Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack - Banks Lake

Barker Canyon Boat Launch parking lot
(https://goo.gl/maps/tda9pmxiKLyqC6A76)

Friday April 14th at 4pm (if staying 2 nights)
Saturday April 15th at 10am (if staying 1 night)

This backpacking trip is focused on giving students the opportunity to try out their gear and apply the skills they've learned in the B3 course.  We’ll be camping on the shore of Banks Lake in eastern Washington, and we'll have the opportunity to take 2 day hikes to explore nearby cliffs as well as the peninsula that serves as our basecamp.  We'll hike at a moderate pace (1.5-2 mph), and take breaks for snacks, views, and pictures.

Participants can make this a 1-night or 2-night trip.  The trip leader will arrive at the trailhead Friday afternoon at 4pm, and will lead 2-night participants on the short, 2-mile hike to our basecamp.  The trip leader will return to the trailhead Saturday morning at 10am, and will lead 1-night participants on the short, 2-mile hike to our basecamp.  We'll then spend the rest of Saturday exploring the peninsula.  On Sunday, we'll trek along the base of nearby cliffs before returning to camp, packing up, and returning to the trailhead.

Caltopo GPS route: https://caltopo.com/m/QS4D8

Weather forecast: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-119.13505554199217&lat=47.90851804709669#.ZCdxEi-B0xU

This route includes significant off-trail travel, including travel on rocky areas (with low exposure).  All participants must be confident with off-trail travel on rocky terrain while carrying a fully-loaded backpack.