Brian Dezzani (The Beacon)
By Brian Dezzani, Guest Commentary
The University of Portland is close to so much natural beauty that if you get started this weekend and make a commitment to getting out at least once a week, you can see a good chunk of the amazing waterfalls, mountains, rivers, trees, moss, mud & snow of Oregon & Washington by the time you graduate. You may even form a lifelong habit that will keep your body, mind & soul fit & fresh. The staff at Outdoor Pursuits aims to get students off campus to explore the great outdoors and offers a diverse trip calendar with outings that vary in skill level and difficulty. OPP does the prep work so you can take part with relatively little effort. Whether you're interested in an easy hiking trip or scaling a rock face at Smith Rock, you'll find something you like. Students recently went to Sauvie Island to hike and pick fruit. Another group made a trip to the Columbia Gorge to hike to Triple Falls & Oneonta Falls (accessible only by hiking in knee-deep water!). In past years, UP students have summited Mt. Adams, 12,280 ft, , Mt. Hood, 11, 250 ft & Mt St. Helens. Future trips include backpacking at the coast this weekend, exploring the Ape Caves in Washington, flat water kayaking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and more.
The all-student staff at OPP knows all the great places to camp, backpack, rock climb, mountain bike and can help you plan even if you're going out on your own.
We also can't forget Forest Park, the gem across the Willamette River from the UP campus with its 50,000 acres of forest and miles of hiking trails. If you borrow a bike from the campus bike shop, you can be over there in 15 minutes. If you have a friend with a car you can be there even faster. Sneak over to Forest Park to soak up the woods, mud & moss and silence.
Brian Dezzani is the director of recreational services. He can be reached at dezzani@up.edu
Upcoming OPP Trips
Sunday, September 30
Flat Water Kayaking
Thursday, October 4
Urban Bike Ride
Saturday, October 27
Apes Caves
Friday, November 2
Iire Lookout Camping
Sunday, November 4
Circuit Bouldering
Sunday, November 11
Forest Park Mountain Biking
For the full calendar of OPP trips please visit www.up.edu/recservices
