At Wet Planet, we often say the river is the best teacher. A couple of weeks ago, that sentiment was on full display as we hosted a phenomenal group of students from Realms Middle School (Bend – La Pine District in Oregon) and the Eastside Community School (Issaquah, WA).
Their adventure with us was not just a paddling trip but also part of their deep dive into the natural science and history of the Columbia River Gorge.
Beyond Rafting: Science and Stewardship
Whitewater rafting the White Salmon River presents the perfect opportunity for students to learn while also having fun, which is one of the best ways to ensure engagement and retention. Leading up to their rafting trip, students hiked to explore famous basalt geology features and visited local fish hatcheries, getting an up-close look at the salmon life cycles that help define the Pacific Northwest.
After the exploring and lessons were done, it was time for the students to experience the river’s power firsthand. We suited up, talked safety, and headed out for a whitewater rafting session on Washington’s White Salmon River.
The topic of salmon ecology is near and dear to our hearts. Our team was lucky enough to be involved with the film DamNation, which documented the historic removal of the Condit Dam right here on the White Salmon River in 2012. We love being able to share a river that now flows freely from Mt. Adams to the Columbia River. Since the removal of the dam, we have watched the salmon run upriver again, and we love to share this phenomenon while rafting this old lava tube with basalt deposits that create the White Salmon River canyon. If you’re interested in witnessing the dam removal site firsthand, come join us for a full-day White Salmon trip.
Rafting is an amazing way to teach students in a way that is fun, engaging, and improves retention. Students immerse themselves in what they have been learning about, from local geology, fish habitats, to dam removal. There is no better way to cap off a trip than with a few splashes of glacial runoff, and this high-energy field trip finale will be remembered forever by students, teachers, and chaperones alike!
Behind the Scenes: A Group Effort
Every year, Wet Planet is lucky enough to welcome youth groups, summer camps, and scout troops to the White Salmon River, and introduce these young, eager souls to the magic of river running, either in a raft or a whitewater kayak. We hope to instill an appreciation for our wild and scenic rivers and environmental stewardship at a young age in the hopes they will become ambassadors for life!
While we get to see the smiling faces on the water, we know that the magic starts long before anyone ever puts on a life jacket. We are so grateful to the teachers, chaperones, and group organizers who work tirelessly alongside their kids to plan itineraries, raise funds for travel and rafting, recruit volunteers, drive vans and buses, and do everything possible to ensure these kids have an amazing experience. It takes an immense amount of effort behind the scenes, and we see you!
Whitewater rafting is the ultimate reward for that hard work—and a perfect complement to an educational trip.
Judging by the feedback, the effort is always worth it:
“Went with my whole school on a field trip, I had so much fun with Gianni as our guide. The joy I felt while rafting was nearly insurmountable. Thank you Wet Planet staff!”
Huge thanks to the teachers and organizers from Bend and Issaquah for choosing Wet Planet for your annual adventure. We look forward to seeing you again next year!
Planning a field trip or community outing? Check out our group rafting info here or call 509-493-8989 to talk to a group reservation specialist!
