WOMEN WILD
Calling all WOMEN, FEMMES, and NON-BINARY adventurers!
Whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran backpacker, WOMEN WILD has something for you! WOMEN WILD offers numerous opportunities to explore our state's vast wilderness with an experienced guide, take classes in various topics to improve your confidence in the backcountry, and connect with other like-minded adventurers!
KEEN's Education Director, Carlyn Saunders (she/her), is a long-distance hiker and adventurer who has logged 4,000+ miles of backpacking, including the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail in 2019. Carlyn has been guiding kids and adults on wilderness trips since 2007 and she's thrilled to show you the best of Washington State!
As we say on trail, “You must learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.” WOMEN WILD trips will challenge you mentally and physically and build on your existing skills. You will learn how to find your own strength as well as draw on the strength of community from your guide and adventure partners.
You do not need experience to participate and enjoy WOMEN WILD trips! If you are a true beginner, Carlyn will guide you through gear, logistics, and trail prep. Ask questions when you need to and soak up all the information from Carlyn and your new friends. If you’re seasoned, we guarantee you will learn something new that will only make you more confident.
Gear is a crucial piece of the backcountry puzzle and a decent amount is needed. While we will always recommend having your own, it is not a requirement to begin adventuring. There are plenty of ways to try out these activities without spending $$$. Carlyn has a lot of spare gear to lend out and there are also several rental opportunities locally to utilize. Suggested gear lists for each trip will go out and if you don’t have something, we will find the best way to get it for you.
Each trip will be a unique experience, changing based on weather, season, distance, etc. Trips are fully guided excursions where Carlyn takes care of everything! Meals, group equipment, water filtration, first aid, local transportation, campsite fees and permits are all covered for you.
To sign up, simply click the REGISTER NOW! button above. Enrollsy is our primary registration platform for all KEEN Adventure Programs. You will find WOMEN WILD trips under "2023-2024 KEEN Adventure Programs (September-August). For any additional help or questions, contact Carlyn at carlynsaunders@keenetwork.org
Trip Descriptions
Spectacle Lake, PCT
Dates: July 22-24, 2024
Difficulty: 3
Cost: $575
Spaces: 7
This 3-day trip meanders through beautiful pine forests and crests at the stunning Spectacle Lake located on the renowned Pacific Crest Trail. Slow down and enjoy the lakes, rivers, and gorgeous valleys on this 18-mile trip.
Trip Highlights
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Disconnect on the banks of a pristine alpine lake, even take a dip in its cold waters to beat the summer heat!
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Catch the early part of the annual Perseid meteor shower (July 17-August 24) while sipping hot cocoa.
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Get your boots dirty on the famous Pacific Crest Trail, a national scenic trail that spans 2,680 miles from Mexico to Canada!
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Create lifelong memories with other exceptional and unique humans.
Activities
This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Participants will carry their own backpacks weighing 25-35 pounds, distances of 4-9 miles daily over varied terrain. To maximize the enjoyment of the trip, we strongly encourage participants to be involved in a training regimen before the trip. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level. Nearly all hiking takes place at elevations between 3,000'-5,000' above sea level.
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backpacking
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hiking
What's Included
Professional instruction and guiding; meals as noted on the daily itinerary; 1-2 person tents (if needed); group cooking gear; group first aid kit; water filter; campsite and permit fees; transportation between trailheads and Ellensburg, WA.
Accommodations
Backcountry camping, two nights
YOUR ADVENTURE INTINERARY
*Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Spectacle Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area
Pacific Crest Trail sign
DAY 1
Our adventure begins this morning in Ellensburg, WA, where you will meet your guide and fellow travelers. After a brief orientation, pack check, and equitable distribution of group gear, we depart in our group transportation to Pete Lake Trailhead to start our adventure. Our hike follows the Cooper River upstream to its headwaters at Pete Lake. After setting up camp, there is time to swim and explore. You'll enjoy a tasty meal prepared by your guide and sleep beneath a blanket of pine trees. Lunch and dinner included.
Backpacking: 4.5 miles, 400' elevation gain
DAY 2
We'll wake to the smell of brewing coffee and take our time to enjoy a hearty backcountry breakfast. Camp packed and boots laced we'll ford Lemah Creek and meet up with the Pacific Crest Trail for our only substantial elevation gain on the trip ending at the side trail to Spectacle Lake. Another short day means plenty of time to explore, swim, and bask in the Central Washington sunshine. All meals included.
Backpacking: 4.75 miles, 1400' elevation gain
DAY 3
After enjoying our morning on the banks of majestic Spectacle Lake, we'll start our descent back to the trailhead. We'll enjoy our lunch break at Pete Lake and bid the mountains a final farewell. Depending on trail conditions, weather, and other factors, we estimate arriving back in Ellensburg, WA in the late afternoon/early evening. Breakfast and lunch included.
Backpacking: 9 miles, 1600' elevation loss
Goat Rocks Wilderness
Dates: July 26-28, 2024
Difficulty: 3
Cost: $575
Spaces: 7
This 3-day trip visits stunning alpine meadows and a glacial lake while hiking along incredible ridgelines with views of Rainier, Adams, and Helens. Lower mileage means we can spend more time relaxing- or exploring the famous Knife’s Edge!
Trip Highlights
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Climb to a hidden glacial green alpine lake with views of three Cascade volcanoes.
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Catch the early part of the annual Perseid meteor shower (July 17-August 24) while sipping hot cocoa.
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Explore the infamous Knife's Edge and Packwood glacier
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Create lifelong memories with other exceptional and unique humans.
Activities
This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Participants will carry their own backpacks weighing 25-35 pounds, distances of 4-9 miles daily over varied terrain. To maximize the enjoyment of the trip, we strongly encourage participants to be involved in a training regimen before the trip. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level. Nearly all hiking takes place at elevations between 3,000'-5,000' above sea level.
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backpacking
-
hiking
What's Included
Professional instruction and guiding; meals as noted on the daily itinerary; 1-2 person tents (if needed); group cooking gear; group first aid kit; water filter; campsite and permit fees; transportation between trailheads and Ellensburg, WA.
Accommodations
Backcountry camping, two nights
YOUR ADVENTURE INTINERARY
*Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Wildflowers, Goat Rocks Wilderness
DAY 1
Our adventure begins this morning in Ellensburg, WA, where you will meet your guide and fellow travelers. After a brief orientation, pack check, and equitable distribution of group gear, we depart in our group transportation to Berry Patch Trailhead to start our adventure. Camping options will vary and are first-come first serve, so we will explore our options as a group. Lunch and dinner included.
Backpacking: 4-5 miles, 2000' elevation gain
DAY 2
This day is all about side quests! With only 3-4 miles to our second camp, we will have plenty of chances to explore Goat Lake, walk across the Packwood glacier, and even trek out to the infamous Knife's Edge for phenomenal views of the hanging glacial valley and Mt Rainier along the Pacific Crest Trail. We'll finish at Snowgrass Flats were the wildflowers are plentiful. All meals included.
Backpacking: 3-6 miles, 1500' elevation gain
DAY 3
We'll enjoy an easy morning, soaking up the sunshine, wildflowers, and coffee before hiking our final section downhill to the parking lot. Depending on trail conditions, weather, and other factors, we estimate arriving back in Ellensburg, WA in the early evening. Breakfast and lunch included.
Backpacking: 5 miles, 1500' elevation loss
Goat Lake, Goat Rocks Wilderness
Necklace Valley Loop
Dates: August 8-11, 2024
Difficulty: 4
Cost: $685
Spaces: 7
This 4-day trip traverses some of the most breathtaking mountains, lake basins, and wildflowers imaginable. High passes and some off-trail navigation, make this a challenging and rewarding 22-mile loop.
Trip Highlights
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Climb to the otherworldly granite basins of Washington's Cascade mountains.
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Catch the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower (July 17-August 24) while sipping hot cocoa.
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Explore off trail and learn to navigate an alpine "high route" with an expert
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Create lifelong memories with other exceptional and unique humans.
Activities
This trip is rated Vigorous [4]. Participants will carry their own backpacks weighing 30-40 pounds at high elevation for several miles over steep, exposed and rock terrain, with constant and dramatic elevation gain and/or loss exceeding 2,000' or more per day at distances of 6-10 miles daily. To maximize the enjoyment of the trip, we strongly encourage participants to be involved in a training regimen before the trip. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level. Nearly all hiking takes place at elevations between 4,000'-6,000' above sea level.
-
backpacking
-
hiking
What's Included
Professional instruction and guiding; meals as noted on the daily itinerary; 1-2 person tents (if needed); group cooking gear; group first aid kit; water filter; campsite and permit fees; transportation between trailheads and Ellensburg, WA.
Accommodations
Backcountry camping, three nights
YOUR ADVENTURE INTINERARY
*Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Chetwoot Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area
Tank Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area
Trail emerging into the sub-alpine zone
DAY 1
Our adventure begins this morning in Ellensburg, WA, where you will meet your guide and fellow travelers. Your guide will offer a primer on wilderness camping that covers such subjects as proper tent set-up in all conditions, sleeping comfort, and backcountry bathroom etiquette. After this brief orientation, pack check, and equitable distribution of group gear, we depart in our group transportation to West Fork Foss Lakes Trailhead to start our adventure. Mileage will be kept low to accommodate the hefty climb on our first day. Lunch and dinner included.
Backpacking: 4 miles, 2400' elevation gain
DAY 2
We'll start with a hearty breakfast and coffee before winding our way higher into the mountains, alongside several more beautiful lakes. Heading deeper into the alpine means rocky crags, fragile wildflowers, mountain goats, and more! Throughout the day, your guide will give you a crash course in map navigation that will be needed for day three's off-trail "high route". Look forward to a campside evening program after dinner. All meals included.
Backpacking: 5.3 miles, 2000' elevation gain
DAY 3
This day is by far our most adventurous; off-trail travel can be intimidating to many, but with a knowledgeable guide and good map skills, the experience is certain to thrill you. We'll enjoy our lunch break beneath Iron Camp Mountain and meet back with the established trail for the final mile to camp. There we will rest of tired bodies and reflect on the experience over a delicious meal. If the weather permits, we should get to see some of the meteor shower! All meals included.
Backpacking: 4-6 miles, 1450' elevation gain
DAY 4
The final day of a big trip is always bitter sweet, but we will enjoy the long descent back in the trees and the waiting vehicles. Depending on trail conditions, weather, and other factors, we estimate arriving back in Ellensburg, WA in the early evening. Breakfast and lunch included.
Backpacking: 7.5 miles, 3200' elevation loss
Gear Lists
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary and items that have multiple uses.
We Provide:
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All group cooking gear
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Group first aid kit
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Stoves and fuel
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Tents (if needed)
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Water filter
What to Pack:
Required Gear
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Backpacking Pack (40-60L)
Recommended Gear
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Backpacking Pack (40-60L)
You might also consider...
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Backpacking Pack (40-60L)
Trip Forms (emailed prior to departure date)
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Health Forms
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Waivers
What's Included
Professional instruction and guiding; meals as noted on the daily itinerary; 1-2 person tents (if needed); group cooking gear; group first aid kit; water filter; campsite and permit fees; transportation between trailheads and Ellensburg, WA.
Accommodations
Backcountry camping, three nights
YOUR ADVENTURE INTINERARY
*Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Chetwoot Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area
Tank Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area
Trail emerging into the sub-alpine zone
DAY 1
Our adventure begins this morning in Ellensburg, WA, where you will meet your guide and fellow travelers. Your guide will offer a primer on wilderness camping that covers such subjects as proper tent set-up in all conditions, sleeping comfort, and backcountry bathroom etiquette. After this brief orientation, pack check, and equitable distribution of group gear, we depart in our group transportation to West Fork Foss Lakes Trailhead to start our adventure. Mileage will be kept low to accommodate the hefty climb on our first day. Lunch and dinner included.
Backpacking: 4 miles, 2400' elevation gain
DAY 2
We'll start with a hearty breakfast and coffee before winding our way higher into the mountains, alongside several more beautiful lakes. Heading deeper into the alpine means rocky crags, fragile wildflowers, mountain goats, and more! Throughout the day, your guide will give you a crash course in map navigation that will be needed for day three's off-trail "high route". Look forward to a campside evening program after dinner. All meals included.
Backpacking: 5.3 miles, 2000' elevation gain
DAY 3
This day is by far our most adventurous; off-trail travel can be intimidating to many, but with a knowledgeable guide and good map skills, the experience is certain to thrill you. We'll enjoy our lunch break beneath Iron Camp Mountain and meet back with the established trail for the final mile to camp. There we will rest of tired bodies and reflect on the experience over a delicious meal. If the weather permits, we should get to see some of the meteor shower! All meals included.
Backpacking: 4-6 miles, 1450' elevation gain
DAY 4
The final day of a big trip is always bitter sweet, but we will enjoy the long descent back in the trees and the waiting vehicles. Depending on trail conditions, weather, and other factors, we estimate arriving back in Ellensburg, WA in the early evening. Breakfast and lunch included.
Backpacking: 7.5 miles, 3200' elevation loss