Outdoor Program

Welcome to the Outdoor Program 

Since 1966, the Outdoor Program (ODP) has helped the Portland State community to access and enjoy the great outdoors, build community, increase environmental awareness, and provide exciting experiences in new settings. The ODP provides a wide variety of opportunities including guided outdoor trips, workshops and certification courses, outdoor rental gear at affordable rates, and an indoor Climbing Center. All skill and experience levels are welcome. Whether you are looking to embark on an adventure or learn a new outdoor skill, join the ODP in exploring the wild side of Oregon.

Outdoor Trips

Being active outdoors improves focus, elevates your mood, and enhances your physical and emotional wellbeing. Participating in outdoor activities in a group setting provides opportunities for social connection and engagement. Join the ODP for student-led outdoor trips that support your health and wellbeing.

Trip Difficulty Levels

• Easy: Relatively low to moderate physical activity; no previous experience needed.
• Moderate: Moderate physical activity and/or more challenging terrain; some previous experience is helpful, but not required.
• Difficult: Good physical conditioning required. Challenging terrain  and/or environmental conditions; previous experience or technical knowledge is strongly encouraged.

Summer 2026 Trip Dates & Details

Trip Name	Difficulty	Dates	Time	Pre-Trip Meeting	Fee
French's Dome Climbing	Easy	Saturday, July 11	8 a.m. -  6 p.m.	Wednesday, July 8  at 5:15 p.m.	$50 for Campus Rec members.
Ape Caves	Easy	Saturday, July 18	8 a.m. -  6 p.m.	Wednesday, July 15 at 5:15 p.m.	$40 for Campus Rec members.
Paradise Park Backpack	Difficult	Saturday - Monday,  July 25 - July 27	8 a.m. - 6 p.m.	Wednesday, July 22 at 5:15 p.m.	$150 for Campus Rec members.
Rafting with the ODP!	Moderate	Saturday, August 1	8 a.m. - 6 p.m.	Wednesday, July 29 at 5:15 p.m.	$100 for Campus Rec members.
Oswald West Hike and Beach	Moderate	Saturday, August 8	8 a.m. - 6 p.m.	Wednesday, August 5 at 5:15 p.m.	$40 for Campus Rec members.
Columbia Slough Service Trip	Easy	Sunday, August 16	9 a.m. - 3 p.m.	Wednesday, August 12 at 5:15 p.m.	Free
The Narrows Stand Up Paddleboard	Moderate	Saturday, August 22	8 a.m. - 6 p.m.	Wednesday, August 19 at 5:15 p.m.	$50 for Campus Rec members.
Zigzag Overlook Day Hike	Moderate	Saturday,  August 29	8 a.m. - 6 p.m.	Wednesday, August 26 at 5:15 p.m.	$40 for Campus Rec Members

How to Sign Up for a Trip

Sign up on the Member Portal or in person at the Outdoor Program office located at 505 SW Harrison Street. You can now sign up a friend or family member (18+) in person at the ODP office for our member price! You will be asked to fill out a medical information form when you come into the office to sign up for a trip.

• Trip Registration Closes: Tuesday before the trip date, or when the trip is full. View the trip dates on the Member Portal to sign up and check the number of available spots. 

Trip Details

• Prices vary based on the trip, and include all of the gear and instruction that you need to have a fun outdoor adventure.
• All skill and experience levels are welcome.
• We can accommodate up to nine participants for all trips. Be sure to register early to secure your spot!
• Transportation and equipment is provided.
• View upcoming trip descriptions below.
• All refunds must be completed in person at the Rec Center. For our complete refund policies visit our policy page here.

Required Pre-Trip Meeting

All participants are required to attend the pre-trip meeting, which will take place in person at the Outdoor Program office at 5 p.m. on the Wednesday before each trip. During the pre-trip meeting, participants will meet the rest of the group, learn more about the trip, review COVID-19 safety procedures, and have the opportunity to ask questions of the trip leaders. 

Accommodations & Gear

Most Outdoor Program trips can be easily modified to accommodate disabilities. Please contact the Outdoor Program for more information. Hiking gear—including boots, rain gear, and backpacks—is available at no cost, and will be discussed during the pre-trip meeting. The Outdoor Program offers Columbia rain apparel for all trip participants in an effort to make getting outdoors accessible to everyone regardless of ability to procure expensive gear.

Participants are required to bring their own lunch or snacks and water for guided trips.

Student Vet Outdoor Fund

Current PSU students that are registered with the Veterans Resource Center receive a $50 credit each term to spend on renting outdoor gear or embarking on outdoor adventures. All regular rental and trip policies apply. For more information, please stop by the Outdoor Program office during business hours. *This opportunity is subject to fund availability and may change at any point.

Questions?

For more information or if you have questions about our guided outdoor trips, please contact the Outdoor Program at 503-725-5668 or email Claire Nelson at nclaire@pdx.edu.

Leave No Trace Principles

All trips led by the Outdoor Program follow the Leave No Trace principles, which provide a framework for minimizing our impact on the outdoors, and being responsible stewards of the land. Trip leaders educate participants on these principles, and demonstrate ways to minimize the impact outdoor recreation has on the environment. 

Outdoor Certification Courses

CHECK BACK IN FALL 2026 FOR FUTURE COURSE DATES

Campus Rec offers a variety of non-credit or credit optional instructional courses for its members that provide certification. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Claire Nelson at nclaire@pdx.edu or 503.725.2957.

Wilderness First Responder Recertification (Recert) Course

Saturday, November 14 - Sunday November 15

Review, practice, and stay on top of your skills with this Wilderness First Responder (WFR) recertification course. This scenario-based approach to recertification provides you with the opportunity to test your skills against realistic situations. Over the course of three days, you'll practice and relearn wilderness medicine protocols, review evacuation and decision-making guidelines, and receive the latest updates in wilderness medicine. To enroll, please visit the course page on the NOLS website. 

Wilderness First Aid Course with CPR

Friday, February 19 - Sunday, February 21

Prepare for the unexpected with this engaging, hands-on introduction to wilderness medicine with CPR, taught over 20 hours. If you like to take short trips relatively close to medical resources, work at wilderness camps, enjoy weekend family outdoor activities, or recreate outdoors, this course is for you.
This course is great for people of all experience levels, and is best suited for those who recreate outdoors where EMS response can be expected in a timely manner (fewer than eight hours). You’ll learn the Patient Assessment System, how to provide effective first aid treatments for injuries and illnesses common in the outdoors, and how to make appropriate evacuation decisions. To enroll, please visit the course page on the NOLS website. 

Wilderness First Responder Course

Saturday, March 20 - Sunday, March 28

Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is the definitive course in medical training for outdoor educators, guides, search and rescue (SAR) team members, and others who work or play in remote areas. The curriculum is comprehensive and practical, including all of the essential principles and skills required to assess and manage medical problems in isolated and extreme environments. 
This nine-day course will teach you to conduct a thorough physical exam, obtain a patient history, assess vital signs, provide emergency care in the wilderness, and make crucial evacuation decisions. You'll learn both in the classroom and in outdoor settings regardless of weather, so come prepared for wet, muddy, cold, or hot environments! To enroll, please visit the course page on the NOLS website. 

Hybrid Wilderness First Responder Course

2027 Dates TBD

The NOLS Hybrid WFR combines flexible online coursework with the hands-on, experiential training that wilderness medicine demands. This hybrid wilderness first responder course is designed for busy professionals and outdoor enthusiasts who need scheduling flexibility without compromising the field-based education that makes NOLS the industry standard.
Complete 30-40 hours of foundational coursework on your own schedule, then join us for 5 intensive days of WFR skills training — half the in-person time of a traditional wilderness first responder course.

Custom Outdoor Programs

Are you a part of a student organization, department or team at PSU? Looking for a team-building or bonding activity where you can have fun and be healthy? Campus Rec and Student Activities and Leadership Programs have opportunities for you and your team to engage in service-learning, explore the outdoors or try a new workout or activity.

Custom Trips

The Outdoor Program helps PSU students access and enjoy the outdoors. One of the primary ways the Outdoor Program has done this is through outdoor trips led by student trip leaders at affordable prices. A trip of this nature allows members of a club, program, or group to have an experience in common that helps bring them together. 

The Outdoor Program has a variety of options to choose from depending on the size of the group, the length of trip requested, and the budget you have available. Trip cost includes all the necessary equipment, experienced trip leaders, and transportation. Some examples include:

• Small group (up to 9 people), one day: Standup paddling, whitewater rafting, rock climbing
• Large group (up to 18 people), one day: day hikes, snowshoeing
• Multi-day trips: backpacking, sea kayaking, coastal camping, etc.

To get started, please contact Claire Nelson (nclaire@pdx.edu) for more information. Due to the complexities of planning and staffing outdoor trips, the only way to guarantee availability is to set up the trip by Week 5 of the term prior to when you want the trip.