discover what makes Oregon unique, mysterious and magical. We will spend three days in the high country of Central Oregon. We'll visit such sites as Hole-in-the-Ground; Fort Rock, Crack-in-the-Ground, the unexplained "Lost Forest" and hunt for real fossils of real extinct elephants and sabre toothed tigers near Christmas Valley. This is all true - we couldn't make it up. The trip will involve some moderate hiking - nothing very difficult - and will require a well developed sense of fun and adventure. We'll camp and dine under one billion stars in the desert each night.
Students will miss classes on Friday.
The cost of the trip is $50
The trip is open to Upper Schoolers
To sign up, send an email to Greenp@catlin.edu
Hike beautiful Dog Mountain in the Columbia River Gorge
Get outside on on the weekends! This is what makes Oregon so great! (even though the hike is in Washington) Dog Mountain is the gem of the Columbia Gorge. In the spring hikers will find this moderately difficult hike covered with an unparalleled show of wildflowers in bloom. Our little group from Catlin Gabel will meet at the school on Saturday morning and drive out to the trailhead. We'll grab our day packs and water bottles and hike up to the top- where the views up and down the gorge are fabulous.
This trip is open to Upper Schoolers and Middle Schoolers.
The trip is FREE.
To sign up, send an email to zonanad@catlin.edu
Rafting the Mighty John Day River
The Great wilderness river of Oregon. The John Day is the second longest undammed river in the country, and each spring it provides a wonderful rafting experience. We will travel from Clarno to Cottonwood down a stretch characterized by deep canyons, stunning rock formations, and secret side canyons. The trip will be open to 13 Upper School students, and will be led by three Catlin Gabel faculty.
The route is about 70 miles long, which will necessitate an early start on Saturday. On the first day we will negotiate Clarno rapids, class III, and then travel further north before setting up camp. The second day we will see a few rapids, and will do a hike up one of the side canyons. The third day will be the shortest before we get to the Cottonwood Bridge. 
Students don't need any previous rafting experience, but should be able to swim, be comfortable in the water, and willing to make the effort to paddle for three days and hike on occassion. We will be eating and sleeping under the stars.
The cost for the trip will be $160. Students will miss classes on Friday.
If you are interested send an email to David at zonanad@catlin.edu
Sunny Smith Rock Adventure
Join us for a sunny and fun weekend at Smith Rock State Park- we will climb on the world class rocks following in the footsteps and handholds of the greats. And what's the best part? This trip is designed for those stsudent who want to climb outside for the first time AND for those who are experienced leaders.
How do we do it? There are over 3000 routes in the park, and our experienced leaders will help guide you to the climbs that are best suited for your skills and interest. Can you bring a friend? YES! Bring several, this is a fun and social trip. After climbing on Saturday we will head out for a massive Mexican dinner at a local restaurant, and then bus it over to the Skull Hollow campground for a campfire and story telling. Sunday will see us on the walls again, pefecting our spring tans and seeing what's up in the beautful central oregon highlands. We will be back to school about 6pm on sunday.
The cost of the trip is $50 and includes deluxe Chinese style dinner (!) and is open to students ages 14 and above (including 8th graders)
To sign up send me an email: greenp@catlin.edu
Winter Expedition to Panorama Point in Rainier National Park
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Winter enthusiasts of all kinds are invited to join the Outdoor Program for a long weekend in the snow. Equipped with snowshoes, skis and sleds the group will head to Mt. Rainier for a weekend in the beautiful Paradise Park and Panorama Point area. With our gear on our backs, we will break trail from the the trailhead, passing through the impressive scenery of the high Cascades in the Winter. On this trip, students will learn the skills necessary for winter back-country travel. Last year, students dug a snow shelter that they slept in. Follow the link here to see the trip report and photos from last year's Winter Expedition to Elk Meadows on Mt. Hood!
This trip is open to all Upper Schoolers. Some backcountry and cold-weather experience is strogly recommended. Interested students should email David Zonana (zonanad@catlin.edu).
The estimated cost of this trip is $70. Financial Aid is available.
Ski from Timberline Lodge to Government Camp
It's a dream come true. We will transport you in a shiny yellow school bus up to Timberline Lodge, after renting cross country skis in Sandy. We will don our skis and ski across the groomed slopes of the ski area, littered with hapless snowboarders and downhill skiers, each $70 poorer. From here we will KEEP skiing, right past the edge of the 'designated ski area' and on to the legendary Glade Trail-- and we will ski all the way down to Government Camp. And then, there's more, the bus will drive us back to Timberline Lodge and we will ski the six mile run again. Unbelievable. Yet true.
That evening we will have a wonderful meal at the Huckleberry Inn in Government Camp, and spend gthe evening playing cards or watching films as a group. We will sleep at the Huckleberry Inn. Sunday will see us skiing the trails and open slopes to the east of Mount Hood near Bennett Pass.
Students do not need to be accomplished cross country skiers, but should be comfortable in snow and cold conditions. Having had downhill skiing experience would be helpful, but not mandatory. We will rent gear, so students do not need to own cross country ski gear.
The trip is open to students in the Upper School
The cost of the trip, including meals (except a sack lunch on Saturday), skis, boots, poles, room at the Huckleberry Inn and transportation is $85
To sign up contact greenp@catlin.edu
Spend the night in a fire lookout!
A second trip to the lookout- Choose which dates you want. Unforgettable views of Mount Hood from a Forest Service Lookout. Join us for a wonderful winter trip that will allow you to actually sleep in a Forest Serivce lookout- thirty feet above the surrounding landscape. This trip will involve a 70 mile drive up to a sno-park near Clear Lake southeast of Mt. Hood. Here the group will put on its cross country skis (which we will stop and rent in Sandy) and ski on Forest Service roads for about four miles to the lookout. Most of our time after that will be spent frolicking in the snow, practicing skiing, and hanging out in the lookout. Students will cook dinner and breakfast for the group, and sleep in the lookout. Card games will be played.
Students do not need to be experienced cross country skers, but definitely should be comfortable being in the snow and in cold environments. We will rent ski gear on the way, which is included in the price of the trip. There is a nice warming fire in the lookout, though once the fire goes out at night, it will be chilly.
The trip is open to Upper Schoolers.
The cost for the trip is $65 and includes food (except a sack lunch on Saturday), skis, boots, poles, and lodging.
To sign up, send an email to Greenp@catlin.edu and specify WHICH lookout trip you want.
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