Spring 2025 Trips

*Trip offered in Spring Semesters*

Description:

This trip serves as an intro to the world of backcountry skiing, also known as alpine touring.  Previous downhill skiing experience is helpful, but not required.  Trip leaders will provide some pre-trip education, a discussion of the different gear involved, and the gear you will need to get out and ski.  In years previous, this trip has taken place at Moose Mountain, about a 20 minute drive north of campus.  Transportation to and from the mountain, as well as a day skinning pass at the hill and trip leaders to guide you up are provided for this fun day out.  Plan to work hard!

Typical Itinerary:

9:00am                 -Meet at Outdoor Adventures

11:00am                -Arrive at Moose Mountain, stop by the lodge to get skinning passes, and then skin up the hill!

3:00pm                 -Return to vehicles and head back to UAF

Things to bring:

• AT Skis
• Skins
• AT Boots
• Adjustable ski poles
• Helmet
• Synthetic or wool long underwear tops and bottoms
• Softshell or wind jacket
• Fleece shirt or wool sweater
• Puffy coat for breaks
• Day pack
• Snacks and water
• Snow pants and shell jacket for snow and wind protection
• Warm winter gloves or mitts
• Warm (wool or synthetic) socks
• Warm wool or fleece hat
• Neck gaiter

Bold items can be provided as a part of the trip.

Safety and Risk Management:

Due to the nature of outdoor travel there are certain inherent risks in all of Outdoor Adventure’s trips. Acceptable risks include but are not limited to: hiking up and down steep inclines with muddy and loose footing, hiking in winter conditions. Conditions may include below freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, rain, sleet and high winds.  Driving risks may include slick roads, poor visibility and wildlife. Alaska is a wild place - you need to take ultimate responsibility for your own safety as only you can.

*Trip is typically offered in the spring semester*

Trip description:

For this trip, Outdoor Adventures partners with a representative of Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G)  to explore Creamer's Field.  Around this time of year, Canadian Geese, trumpeter swans, and other migratory birds are making their way north and stop by Fairbanks to feed and rest.  On this trip, you can expect to trek around the field, along some forested trails (often wet and slushy this time of year) and spend an afternoon learning about birds from an expert!

Typical Itinerary:

11:00am                                  - Meet at the Outdoor Adventures office in the SRC.

11:30am                                  - Arrive at Creamer's Field, and begin hiking (potentially snowshoeing) along the trails.

2:00pm                                  - Return to Outdoor Adventures.

Things to bring:

• Daypack - a small backpack to carry all of your gear for the day
• Warm clothes - dress in layers so you can adjust your temperature throughout the day
• Snowshoes (possibly)
• Boots or trail shoes for hiking, with sturdy soles.  Prepare for snow on the trails
• Light puffy coat
• Shell jacket for wind protection
• Warm hat
• Gloves/mittens
• Snacks
• 1 liter of water
• Optional but recommended: Binoculars, small camera

Bold items can be provided by OA for free as a part of the trip.

Safety and Risk Management:

Due to the nature of outdoor travel there are certain inherent risks in all of Outdoor Adventure’s trips.  Acceptable risks include but are not limited to: hiking up and down steep inclines with muddy and loose footing, and hiking in winter conditions.  Conditions may include freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, rain, sleet and high winds.  Driving risks may include slick roads, poor visibility and wildlife.  Alaska is a wild place - you need to take ultimate responsibility for your own safety as only you can. For your protection we require you to carry health insurance.  You can purchase insurance for $2.60/day from the University (ask for details). All info is subject to change due to safety, weather, current conditions, etc.! 

 

*Trip is typically offered in fall and/or spring semesters*

Trip description:

We will be hiking or skiing out to a cabin near Fairbanks or Delta Junction.  Previous cabins our program has reserved include Kens Pond cabin, Lower Angel Creek cabin, and the Compeau cabin.  This wilderness cabin trip can provide a unique winter experience, or a warm, early spring experience depending on the time of year.  The remote setting provides a relaxing break from busy student life too.  Trip cost includes food, transportation, gear, and trip leaders.

Typical Itinerary:

Thursday before the trip

6:00pm                                 - Required pre-trip meeting at the OA office.  Bring all the gear that you're taking on the trip.

Saturday

8:00am                                  - Meet at the OA office in the SRC. Gear up, and depart.

10:00am                                - Arrive at trailhead.

Sunday

8:00am                                  - Breakfast.

10:00am                                - Pack up, clean up cabin, head back to the vehicles.

5:00pm                                 - Arrive back at UAF.

Things to bring:

• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• Backpack
• Ski boots
• Skis + poles
• Potential option: snowshoes
• Shell jacket
• Shell pants or snow/ski pants
• 2-synthetic or wool long underwear bottoms (1 light and 1 heavy)
• 2-synthetic or wool tops (1 light and 1 heavy)
• Fleece pants or puffy pants
• Fleece jacket or wool sweater
• Puffy coat
• 3-pairs of warm (wool or synthetic) socks
• 2-Warm wool or fleece hats
• 2-Gloves and/or mittens
• Neck gaiter
• Cup, bowl, spork
• TP in ziplock bag
• 2-one liter water bottles
• Personal medication, necessary toiletries
• Book, journal and pencil, playing cards, etc.
• Headlamp
• Camp booties for in the cabin
• Optional: crocs or slip on shoes for outhouse visits

Safety and Risk Management:

Due to the nature of outdoor travel there are certain inherent risks in all of Outdoor Adventure’s trips.  Acceptable risks include but are not limited to: hiking up and down steep inclines with muddy and loose footing, and hiking in winter conditions.  Conditions may include freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, rain, sleet and high winds.  Driving risks may include slick roads, poor visibility and wildlife.  Alaska is a wild place - you need to take ultimate responsibility for your own safety as only you can. For your protection we require you to carry health insurance.  You can purchase insurance for $2.60/day from the University (ask for details). All info is subject to change due to safety, weather, current conditions, etc.! 

 

*Trip offered in Spring Semesters*

Description:

Exploring the Castner glacier has recently become one of the most popular outdoor activities for people visiting the interior to do and for good reason. This hike is ideal for any individual's fitness level and the trail is generally well traveled for easy hiking on flat terrain. In the event that there is fresh snow, snowshoes can be provided for the hike. The ice cave is located at the beginning of the Castner glacier roughly 2 miles from the trailhead and has phenomenal scenery of the surrounding mountains and hills of the often overlooked Eastern Alaska range.

Typical Itinerary:

8:00am                 -Meet at Outdoor Adventures

11:00am               -Arrive at Castner creek trailhead and begin hike

2:30pm                 -Return to vehicles and head back to UAF

6:00pm                 -Arrive at UAF

Things to bring:

• Sturdy warm boots (OA has Mountaineering Boots)
• Snowshoes (provided)
• Daypack
• Synthetic or wool long underwear tops and bottoms
• Fleece jacket or wool sweater and/or vest
• Snow pants, hiking pants or shell pants
• Puffy coat
• Warm winter gloves
• Warm (wool or synthetic) socks
• Warm wool or fleece hat and neck gaiter
• One liter water bottle
• Lunch and snacks for full day of travel and hiking

Safety and Risk Management:

Due to the nature of outdoor travel there are certain inherent risks in all of Outdoor Adventure’s trips. Acceptable risks include but are not limited to: hiking up and down steep inclines with muddy and loose footing, hiking in winter conditions. Conditions may include below freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, rain, sleet and high winds.  Driving risks may include slick roads, poor visibility and wildlife. Alaska is a wild place - you need to take ultimate responsibility for your own safety as only you can.

*Trip is typically offered in the spring semester*

Trip description:

We will get an early start on this long day trip canoe adventure.  We will take an early season canoe trip down the waters of the Delta Clearwater River and back up into Clearwater Lake.  Migratory waterfowl will be heading north for the summer.  The Clearwater River is the first river to open up in the spring and is an excellent way to start off the floating season.  The float is about 12 miles long, taking about 4-6 hours to canoe.

Typical Itinerary:

7:00am                                 - Meet at the OA office in the SRC. Gear up, and depart.

11:00am                                - Put-in on the Delta Clearwater.

1:00pm                                  - Lunch on the water.

8:00pm                                 - Arrive back at UAF.

Things to bring:

• Optional dry suits, Neoprene booties and gloves (OA will provide)
• PFD (OA will provide)
• Small dry bag (OA will provide)
• Rubber boots or warm river footwear if not using drysuit
• Mid or light fleece top and bottoms
• Hiking or quick dry pants
• Light puffy coat
• 2 pairs of thick wool socks
• Extra layers for slightly warmer or colder conditions
• Wool or fleece hat
• Sunglasses
• Snacks and lunch, 1-2 water bottles
• $10-$20 for possible snack stop on the way back

Safety and Risk Management:

Due to the nature of outdoor travel there are certain inherent risks in all of Outdoor Adventure’s trips.  Acceptable risks include but are not limited to: hiking up and down steep inclines with muddy and loose footing, and hiking in winter conditions.  Conditions may include freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, rain, sleet and high winds.  Driving risks may include slick roads, poor visibility and wildlife.  Alaska is a wild place - you need to take ultimate responsibility for your own safety as only you can. For your protection we require you to carry health insurance.  You can purchase insurance for $2.60/day from the University (ask for details). All info is subject to change due to safety, weather, current conditions, etc.! 

 

*This trip is offered in both the Spring and Fall semesters"

Next scheduled offering is Saturday, March 23rd 2024. Sign up HERE

Description:

Ice climbing at Dragonfly or Fox Creek outside the Denali National Park boundary.  These classic waterfalls are a great introduction for those new to the sport or a wonderful opportunity to improve your ice climbing skillset if you have already ice climbed. We will be climbing on top-ropes using ice tools and crampons to scale a beautiful frozen Alaskan waterfall.

Typical Itinerary:

7:00am            -Meet at Outdoor Adventures

10:30am          -Arrive at the climbing site and hike to the climbs  

4:00pm            -Return to vehicles and head back with a possible dinner stop

7:00pm            -Arrive at UAF

Things to bring:

• Double Plastic boots(Provided by OA)
• Crampons (Provided by OA)
• Helmet (Provided by OA)
• Harness (Provided by OA)
• Warm Wool Socks
• Daypack - to carry food, water, gear, and spare clothes for the day
• Warm (non-cotton) clothes
  • Synthetic or wool Base layer; top and bottom
  • Fleece jacket / pants
  • Hard shell pants and jacket to repel water and wind
  • Puffy jacket for chilly belays
  • 2 Hats, 2+gloves and mittens
  • Neck gaiter
• Lunch and snacks for a long day out
• Water bottles (1-2 quarts/liters total)

Safety and Risk Management:

Due to the nature of outdoor travel there are certain inherent risks in all of Outdoor Adventure’s trips.  Acceptable risks include but are not limited to; hiking over rough uneven terrain with a heavy backpack on, hiking up and down steep inclines with icy and loose footing, using sharp tools and crampons with the potential for personal injury and ice and rock fall while climbing. Climbers will be roped in and wear helmets during all climbing which may be as high as 70 feet.  Conditions may include temperatures-20F or colder, snow, sleet, high winds and very low wind-chill.  Driving risks may include slick, icy roads, poor visibility and wildlife.

*Trip typically offered in spring and fall semesters*

Trip description:

OA fishing trips can take place in either the spring or fall semesters, but depending on the time of year can operate quite differently.  Outdoor Adventures partners with a knowledgeable representative of Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) to take students fishing along the Upper Chena River in the fall, and ice fishing along the Tanana River in the winter.  The Upper Chena provides a great opportunity to try and catch Arctic Grayling - a small, colorful fish with a sail-like dorsal fin; ice fishing on the other hand centers around Burbot (pronounced like "burr-bit") - a yellowish-black, eel-like fish known for its good taste.

 

Typical Itinerary (autumn, fishing):

9:00am                                 - Meet at the Outdoor Adventures office in the SRC. Gear up, and depart.

10:00am                               - Arrive at the Upper Chena river, begin fishing

3:00pm                                 - Pack up and head home

4:00pm                                 - Arrive back at UAF

 

Typical Itinerary (spring/winter, ice fishing):

Saturday

11:00am                                 - Meet at OA and gear up for making the burbot line

12:00pm                                - Hike out on the Tanana River to line location; set the line

2:00pm                                  - Return to UAF

Sunday

11:00am                                  - Meet at OA

12:00pm                                 - Hike out to the burbot line and check for fish

2:00pm                                   - Take out line and return to UAF

 

Things to bring (autumn, fishing):

• Daypack- backpack to carry all of your gear for the day that you can hike with
• Water boots (OA can supply neoprene water shoes)
• Softshell jacket or wind jacket (rain coat will work)
• Fleece shirt or wool sweater
• Sunglasses or other eye protection
• Neoprene gloves
• Lunch, snacks, and water
• Fishing license

 

Things to bring (spring/winter, ice fishing):

• Daypack- backpack to carry all of your gear for the day
• Synthetic or wool long underwear tops and bottoms
• Softshell jacket or wind jacket (rain coat will work)
• Fleece shirt or wool sweater
• Puffy coat
• Snow pants or shell pants that block wind
• Warm winter gloves or mittens
• Warm (wool or synthetic) socks
• Warm (wool or fleece) hat
• Neck gaiter
• Snacks and water
• Fishing license

 

If you'd like to take part in any of the fishing on these trips, a fishing license is required (a sport fishing license costs $20) .  A link to the fishing license page of ADF&G is included below.

Link to ADF&G: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=sportlicense.main

 

Safety and Risk Management:

Due to the nature of outdoor travel there are certain inherent risks in all of Outdoor Adventure’s trips.  Acceptable risks include but are not limited to: hiking over rough uneven terrain with a heavy backpack on, hiking up and down steep inclines with muddy and loose footing and rock fall while climbing. Climbers will be roped in and wear helmets during all climbing which may be as high as 60 feet.  Conditions may include freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, rain, sleet and high winds.  Driving risks may include slick roads, poor visibility and wildlife.  Alaska is a wild place - you need to take ultimate responsibility for your own safety as only you can. For your protection we require you to carry health insurance.  You can purchase insurance for $2.60/day from the University (ask for details). All info is subject to change due to safety, weather, current conditions, etc.!  Rock climbing in the rain is not functional so the trip will be cancelled if it is wet and rainy.

*Trip is offered in both spring and fall semesters*

Next scheduled offering is Saturday, April 27th 2024. Sign up HERE.

Trip description:

Climbing at Grapefruit Rocks in the White Mountains to the north of town is an awesome way to enjoy fall or spring in the interior. Beginners are encouraged to try some climbing with us. Veteran climbers will have the opportunity to learn more about the local crag. All equipment provided, no experience required, but show up willing to work hard on the hike up to the rocks.

Typical Itinerary:

9:00am                                 - Meet at the OA office in the SRC. Gear up, and depart.

10:30am                               - Arrive at trailhead and hike to Grapefruit Rocks

11:00am-4:00pm              - Climb 

4:00pm                                 - Drive back to campus

5:00pm                                 - Arrive back at UAF

Things to bring:

• Daypack- backpack to carry all of your gear for the day that you can hike with
• Warm (non-cotton) clothes- dress in layers so you can adjust your temperature throughout the day.
• Boots or trail shoes for hiking with sturdy soles, no sandals. Prepare for snow on the trails.
• Climbing shoes, harness, and helmet (We will provide for those who need them.)
• Light puffy coat for between climbs
• Shell jacket, warm hat and gloves
• Lunch and snacks for a long day out
• Two liters of water (2 Nalgenes/ reusable water bottles)

Safety and Risk Management:

Due to the nature of outdoor travel there are certain inherent risks in all of Outdoor Adventure’s trips.  Acceptable risks include but are not limited to: hiking over rough uneven terrain with a heavy backpack on, hiking up and down steep inclines with muddy and loose footing and rock fall while climbing. Climbers will be roped in and wear helmets during all climbing which may be as high as 60 feet.  Conditions may include freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, rain, sleet and high winds.  Driving risks may include slick roads, poor visibility and wildlife.  Alaska is a wild place - you need to take ultimate responsibility for your own safety as only you can. For your protection we require you to carry health insurance.  You can purchase insurance for $2.60/day from the University (ask for details). All info is subject to change due to safety, weather, current conditions, etc.!  Rock climbing in the rain is not functional so the trip will be cancelled if it is wet and rainy.   

*Trip is offered in the spring semester*

Next scheduled offering is Friday, February 9th 2024. Sign up HERE.

Trip description:

When the days get colder and the nights get longer, aurora sightings generally become more common.  OA partners up with campus photographers to teach students tips and tricks for long exposure photography, who hopefully get a chance to then use those skills photographing the northern lights.  The aurora is hit-or-miss, so a fun alternative we may do instead is light painting.

Typical Itinerary:

8:00pm                                 - Meet at the OA office in the SRC. Gear up, and depart.

9:00pm                                 - Arrive at chosen location.

11:00pm                                 - Return to vehicles and head back to UAF.

12:00am                                 - Arrive back at UAF

Things to bring:

• Camera (can be borrowed from library)
• Tripod (can be borrowed from library)
• Sturdy, warm boots (OA has mountaineering boots)
• Daypack
• Synthetic or wool long underwear tops and bottoms
• Fleece jacket or wool sweater
• Snow pants, or hiking pants, shell pants
• Puffy coat
• Warm winter gloves/mittens
• Warm socks
• Warm wool or fleece hat and neck gaiter
• One liter of water

Safety and Risk Management:

Due to the nature of outdoor travel there are certain inherent risks in all of Outdoor Adventure’s trips.  Acceptable risks include but are not limited to: hiking up and down steep inclines with muddy and loose footing, and hiking in winter conditions.  Conditions may include freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, rain, sleet and high winds.  Driving risks may include slick roads, poor visibility and wildlife.  Alaska is a wild place - you need to take ultimate responsibility for your own safety as only you can. For your protection we require you to carry health insurance.  You can purchase insurance for $2.60/day from the University (ask for details). All info is subject to change due to safety, weather, current conditions, etc.! 

*Trip is typically offered in fall or spring semesters*

Trip description:

This style of trip usually takes place in the evening at Birch Hill.  This popular skiing area is about a 20 minute drive from campus with miles of ski trails.  We supply all the skate skiing gear you will need and instruction.  Skate skiing is fun and fast, but can be frustratingly difficult without a few pointers as you begin to learn.  You will work hard so wear athletic outdoor clothing and bring a puffy coat to put on afterward.  This trip, like all of our trips, is weather dependent.  Forecasted temperatures below -20F automatically cancel this trip.

Typical Itinerary:

5:00pm                                 - Meet at the OA office in the SRC. Gear up for skate skiing, and depart.

5:30pm                                - Head to Birch Hill and start skiing.

7:30pm                                 - Return to UAF.

Things to bring:

• Skate skis, boots, poles
• Synthetic or wool long underwear tops and bottoms
• Soft shell jacket or wind jacket
• Light fleece jacket
• Puffy coat for after skiing
• Synthetic pants that block some wind
• Warm winter gloves or mittens
• Warm wool or synthetic socks
• Thin wool or fleece hat
• Neck gaiter
• Snacks
• Water

Bold items can be provided by OA as a part of the trip.

Safety and Risk Management:

Due to the nature of outdoor travel there are certain inherent risks in all of Outdoor Adventure’s trips.  Acceptable risks include but are not limited to: hiking up and down steep inclines with muddy and loose footing, and hiking in winter conditions.  Conditions may include freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, rain, sleet and high winds.  Driving risks may include slick roads, poor visibility and wildlife.  Alaska is a wild place - you need to take ultimate responsibility for your own safety as only you can. For your protection we require you to carry health insurance.  You can purchase insurance for $2.60/day from the University (ask for details). All info is subject to change due to safety, weather, current conditions, etc.! 

*Trip is typically offered in fall semesters*

Trip description:

We will head out to the White Mountains Recreation area and take the summit trail up onto Wickersham Dome.  The summit trail climbs up into the open country above tree line and has great views of the greater White Mountains region including Mt. Prindle, one of the taller points in the interior.  After exploring the ridge top we will head back down the trail to the road.

Typical Itinerary:

9:00am                                 - Meet at the OA office in the SRC. Gear up, and depart.

11:00am                                - Arrive at Wickersham Dome, hike

6:00pm                                 - Arrive back at UAF.

Things to bring:

• Snowshoes
• Warm winter boots (OA can provide insulated mountaineering boots)
• Trekking poles (optional)
• Daypack
• Synthetic or wool long underwear tops and bottoms
• Fleece jacket
• Windproof jacket
• Snow pants
• Puffy coat for breaks
• Wool socks
• wind resistant hat and neck gaiter
• warm gloves and/or mittens
• 1-2 liters of water
• Bottle koozie (optional; an insulated covering to try to prevent water from freezing; OA can provide)
• Snacks/lunch
• Head lamp
• Camera

Safety and Risk Management:

Due to the nature of outdoor travel there are certain inherent risks in all of Outdoor Adventure’s trips.  Acceptable risks include but are not limited to: hiking up and down steep inclines with muddy and loose footing, and hiking in winter conditions.  Conditions may include freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, rain, sleet and high winds.  Driving risks may include slick roads, poor visibility and wildlife.  Alaska is a wild place - you need to take ultimate responsibility for your own safety as only you can. For your protection we require you to carry health insurance.  You can purchase insurance for $2.60/day from the University (ask for details). All info is subject to change due to safety, weather, current conditions, etc.!