NIC’s Outdoor Pursuits Trips Program is the heart and soul of our program and one of the most fun ways to meet new friends while exploring the natural wonders of the northwest. From backpacking to high mountain lakes to surfing the Oregon coast to a full moon snowshoe trip, you will find community and camaraderie on these adventure experiences.
Outdoor Pursuits focuses on making wilderness experiences for NIC students and the community accessible. Our staff will offer guidance and instruction, making almost all of our trips a great place for people to try an activity for the first time.
- The trip cost covers transportation, group gear and any pertinent instruction.
- Many overnight trips also include group food for breakfasts and dinners
- To sign up for a trip, click the link below and log in with your NIC credentials to find your trip. Trips have limited space, so sign up and claim your spot.
Current NIC Students: The Associated Students of NIC sponsored a limited number of 2024 trips for NIC students. Enter the promo code FREETRIP24 to redeem.
| Date | Start | Trip / Sign-Up | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 13 | Sat 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Avalanche Rescue Fundamentals | $75 |
Spring 2026 Trips are Ready for Sign-up!
Outdoor pursuits can be a fantastic way to make new friends, challenge yourself, and create lasting memories. So, go ahead and have a fantastic time exploring the great outdoors!
| Date | Start | Trip / Sign-Up |
Student |
WFT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan. 16 | Fri. 9am-2pm |
Cross Country Skiing- Call for Info | $30 | $60 |
| Jan. 17 | Sat. 8am-3pm |
Avalanche Rescue Fundamentals- Call for Info | $50 | $100 |
| Jan. 30 | Fri. 8am-4pm |
Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding 1 | $20 | $40 |
| Jan. 29 | Thurs. 5pm -8pm |
Full Moon Snowshoe | $20 | $40 |
| Feb. 20 | Fri. 8am-4pm |
Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding 2 | $20 | $40 |
| Feb. 28- Mar. 1 | Sat. 9am- Sun 3pm |
Winter Hut Overnight | $55 | $100 |
| Mar. 6 | Fri. 8am-4pm |
Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding 3 | $20 | $40 |
| Mar. 12-15 | Thurs. 6am- Sun 6pm |
Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding in the Wallowa Mountains | $100 | $250 |
| Mar. 20 | Fri. 8am-4pm |
Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding 4 | $15 | $30 |
| Mar. 28-April 1 |
Sat. 7am- |
Backpacking in Hells Canyon | $140 | $250 |
| Apr. 14 | Tues. 10am-4pm |
Whitewater Rafting on the Spokane River | $20 | $40 |
| Apr. 17 | Fri. 10am-4pm |
Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking | $30 | $60 |
| Apr. 23-26 | Thurs. 6am- Sun 6pm |
Surfing on the Oregon Coast | $140 | $240 |
| Apr. 28 | Tues. 8am-4pm |
Full Day Whitewater Rafting | $40 | $80 |
| May 1 | Fri. 10am-1pm |
Dutch Oven Cooking at the Outdoor Center- Call for Info | $30 | $65 |