Kick back after hiking in the Elkhorn Mountains or paddle boarding on Wallowa Lake during upcoming camping trips.

Outdoor Program summer adventures

Contact: Michael Hatch | Outdoor Program Coordinator
541-962-3621 | mhatch@eou.edu

June 25, 2015

LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – Eastern Oregon University students are invited to join the Outdoor Program this summer for weekend adventures in the Elkhorn and Wallowa mountains.

Up first is a backpacking trip to Van Patten Lake in the Elkhorns, Saturday and Sunday, July 11-12. The moderate 1.5 mile hike to the lake has about a 1,000-foot elevation gain.

Participants will spend one night camped at the lake where there are ample opportunities for swimming, fishing, peak bagging and enjoying the view. Space is limited to 12 students and the cost is $20, which includes gear rental and food.

Get all the gear needed for the trip at 9 a.m. on departure day at the Outdoor Program Office in the Hoke Union Building, Room 118. Dinner and breakfast will be provided, but students need to bring their own lunches and snack items. The drive from campus to the trailhead is approximately 45-minutes and the group plans to return to La Grande by 4 p.m. Sunday.

More opportunities for camping, hiking and other activities will be available during an excursion to Wallowa Lake and the surrounding area, Friday and Saturday, July 31-August 1.

Participants will camp Friday night, take a short hike to Hurricane Creek Saturday morning, then head to the lake for an afternoon of paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and more. Space is limited to 11 students and the cost is $35, which includes breakfast, gear rental and transportation.

Camping essentials, including tents and sleeping bags, will be available to pick up at 4 p.m. on departure day at the Outdoor Program Office. Students should bring personal items for one night of car camping.

Dinner will be at Terminal Gravity in Enterprise and breakfast will be provided. The Outdoor Program will also provide stand-up paddle boards and kayaks. The group plans to return to campus by 4 p.m. Saturday.

Sign up at the Outdoor Program Office from 12-5 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, or contact Michael Hatch, Outdoor Program coordinator, at mhatch@eou.edu or 541-962-3621.