Hiking and Backpacking

The challenge of elevation, the risk of exposure, and the uncertainty of wilderness have always created an edge moment, a stretching experience. The beauty and grandeur of the trails around Mt Adams and Mt Hood offer this opportunity in spades, not to mention lots of beautiful views, crystal clear watering holes, and wildlife!

Mt. Adams (Gifford Pinchot National Forest)




Boasting over a million acres of forests, rivers, lakes, and streams, this area is a stunning jewel. And we have permits to use it! Intersecting the Pacific Crest trail, most of our routes tie in some way to the around-the-mountain trail for either an out-and-back single-day or multi-day alpine experience.

  • Age: 11+
  • Season: March – September
  • Length: Multi-day
  • Group Size: 10 max
  • Cost:  $40 – $80 per person per day

Mt. Hood (Mount Hood National Forest)




With its snow-capped peak above and fields of wildflowers abounding, there are miles of gorgeous trails to be explored on this dormant volcano, and it’s right in our backyard! With trail access on the mountain, Mirror Lake, Barlow Pass, Bennett Pass, Ollalie, Timothy Lake, and many more the options are endless.

  • Age: 11+
  • Season: March – September
  • Length: Multi-day
  • Group Size: 10 max
  • Cost: $40 – $80 per person per day

What does a typical day look like?




A typical day runs from about 9 AM to 3:30 PM with stops for breaks and lunch, but of course, overnight trips include much more. All trail time despite the length of your trip is spent with experienced guides, sensitive to the groups’ needs and leading the journey of growth and adventure. We often include a solo day if trips are long enough and the group leader sees the value; solo days are incredibly impactful, in our experience.

Where will we meet the Youth Dynamics staff?




Depending on the duration and location of your experience, your trip will begin at a location where gear can be checked and distributed and where all participants can be properly trained and prepared for the challenge ahead.

What am I responsible to bring?




Youth Dynamics will provide capable and experienced guides familiar with the trip and area, with equipment that is well maintained and necessary for your specific adventure. Your group will receive a packing list, both to ensure they bring the necessities but also to be sure they don’t bring things that will just be in the way! For hiking and backpacking trips it is imperative that each person has good, closed-toed, well-fitting, and broken in shoes or boots. Ignoring this detail will make for a miserable time. If you have questions about your specific trip, please don’t hesitate to ask!

What is the best option for middle schoolers?




Each trip is customized to fit the groups’ capability as to duration, and miles traveled. Trip intensity varies from day hikes with little to no elevation gain to multi-day timberline experiences for those ready to be challenged.

Our staff will equip and provide the essentials for your experience (e.g. gear, food, equipment, training, insurance) and will work with your group leader for programming and other logistical needs. In addition, our staff will provide the technical and professional skills needed to provide a safe and life-changing adventure.

Our goal is to assist you in providing a memorable experience for your group that has the opportunity to be life-transforming. Whether you are trying to create unity in your church youth group or build community in your school, group home, or youth-related organization—we are with you!

Let’s adventure together!

V Youth Dynamics Adventures Oregon

Physical: 2350 SE Territorial Rd, Canby, OR 97013

Mail: PO Box 385, Canby, OR 97013

Phone: 503.692.9070