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5 DAY: Introduction To PNW Canyoneering Course!

Learn the basics in order to safely get started canyoning in the PNW!

Introduction to PNW Canyoneering
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Introduction to PNW Canyoning Course

The Wild Sky Introduction to PNW Canyoneering Course spans four days, covering essential topics such as risk-management, meteorology, materials and equipment, knots, rigging, rappelling, canyon progression, and effective teamwork strategies. Participants will learn the fundamental knots and gain hands-on experience in rigging static and releasable anchor systems. Rappelling techniques and safety backup systems will be thoroughly addressed. The course emphasizes the value of teamwork and the concept of followership. Wild Sky Guides aims to produce safe and  knowledgeable team-members who  know how to best help their canyoning team progress through Pacific Northwest Canyons.

$995.00

  • June 2026
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Description

CANCELLATION POLICY

  • At Wild Sky we understand that life is messy and things can change. We have designed our cancellation policy to be fair to our valued customers, but allows us to provide some certainty in our guide schedule.
  • If you cancel MORE than 7 days before trip begins: Full Refund.
  • If you cancel LESS than 7 days: You receive a Wild Sky credit that allows you to join on to an existing trip on any date that works for you.

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The Introduction to PNW Canyoning Experience:

The Intro to PNW Canyoning course will be held in the beautiful Gifford Pinchot National Forest, near Packwood, WA.

For lodging, you have a couple of great options:

  • Free Camping: There is plenty of free camping available nearby! Just let your instructors know you're interested, and we can suggest locations where you can set up.

  • Hotels: If you prefer a bit more comfort, there are also lots of hotels in the surrounding area.

 

None are required for enrollment; however, this course is tailored for individuals who are physically active, have prior hiking experience, and express an interest in venturing into the sport.

Day 1: Course Introduction & Foundational Skills

  • Morning Session: Classroom-based at Hager Parking Lot (Introduction to gear, care, and packing).

  • Afternoon Session: In-canyon practice at Upper Hager (Movement in water, on rock, and on rope; basic hydrology).

 

Day 2: Canyon Rigging Essentials

  • Morning Session: Classroom-based at Hager Creek (Principles of rigging, anchors, and single-rope systems).

  • Afternoon Session: In-canyon practice at Hager Creek (Applying movement on rope and practicing single/double-rope systems).

 

Day 3: Advanced Rigging & Rope Systems

  • Morning Session: Ground school and skill-building at Pin Canyon (Rappel/ascend transitions, doubled-rope systems, traverse/guidelines).

  • Afternoon Session: In-canyon application at Pin Canyon (Implementing advanced rigging in a canyon environment).

  • Post-Canyon Session: Introduction to trip planning (Weather, mapping, and using canyon beta).

 

Day 4: Student-Led Canyon Day

  • Full Day: Students take the lead in a full canyon descent at a TBD location (likely Hager Creek) to apply all learned skills under instructor supervision.

 

Day 5: Skills Consolidation & Capstone Canyon Run

  • Morning Session: Skills Repetition & Consolidation.

    • Objective: Build muscle memory and confidence through focused practice of core technical skills.

    • Activities: Set up stations for students to get multiple repetitions on:

      • Rigging various single and doubled-rope systems.

      • Performing smooth rappel-to-ascend and ascend-to-rappel transitions.

        Efficient rope management and packing.

  • Afternoon Session: Capstone Canyon Run.

    • Objective: Apply all course skills in a final, instructor-led canyon descent, focusing on smooth, efficient, and safe movement.

  • End of Day: Final Debrief & Course Conclusion.

The pedagogy of the Wild Sky Guides Introduction to PNW Canyoneering Course is centered around a deliberate and focused approach to skill acquisition.

The course prioritizes teaching a select set of essential skills, emphasizing depth over breadth. Rather than overwhelming students with a multitude of techniques that may sound impressive in marketing materials, the emphasis is placed on repetitive practice of the core skills.

By streamlining the learning process and concentrating on repetition ofthe key competencies, Wild Sky Guides aims to empower participants with the practical skills essential for becoming efficient and confident members of a PNW swiftwater canyoneering team.

We believe that the best way to get invited on canyoning trips as you get started in the sport is to have a strong base of knowledge, and we aim to help our students build their base.

Instructor Team:

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

The June 2026 Introductory Course is set to be taught in Gifford Pinchot National Forest outside of Packwood, WA. We reserve the right to change the venue to our backup location at Mt. Baker Snoqualmie NF at Snoqualmie Pass, outside Seattle if conditions are more appropriate for the backup venue.

In case of change of venue no refunds will be given for venue change.

Upon reserving your space on a course, you’ll receive a series of emails containing crucial information to prepare for your course. In the 48 hours before your course  begins, your guide will reach out to finalize the meeting point and time, ensuring a seamless start to your adventure on the morning of the trip.

The lead instructors for the Introduction to PNW Canyoning Courses are Brent Roth, Austin Edwards, and Sam Keller. 

All three instructors are certified Lead Guides by the International Canyoning Academy (ICA) they have years of experience teaching introductory courses.

You can find out more about their backgrounds HERE.

The Wild Sky Adventure Guides Introduction to PNW Canyoning includes a comprehensive experience with certified lead instructors endorsed by the International Canyoning Academy (ICA).

The package includes National Forest permits and fees, all necessary group gear, and a well-structured curriculum.

All wetsuits and  technical equipment, except for an appropriate pair of shoes, is provided by Wild Sky Guides. 

The most important thing that you can bring on a Wild Sky adventure is a Positive Attitude and a readiness to exert yourself physically for the day. 

Wild Sky Guides will provide all of the wetsuits and technical equipment necessary for the course, but you will need to bring the warm clothes required to stay warm throughout the dry classroom times, and the cold mornings. Bring a raincoat to wear over your wetsuit on windy days.  

To keep your attitude positive and your body moving you are going to want to bring enough food and at least 2 liters of water to keep you on the move for the duration of your adventure. 

Prior experience requirements vary for Wild Sky Adventure Guides courses, and each trip will specify the necessary background for participants. This approach ensures that instructors can address more advanced subjects tailored to the skill levels of the enrolled students. The Beginner course is an exception, as it is designed for individuals without prior experience, making it an ideal starting point for those new to the adventure. By outlining specific prerequisites for each trip, we aim to provide a customized and safe learning experience for participants at every skill level.

 
 

Wild Sky Adventure Guides trips typically commence with an 8 am meetup and conclude around 4 pm. Participants are encouraged to bring snacks and beverages to share at the end of each day, fostering a relaxed and semi-formal atmosphere for debriefing and socializing. This shared experience adds to the overall enjoyment of the adventure, creating a sense of camaraderie among participants as they reflect on the day’s activities.

Please bring an extra pair of glasses or contacts with you on your trip. Leave them in your dry bucket so that you have them if you lose yours in the canyon. Please bring glasses straps to secure your glasses in the canyon. 

At Wild Sky we understand that life is messy and things can change. We have designed our cancellation policy to be fair to our valued customers, but allows us to provide some certainty in our guide schedule.

Cancellation Policy:

More than 7 days before trip begins: Full Refund.

Less than 7 days before trip begins: Wild Sky Credit to add onto a future already scheduled trip.

Less than 18 hours before trip begins: fee of $300 and remaining funds are issued as a credit to add onto existing Wild Sky trips.

Tips are not mandatory, but are very much appreciated by your instructors.

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