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Mentor Group Backpack

Field trip: Mentored Backpack Leaders' Course - Foothills

Mentor Group Backpack - Yakima Skyline Trail

Instructional Trip for Mentored Backpacking Leaders' Badge Course. Two nights camping on the Yakima River. This moderately challenging trip will include some off-trail travel and glorious scrub-steppe desert scenery--27.5 miles, approx. 6000' gain total over three days.

Contacts

Rob Erickson
Rob Erickson
Primary Leader
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 27.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 6,000 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 3,400 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2.0

Meet 11 AM at the Wenas Wildlife Area entrance gate off of Buffalo Road--Selah, WA.  More details and carpooling information to follow.  Discover Pass Required

The leader has done this trip before and it is a springtime gem.  We will gain about 2000' each day and enjoy fabulous views of the Yakima River Canyon and surrounding area. Expect wildlife, great wildflowers, cactus and campfires.  On day two we will carry a light pack and practice off-trail travel up to Umatilla Ridge for more great views.  An Ursack or Bear Canister, and trekking poles are required equipment.

This is an instructional trip where the leader will be sharing "how to lead a backpack trip" throughout the weekend via demonstration, modeling and short lessons.  Student will be given a chance to practice these skills,  and develop their own style of leading.

Route/Place

Yakima Skyline Ridge

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

The Ten Essentials plus overnight gear which may include:

  • Tent with footprint/ground tarp
  • Stove and fuel
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Water filter
  • Bear canister or Ursack 
  • Cooking pot/pan with plate and utensils
  • Toilet paper and shovel or blue bag to deal with waste
  • Extra warm clothing, hats and gloves
  • Two trekking poles
  • Fire starter
Trip Reports