Wolverine Tracking Project Survey Trips

After all of the trainings are completed, the survey trips to the Mt Hood National Forest begin.

Survey trips take place mid-December through March. Trips are led by two experienced winter trackers, so that you can experience the outdoors and further your understanding of nature in a safe group environment. To provide an optimal learning environment and fun group size, trips are limited to 10 people, including the two experienced trip leaders. Participants may sign up for as many or as few trips as they want. Most trips are day long excursions that leave at 8 AM, and return in the evening. We aim to be back in Portland by 7 pm at the latest. In addition, there are a few snow camping trips each year. There are usually between 15 to 20 survey trips each winter, most of which happen on a weekend, the majority on a Saturday. Since tracking is very dependent on good snow conditions, trip location is not determined until the week of the trip. The curriculum is variable, depending on participant's skill level and needs and what we find on trips, though tracking basics will always be reviewed. After you sign up for a trip, your trip leader will contact you earlier in the week with details. Trip leaders reserve the right to cancel trips in the case of unusually bad tracking conditions or dangerous winter storms.

Before you can sign up for a trip, you must register to be part of the project. Trip sign ups will start in December, after all of the trainings are completed. Participants must sign up to reserve a spot for each trip they wish to attend. More information on how to sign up for a trip will be given at the training. If you can no longer attend a trip you are signed up for, please let us know as soon as possible, since others may be waiting for your spot.

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Click here to sign up for a trip.

TYPES OF TRIPS
We offer several different types of trips.

Regular Trips: 
These are designed for new and experienced trackers alike. We require moderate physical ability; participants must be able to snowshoe up to 2 miles through various terrain.  Children over 8 years old are welcome, provided that they are accompanied by a responsible adult and are able to meet the physical requirements.

Easy trips: 
These trips are designed for families with young children or for people who might have difficulty with the regular trips.

Snow Camping:
These trips are designed for people with experience in winter travel and in good physical condition. Participants must provide their own gear. Prerequisites: at least one regular tracking trip, basic understanding about outdoor safety, and the physical ability for a full two days of hiking/snowshoeing.


TRIP DATES 2012-13
Dec 8
Dec 9
Dec 15
Dec 16
Dec 22 Family trip
Jan 5
Jan 12 Family trip
Jan 13
Jan 26
Jan 27
Feb 2
Feb 9-10 Overnight
Feb 16
Feb 23
March 2-3 Overnight
March 9
March 10 Family trip
March 16
March 30

WHAT TO BRING
Participants are responsible for bringing snowshoes, cold-weather clothing, and safety gear. 

Don't have snowshoes or cold-weather clothes?
Cascadia Wild has two pairs of adult snowshoes and two pairs of kid's snowshoes to lend out on a first-come first-serve basis. To reserve snowshoes, email us when you sign up for the trip. We also have various cold-weather clothing to loan out. If you need to borrow clothing, see us before the trip to be sure we have what you need.

Click here for our packing list.


CARPOOLS
In an effort to reduce our impact on the environment, we encourage participants to carpool to Mt Hood as much as possible. Carpools usually leave from our office at 8 AM sharp, unless you are told otherwise by  your trip leader. Please arrive early so that you have time to check out safety gear and load into vehicles.

If you can offer a ride, it will be greatly appreciated! We haven't had to turn anyone away yet for lack of transportation. A big thank you to all our drivers! Drivers must be comfortable driving in winter conditions, and highway regulations require that tire chains be carried. If you can drive, please let your trip leader know so they can pass that on to participants who need a ride.

If you need a ride, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have one. Contact your trip leader, and they will let you know if there are drivers available. Drivers are volunteering their time, fuel, and mileage on their vehicles, so a contribution of $5-10 is encouraged.

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