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FAQ

General Questions

Since our inception in 1997, Lasting Adventures has been the leading overnight summer camps in Yosemite National Park, as well as the top-rated guide service in Yosemite. In 2020, after two seasons of research, planning, and piloting new trips, we expanded our model into Washington’s Olympic National Park, where we now offer both guided backpacking tours and summer camp programs with the same high-level of professionalism and attention to detail as our Yosemite programs. So, what separates us from other guide companies in these areas? Here’s the shortlist: We offer unmatched experience (30 years), an unrivaled reputation for professionalism and friendliness (#1 outdoor activity in Yosemite on TripAdvisor), a carefully groomed guide staff of only the most experienced, credentialed, and fun guides, competitive rates well below the industry-standard, a fully insured operation, complimentary name-brand gear upon request (Gregory backpacks, Big Agnes tents and sleeping bags, Thermarest pads, LEKI trekking poles, MSR & GSI eating gear), and of course, the satisfaction of knowing that any profit we gain from your participation goes towards our summer youth scholarship program.

Yes! Years ago, our program evolved from a youth program in Yosemite into the leading guide service in the West, with operations in Yosemite, Olympic, Joshua Tree, Sequoia-Kings, and Lassen Volcanic National Parks. (And more parks are being added often.)

 In addition to still offering our highly-rated youth summer backpacking program, we also offer guided day hikes, backpacking trips, camping/hiking packages, and lodging packages to the general public. Day hikes and multi-day tours are open to solo travelers, groups of friends, corporate groups, families, school/youth programs, and scout programs, and can be either private or involve a larger group!

While we make every effort to keep our guests comfortable and relaxed, they will be required to carry their own gear. Our traditional backpacking trips are done without the use of porters, stock, or other assistance. You will be expected to carry all of your own personal gear and a share of the group gear and food in a backpack for the duration of this trip. This weight will typically be between 30-50 pounds for adults and in no case more than â…“ of your body weight.

Fully booked trips are likely to have more openings as the trip date nears. Here are the instructions for adding yourself to the waitlist. Once added, you will be notified if/when an opening becomes available.

Yes! We are open to plan a custom adventure hike and/or backpacking trip at whatever time period is convenient to you. Although we do have many tentative dates listed already on our website; most of our clients contact us directly to schedule dates that work best for them. We encourage you to do the same!

To avoid the processing fees associated with online registration, you can pay by check, Zelle, or bank transfer. See more information here: Payment Options. 

Unless other payment options are made, Lasting Adventures requires 50% payment to reserve your trip and the final 50% payment is due 60 days prior to your trip. Per our Terms and Conditions, we will charge the final 50% payment on the same card used during registration on or shortly after the 60-day mark. If you paid the initial 50% by another means (see above), to confirm there are no additional fees, you should also pay the balance in the same manner. 

Lasting Adventures began as program of a larger nonprofit in 1996 with a goal of providing positive youth development in the outdoors. In 2008, Lasting Adventures applied and was approved to become its own section 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to foster environmental stewardship, teach responsible recreation, and provide opportunity for personal growth through the facilitation of impactful wilderness experiences. Lasting Adventures seeks to provide youth, families, and underserved communities with positive experiences in America’s National Parks and natural spaces. To achieve that, we offer a robust scholarship program, and generally provide scholarships for more than 200 children and families in need each year. For more information on the Lasting Adventures nonprofit program, or to donate a scholarship, please visit our .ORG website.

Yes! Although we have limited positions and only accept highly qualified applicants, we are always accepting resumes and cover letters. Check out out our Employment Page for more information.

Not in 2026

Throughout our history as a guide service, fires have not posed a physical threat to our programs, primarily because we operate in higher elevations and alpine regions with thinner forests and abundant granite. (Or now, also along beaches in Olympic National Park.)  Our greater threat would be from smoke produced by fires that we monitor on an ongoing basis. Click HERE to see more information on fire/smoke threats in Yosemite, our monitoring tools for all parks, and when we would cancel programs.

Youth Summer Camp Questions

There are really many answers to this question that basically break down into the following categories:

Staff – Our Outdoor Educators are among the best professionals in the field, sharing a passion for the outdoors and for sharing it with others in a fun and caring manner. All staff undergo a rigorous application process and background check, during which they must demonstrate experience in outdoor recreation, backpacking, working with youth, risk management, and customer service. All staff must possess a Wilderness First Responder certification and also pass a Department of Justice fingerprint background check. Our staff is trained annually by us and consistently supervised throughout the season, with required pre- and post-trip meetings/reviews. 

Ratio – Our staff-to-youth ratio never exceeds 1:6 and is often 1:4. Total group size maxes out at 10 participants. Due to our small group size, we can make group decisions based on input from all team members. Such decisions may include how far we travel on any given day, where we make camp, what and when we eat, and so on. Unlike other camps that have over 300-500 campers a week, our program’s maximum (for the entire summer) is between 500 and 600. Thus, we get to know our participants well and run a highly effective program.

Safety – With any outdoor activity, there is an inherent risk. Our staff is trained in ways to limit and respond to these risks. A basic requirement for all of our staff members is completion of a Wilderness First Responder (80-hour) certification. All leaders carry extensive first aid kits, a Satellite phone and/or text device, and have been trained in risk management, evacuation protocols, and crisis response. We are also fortunate to have the additional support from the National Park Service and local Search and Rescue to assist us if necessary. Lasting Adventures has invested in the quality of its risk management practices by participating in Risk Management Training offered by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), an organization with over 50 years of experience managing risk in wilderness environments. As a result of this training, while NOLS doesn’t endorse or certify our practices, Lasting Adventures is further enhancing its risk management strategy. We have invested time and resources in these practices because the health and well-being of our participants are among our highest priorities.

Knowledge – One of the biggest points that sets us apart from other programs is our extensive backcountry experience in the few national parks where we operate. Unlike other youth adventure travel programs that lead trips all over the place, we have become experts in just these areas, with the same management in place for 30 years. Our leaders know the trails, weather patterns, terrain, and what lies around almost every corner. We also have extensive knowledge of many secret locations (backcountry waterfalls, alpine meadows, amazing bluffs, and awesome sunsets). We know the locations of all the ranger stations and High Sierra Camps in case we need help. Additionally, we know the rangers on a first-name basis, and they know us. Lasting Adventures guides more people into the Yosemite and Olympic backcountry than any other single permit holder, and we are on track to do the same in the new parks we are operating in. We are frequently asked for assistance and/or knowledge by other organized programs also using the parks.

Price – Because we do not have an actual facility or camp, we can keep costs down and pass the savings on to you. Additionally, when compared to similar adventure programs, we strive to offer a better program at a lower cost.

The Lasting Adventures Summer Camp series is open to ALL youth ages 11-18, or entering the 6th grade, through the summer after 12th-grade graduation. We then have age-appropriate programs and groupings. Know a young adult who is older? We encourage you to check out our Guide Service.

Yes, our trips are perfect for first-time backpackers and those with prior backpacking experience. Our professional, caring, and fun Outdoor Educators design innovative, engaging ways to teach and orient all participants to backpacking during the first days of a trip, and by the end, they come home feeling quite accomplished backpackers. Additionally, often, those with backpacking experience are past participants returning for different itineraries, more exploration, and additional lasting memories. 

Over 50% of our participants come without other friends, which can vary from trip to trip. From day one, our guides begin activities and games to bond all the youth. This is also done in an ongoing fashion throughout the week. It is almost too common for youth who come with friends to leave with new and better friendships with others. It’s just the nature of how we have run our programs for the past thirty years: to be all-inclusive and fun for every attendee. This is also demonstrated in the hugs, tears, and exchanging of contact information at the end of the trips. 

Typically, each week of our programs has at least two to three groups. In forming these groups, we always group with those of like ages. Should there be any concerns about grouping your child with children of similar ages and/or sexes, our office staff will reach out 3-4 weeks prior to the trip to discuss and present date-change options. 

You know your child best! If your 13-year-old is athletic, in shape, plays sports regularly, and is a mature 13-year-old; then he/she is probably capable of doing well on our 6-day or 13-day High Country Adventure programs. If your 13-year-old is developing physically and emotionally, and has limited outdoor and/or sporting experience, then the Young Adventurer’s Program is likely the best fit.

Historically, we experience increasing bookings from December through June, with almost 50% of bookings occurring in the late spring. You are welcome to book early and check back periodically to monitor group composition, while knowing we allow date changes as often as you like. Also, during our booking period, we continuously monitor group composition to ensure similar age and gender distributions across groups.

Our goal is not to have you spend extensively to prepare for this trip. Most items can be found around the house or borrowed. By request, Lasting Adventures provides use of backpacks, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads at no extra cost. (Just check off what you’d like to borrow on our gear request located on the Required Forms.) Lasting Adventures also provides all group gear (cooking gear, water treatment, toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer, bug repellant, suntan lotion, etc.). Click here for a detailed Equipment List. Please note you do not need to arrive early if you are borrowing gear.

Nope! Just show up on-time. We re-pack all participants at the meeting time, so it doesn’t matter if you’re bringing your own gear or borrowing ours.

Youth should be able to carry a backpack of 25-45lb, and not to exceed â…“ of their body weight. The weight is a combination of their personal gear and part of the group gear. Always bigger youth carry more, and smaller youth carry less.

We eat good food! Over the years we have experimented with many different backpacking foods and freeze dried foods. With the help of the many of the youth participants, we have been able to learn what is in and what must go. Breakfasts and dinners are prepared and eaten together. Lunches consist of trail food and fruits and veggies. Examples include: pita, bagels, salami, cheeses, hummus, fresh veggies, dried fruits, peanut butter, trail mix, energy bars, etc. Lunches are carried in a shared bear can or stuff sack that the participants’ can pull from as needed. Typical breakfasts might include breakfast burritos, oatmeal, eggs & breakfast meats, dried fruit, bagels, etc. Dinner examples include a variety of pastas (Mac & Cheese and others), burritos, stews, veggies, etc. Dinners, breakfasts, and other group food are also packed into bear cans that are carried by our group.

Don’t worry we got you covered. We have a long history of meeting the needs of most all dietary restrictions and even some very complicated ones. We also have a dedicated area in our prep room where we stock many options. When registering, you will complete a questionnaire to give us a brief picture of your needs. Then, later, you will complete a more detailed Medical form where you can include more information. The staff guiding your trip will call you the day prior and when they are packing the food/gear for the trip to go over your needs in more detail. Although we have many options in stock, we respect it if you ultimately decide to bring your preferred substitutions.

We operate traditional wilderness backpacking trips, and participants should prepare themselves for not having access to bathrooms/showers. Participants will be instructed on conducting their business in the wilderness while following the Leave No Trace Principles. There will also be time to rinse off, as we camp near rivers, streams, and/or lakes daily. Less often, we may stay in campgrounds with toilets or outhouses.  

Yes, it is true. Dating back to the summer of 2000, Lasting Adventures Program Director Scott Gehrman earned the reputation of sleeping with the bears when he awoke to a bear crawling over him. It was his fault, however, as he chose to sleep next to the one bag of food that did not fit into a bear canister.

Every year we have multiple bear encounters, but as past participants can tell you, the bears are really not a problem. They are easily scared away. The black bears (actually brown, cinnamon blonde in color) come into campgrounds looking for food. They look into backpacks, around tents, and anywhere where they may smell it. As their natural fear of people fades, they become more aggressive in their search for food. When this happens, they often have to be killed.

To stop this devastating cycle, the National Park Service is investigating and testing a variety of methods to reduce bear-human interactions. Their goal is to keep the bear population wild and to retrain conditioned bears to live on natural food, rather than human food. This is also why we practice “Leave No Trace” and why we have to carry bulky bear-proof canisters. These methods are working! Over the past 20 years, Lasting Adventures, Inc. has seen a marked decrease in bear-human interactions. We can no longer guarantee a bear sighting on every trip.

In addition to the bears, we encounter many other animals and critters, including deer, squirrels, marmots, birds, and even rattlesnakes and scorpions. We work with participants to teach them to respect animals and critters, so we do not encounter any problems with them. Yet, like the bears, many of these animals do come and visit us as they prowl around looking for food.

No. We do no technical climbing. Yet, at times, participants are able to scramble on rocks and boulders not exceeding 8-10 feet in height.

No. We sleep in the great outdoors! Although Lasting Adventures does own a collection of 3-4 person tents, we choose not to use these on our youth trips. We have found that the participants enjoy sleeping under the stars on a large tarp with their friends. Thus, we choose not to separate the participants from each other, or the great outdoors, and we all sleep under the stars. This concept itself adds to the overall experience, adventure, and offers many more opportunities for great memories. The one rule however is that boys and girls are separated (10-25 feet apart) and that the leaders are a short distance away and in between both groups.. When it rains, we make our own tents/shelters with extra tarps.

Participants on our youth trips cannot have cell phones (or other communication or location devices) on the trail. During this time we enjoy nature more as we embrace the break from technology and communication. However, we recommend cell phones for communication before and/or after our trips, especially with youth participating in airport transfers with our Adventure Shuttle. We ask participants to store their cell phones in a labeled and resealable plastic bag, which can be left in their baggage, which we hold on to during the trip.

Unfortunately, no. We go by the principle that no news is good news. Because these groups backpack in wilderness areas, there is little to no cell service, and communication is limited. However, group leaders use satellite technology to stay in contact with our office and send the required nightly “All-ok” check-ins, including their GPS location, which aligns with their intended itinerary on file with our office and in each park’s systems. They can also send custom messages for any other emergencies or issues requiring support. As always, if there is ever any emergency or concern involving your child, you will be one of the first to be notified.

If you need to reach us, please note that both our 1-800-513-8651 voicemail and Staff@LastingAdventures.org email are actively monitored by multiple members of our on-call Admin team. Your contact will be responded to as soon as possible. 

About one-two weeks after the camp has concluded, you will receive an email that includes a daily journal, trip highlights, and a link to pictures from the trip.

With over 30 years of experience operating youth wilderness camps, Lasting Adventures has faced a wide range of issues, including bug bites, twisted ankles, illnesses, and wildfires. If there is an emergency with your child or their group, you will be notified as soon as possible. Our highly trained staff also has direct contact with our on-call admin team and with the dispatch for Ranger and Search and Rescue (with helicopter support) in the parks, as needed. Fortunately, because we focus on managing risks and educating youth on safety protocols from day one, our evacuation needs have been minimal.  

As far as wildfire concerns go, we are fortunate to operate in alpine areas (or beach areas in Olympic) where the risk of rapid wildfire growth is minimal. (Simply put, our normal hiking speed is typically faster than a wildfire can spread in these areas.)  However, if a wildfire erupts, park personnel are dispatched promptly and will support an evacuation if necessary. The bigger threat is unhealthy smoke levels coming from wildfires many miles away. When a distant wildfire erupts, we use an established evacuation criterion based on smoke levels and wind patterns, which we monitor consistently while in contact with field groups.

Our female leaders always take time at the start of a trip to discuss feminine hygiene issues with the female participants in a caring and supportive way. Please send all necessary supplies with your daughter that she might need for the duration of the program. All guides carry feminine hygiene products in case of emergencies, but do not have an exhaustive supply. In line with Leave No Trace principles, feminine hygiene products will be addressed in much the same way as toilet paper. They will be placed discreetly in ziplock bags and taken to a trash receptacle for disposal once the group returns to the trailhead.

All of our standard summer camps (6- and 13-day) will begin on Sundays and end on Fridays. Specific meeting and ending locations are included on the trip description page for your selected trip as well as the original confirmation email you receive. Many times, updates might need to be made to the meeting location, but the meeting time does not change. You will be notified of any changes in the weeks leading up to your trip.

For our 10-day programs, starting and ending days and times will be provided in the same locations listed above.

Trips do not include transportation. However, we operate a shuttle from San Francisco International Airport with additional stops in the Bay before heading to Yosemite National Park. See here for more information: Yosemite Adventure Shuttle. In Olympic we offer a similar shuttle service from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, also with additional stops as needed. See here for more information: Olympic Adventure Shuttle.

Please use our online system to register which can be found on our Summer Camp page. Once confirmed additional forms will be emailed to you. If you would prefer to fill out paper copies and email or mail them in, please see our our Forms page.

Lasting Adventures offers a very forgiving and structured Cancellation Policy with a full trip credit always an option until 30 days prior to the trip’s date. For a full description, visit our Terms and Conditions page.

Gratuities for guides are not required but are appreciated. Typically gratuities range from 10-20% of your trip’s total cost; not per guide.

Yes, we believe that EVERY child should be able to have this opportunity. See here for our Scholarship Application.

Yes, see here for our Parent Reference List. 

Also, feel free to search our Google and TripAdvisor reviews, which feature hundreds of testimonials from past summer camp participants and parents.

Guide Services Questions

Anyone who is in shape and physically fit can sign up for any of our adventures. Some trails can offer something very easy and/or moderate, whereas others can be quite strenuous. When you contact us, we will work with you to suggest a trail/itinerary that we feel will best suit your ability level and your interest in scenery and the accomplishments you are looking to achieve. Participants signing up for a guided backpacking trip should be able to carry a 30-50lb backpack over moderate to strenuous terrain (and never more than 1/3 of their body weight). If you are attending with children, our guides will make the necessary accommodations so that they will also have a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Technically no. However, because all of our Day Hikes are booked as private, you can modify the hike upon meeting the guide in the morning and/or throughout the day as needed. So, if you need the Day Hike completed by a certain time, just let the guide know that when you meet in the morning. (And/or after booking, you can contact us at staff@lastingadventures.org, and we can add any special note to your Day Hike request.) Also, due to parking issues in Yosemite Valley, we do not recommend starting a Day Hike later than 8am. 

Yes! We have introduced thousands of people to the outdoor, wilderness, and backpacking experience. Its is very normal for more than 50% of our participants to be first-time backpackers. This is our specialty.

While we can help you decide on a trip that is best suited to your ability level, you might still be asking yourself, ‘How fit do I need to be, and/or how best to prepare myself before the adventure?” In this regard, we are fortunate to have partnered with Marcus from FitForTrips, who offers complimentary fitness consultations. Marcus is familiar with both the Lasting Adventures programs and trips that we offer, including being an excellent reference for clients looking to tackle Half Dome. Book your free consultation here: FITFORTRIPS.

Our day hikes are booked privately, so that will be just your group. On our multiday trips, our average group size is 6-10 clients. We strive to maintain a ratio of 1 guide per 5-6 clients on all trips. We also strive for small group sizes to maximize your experience.

If you would like to book a trip for just you; you and a friend; as a family; as a group; or as a team, school, or corporate function; anything is possible! See here for Private Trip program costs. Feel free to contact us for any special request. 

Yes! Lasting Adventures actually specializes in family outings! With over 30 years of experience leading youth in the backcountry, Lasting Adventures is the best option for family outings. In addition to supporting you along the trail and in camp, our professional, fun, and caring guides handle all meals, cooking, and camp chores. Their fresh, tasty backcountry cuisine has earned many of our more than 1,600 5-star reviews. These guides are also trained as youth Outdoor Educators, so they share their passion for the outdoors in a fun, contagious way that all ages enjoy. And finally, our trips are allinclusive, with free use of quality gear from partners such as Gregory (backpacks), Big Agnes (tents, sleeping bags, and pads), Leki (trekking poles), and more.

See here to view our recommended  Equipment Lists.

On all multiday trips, and unlike most other outfitters, our trips are allinclusive, with free use of quality gear from partners such as Gregory (backpacks), Big Agnes (tents, sleeping bags, and pads), Leki (trekking poles), and more. See here for Gear We Use. Lasting Adventures also provides all group gear (bear cans, cooking gear, first-aid supplies, water treatment, toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer, bug repellent, suntan lotion, etc).

Unfortunately no. Lasting Adventures provides our gear free of charge through longstanding partnerships with our gear partners. Thus, we neither charge more to use our gear nor charge less if you use your own. You can also request to use our gear, and also bring your own, and then decide what stays or goes when packing up with the guide(s) and group on the first day.  

You can expect to carry between 30 and 50 lbs, depending on your weight. We try our best to never have you carry more than a third of your weight, if not less. You are expected to carry all your personal gear, including a sleeping bag, pad, and tent (or part of it), as well as some group gear, ranging from a bag of toilet paper to a full bear can of food. Click here to view our recommended  Equipment Lists. On the first day, we usually meet in the parking lot, where we re-pack together. The guides assist you, and we hand out group gear with respect to the big people carrying more and the little people carrying less. To this date, we have never lost a client to carrying too much.

We can supply you with a single person-tent. There is no single supplement fees.

On our overnight trips our guides are proud to demonstrate their culinary skills that has received us many 5-star reviews for outdoor cuisine. Typical breakfasts might include breakfast burritos, oatmeals, pancakes, dried fruit, bagels, etc. Dinner examples include a variety of pastas, rice, beans, couscous, meats, veggies, etc. Lunch consists of trail food and fruits and veggies. Examples include: pita, bagels, salami, cheeses, hummus, fresh veggies, dried fruits, trail mix, energy bars, etc. Special dietary requests are accommodated regularly and easily in the backcountry.

Don’t worry we got you covered. We have a long history of meeting the needs of most all dietary restrictions and even some very complicated ones. We also have a dedicated area in our prep room where we stock many options. When registering, you will complete a questionnaire to give us a brief picture of your needs. Then, later, you will complete a more detailed Medical form where you can include more information. The staff guiding your trip will call you the day prior and when they are packing the food/gear for the trip to go over your needs in more detail. Although we have many options in stock, we respect it if you ultimately decide to bring your preferred substitutions.

We operate traditional wilderness backpacking trips, and participants should prepare themselves for not having access to bathrooms/showers. Participants will be instructed on conducting their business in the wilderness while following the Leave No Trace Principles. There will also be time to rinse off, as we camp near rivers, streams, and/or lakes daily. Less often, we may stay in campgrounds with toilets or outhouses.  

On every trip, we embrace the opportunity to see the wildlife. In all parks where we operate, the bears are black bears, and naturally afraid of people. Often, they are just looking for food and are easily scared away. In addition to the bears, we encounter many other animals and critters, including deer, squirrels, marmots, a huge variety of birds, and even coastal marine mammals on our Olympic National Park trips. If lucky, you will come away from the trip with pictures of manydifferemnt types of wildlife. 

Find more information out about transportation options under our resources link in our main menu.

On each trip’s website page is a meeting time and clickable meeting location link (to a Google map). This information and a pin-point meeting location in a map is also provided in your confirmation email once you have registered.

Although there is a park entry fee that all participants will need to pay, there is no additional fee for parking within the parks. There is free parking throughout the parks we operate in and at all our designated meeting locations. After meeting and running through an orientation with your guide on Day 1, the guide will advise of the best places to park your car for the duration of the trip. You can leave your other belongings secure in your car. If you arrived on public transit you can leave your belongings secure in the guide’s car.

If you are arriving in your own vehicle or a rental vehicle, you will be able to store your luggage in the vehicle for the duration of your adventure.

If you arriving on a shuttle or public transportation, you will be able to store your luggage in the guide’s vehicle.

All food, chemicals, and scented items must be stored in the brown bear lockers at your campsite, trailhead, or parking lot. It is illegal for these to be stored in vehicles, as it endangers the property of the owner and the life of the animals. Even items labeled as “unscented” must be removed. Zipped bags or “smell proof” containers must also be removed and stored in the bear lockers.

On most all-day hikes, we plan to start pretty early. (Half Dome, we meet at 5:30 am.) We would suggest that you plan accommodations accordingly. Many Yosemite backpacking trips meet at 4 pm on the first day, allowing time for transport to the park beforehand. This afternoon allows time to meet your group, guide, go over gear, and camp together in the backpackers campsite before catching a shuttle to the hiking trailhead early on day two. For most Olympic trips and some Yosemite trips, accommodation the night before may be helpful. (Refer to the specifc trips itinerary on the trip page.) For a short list of lodging options in each park, look under our Resources link in our main website menu.  

For a list of Half Dome-specific questions and answers, including trip types, please see our Half Dome FAQ.

Safety harnesses are not a requirement for Half Dome and we neither recommend for or against them. It is a personal decision and ultimately does lower risk. We do not supply harnesses and/or via ferrata systems. You are however welcome to bring your own. See here for more information: https://yosemitehouse.com/half-dome-safety-gear.

With over 30 years of experience operating wilderness programs, Lasting Adventures has faced a wide range of issues, including bug bites, twisted ankles, illnesses, and wildfires. If there is an emergency, your guides also have direct contact with our on-call admin team and with the dispatch for Ranger and Search and Rescue (with helicopter support) in the parks, if needed. 

As far as wildfire concerns go, we are fortunate to operate in alpine areas (or beach areas in Olympic) where the risk of rapid wildfire growth is minimal. (Simply put, our normal hiking speed is typically faster than a wildfire can spread in these areas.)  However, if a wildfire erupts, park personnel are dispatched promptly and will support an evacuation if necessary. The bigger threat is unhealthy smoke levels coming from wildfires many miles away. When a distant wildfire erupts, we use an established evacuation criterion based on smoke levels and wind patterns, which we monitor consistently while in contact with field groups.

Should there be a wildfire and/or smoke concern before your trip, you can plan on hearing from us with options to consider an alternative itinerary and/or rescheduling to another time.  

Gratuities for guides are not required but are appreciated. Typically gratuities range from 10-20% of your trip’s total cost; not per guide.

Please use our online system to register. Once confirmed additional forms will be emailed to you, and are to be completed on our online system. If you would prefer to fill out paper copies and email or mail them in, please see our our Forms page.

Lasting Adventures offers a very forgiving, structured Cancellation Policy with a lifetime credit available should you need to cancel at least 30 days prior to your trip with us. For a full description, visit our Terms and Conditions page.

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