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Students backpacking outdoors.
Waves

Outdoor Program

Explore the Great Outdoors

From Beginners to Avid Adventurers

Whether you’re a curious newbie or an avid adventurer, the Outdoor Program (OP) offers something for you. With a state-of-the-art climbing center, a full schedule of weekend trips, and for-credit courses, the OP provides countless opportunities to discover a new enthusiasm for outdoor recreation or to hone your skills in an activity you’re already passionate about. 

Whitman Student using the climbing wall on campus.
Group of Whitman student backpacking in the mountains.
Whitman students rafting.
Whitman community member ice climbing.
Outdoor Program adventuring in the desert.
Whitman Students soaking up the sun and enjoying an OP trip to a waterfall.
A tent with Whitman students in a canyon at night fall.
A tent with Whitman students in a canyon in the early morning.
Two Whitman student walking through the forrest covered in snow.

Experience the Unexpected

Fall break trip on the Salmon River in the SSRA River Guide Leadership course courtesy of Xueyun Sherry Wen ’24.

Sign Up Today, Whitman Adventurers!

Looking for an outdoor experience or interested in a first-aid course? Check out the OP’s online portal, Compass.

Students walking in the outdoors
Adventure Awaits

The Outdoors Is for Everyone

The Outdoor Program runs trips most weekends throughout the school year. Open to all Whitman students, most OP trips are designed for beginners with little to no experience, but a small portion of trips are for intermediate or advanced levels (and will be indicated as such). Activities include kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, rafting, skiing, snow-shoeing, ice climbing and more! The Bob Carson Outdoor Fund can help cover some OP activity fees.

Experience the Pacific Northwest

Discover the Thrill of Outdoor Adventure

Looking to explore the great outdoors or improve your skills? The Whitman College Outdoor Program (OP) offers equipment rentals and purchases, a state-of-the-art climbing wall, and SSRA classes with weekend trips. Join us for an outdoor adventure!

Connect the Past and Present

Learn about the long human history of our region through place-based lessons and stories out in the field. OP trips create meaningful connections to this land as it was in the past, as it is now and as it may become in the future.

Mission Statement

The Outdoor Program is committed to providing equitable access for all to the outdoors. The Outdoor Program fosters personal growth, facilitates learning and creates recreational opportunities through skills and risk management training, leadership development, and environmentally sound trips in a supportive community.

Register for trips, trainings and activities with the Outdoor Program.

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