a person in a red jacket stands atop a bluff overlooking the ocean
The central Oregon Coast is a spectacular landscape of beaches, sand dunes, transition forest, and lakes. On this trip you’ll alternate between days of hiking coastal trails or playing on giant sand dunes. These coastal sand dunes are one of the largest temperate sand dunes in the world. They are so spectacular that they even inspired Frank Herbert to write his famous epic novel, Dune!
About 3.5 hours southwest of Portland is Camp Cleawox, a summer camp property that that will only house other New Student Trips during your stay. The camp sits on the shores of Cleawox Lake, a body of freshwater formed by the massive dunes that now divide it from the ocean. You’ll spend time bonding with your small group, and also meet other new students whose trip is based at this location. Come see why the Oregon Coast is a premiere destination for outdoor enthusiasts!
Example Itinerary:
(actual itinerary will be adjusted to the weather and group)
Arrival Day: Arrive to campus in the morning, meet your group and collect any outdoor gear you are borrowing from College Outdoors. Eat lunch on campus, then drive about 3.5 hours to the destination.
Day 2: See giant waves crash against the rocky bluffs as you hike hike along the coast
Day 3: Dunes day! Play in Oregon’s largest sand dunes.
Day 4: Visit a botanical park dedicated to carnivorous plants
Day 5: Beach day. Also LC night! Learn about Lewis & Clark from current students.
Day 6: Final hiking day of the trip!
Final Day: Return to campus, clean up gear, move into residence halls
The Oregon Coast has some of the most spectacular scenery in North America. Temperate rainforests house millions of species of flora and fauna, and ancient, towering dunes line the coast of the Pacific Ocean. The salt spray hangs in the air and you can actually smell the marine environment here. Groves of ancient forests, surviving the loggers who arrived from Europe, still command a cathedral-like presence and offer every possible shade of green. The Oregon coast is known for its numerous offshore rocks and islands that are designated as wildlife refuges as well as its seemingly endless expanses of sand dunes. The rich coastal forests and waterways are the traditional lands of the Chinook, Willapa, Lower Chinook, Clatsup, Kathlamet, and Nahalem tribes. Keep an eye out for colorful starfish, tufted puffin, dinosaur-like cormorants, elusive seals, enormous sea-lions, curious otter, and Roosevelt elk.
The Camp Cleawox satellite campsites feature rustic open-air Adirondack cabins with bunk beds. Each campsite also has their own fire pits, picnic tables, running water, and private outhouses or bathrooms. Your group will work together to prepare meals in the modern industrial kitchen located in the central camp lodge. Although the camp will have other New Student Trip groups staying in campsites nearby, your group will have your own outdoor and indoor space to gather, prepare meals, and relax around the campfire. The campsites are situated away from the main lodge, just a short walk away from the freshwater beach on Cleawox Lake, and along forest trails.
Each day we’ll hike along the Pacific coast in ancient forests, on beaches, and across the dunes. The trails we’ll be hiking are rated moderate, with more strenuous trails and longer mileage as options for people who’d like the challenge. The group expects to hike about 3 to 6 miles a day wearing daypacks.
No hiking experience required! We’ll teach you everything you need to know.
Break in your hiking boots: If you are getting new-to-you boots for this trip, you’ll want to wear them around in the weeks leading up to the trip. New boots + long treks = painful blisters. It is very important to break in your boots by wearing them with a pack for extended periods prior to your trip.
Get moving: It’s a great idea to walk or run this summer to get yourself into shape. This trip is rated as moderate physical rigor.
We eat well on this trip! Your group will work together to prepare meals in the modern industrial kitchen located in the central camp lodge.
Some examples of typical meals include: pizza, burritos, and mac & cheese, and we love delicious snacks! This trip can accommodate any dietary restrictions and allergies, as long as you let us know about them ahead of time.
For vegan and other non-medical specialty diets, there is an additional charge. There is no extra cost for vegetarian diets or medical allergy restrictions.
Cost: $895. Financial aid is applied for high-need students who qualify. Vegan and non-medical specialty diets have an additional $25 charge. Vegetarian diets and food allergies do not have an additional fee.
These forms can be completed only after you have received a trip placement email, and are due by Wednesday, June 17, 2026. You will need to log into your L&C Portal to complete these forms.
