Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor recreation offers a wide variety of adventurous opportunities throughout the academic year. The program offers hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, snowshoeing, ski shuttles and mountain biking trips. We seek to connect students with one another and the surrounding area through new and exciting ways of experiencing the great outdoors. Contact the U-Rec member services desk with rental equipment questions. For more information, follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
WhitWilderness – First-Year Student Backpacking Trip, Sept. 12-14, 2025
- What is WhitWilderness? WhitWilderness is an exciting multi-day outdoor experience! The trips are organized by Whitworth Outdoor Recreation specifically designed for incoming freshmen and transfer students at Whitworth University. WhitWilderness aims to help students adjust to college life in a new and exciting way. This program is an excellent opportunity for students to connect with each other and make new friends while experiencing the beauty of nature. The trip leaders are experienced, trained and provide a safe and supportive environment for participants of all backgrounds and experience levels.
- Where is WhitWilderness? WhitWilderness is a two-night backpacking trip that takes place in the breathtaking Selkirks of Idaho, and offers an adventure-packed experience that includes camping, hiking and exploring the stunning scenery of the Selkirks. Students will learn new skills and gain confidence in their abilities, all while building relationships with other students.
- When is WhitWilderness? WhitWilderness is the second weekend of the fall semester; Friday, Sept. 12-Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. There will be a pre-trip meeting and communication sent earlier in the week by trip leaders to help participants prepare for the trip!
- How do I sign up? You can sign up for WhitWilderness by visiting our program registration page (see the Trip Registration section below). Registration closes Friday, Sept. 5, 2025.
- What is the cost? What does it cover? The cost to register for WhitWilderness is $100 per participant. This covers the cost of gear that is provided, transportation, food and programming.
- Who do I contact if I am interested in WhitWilderness? For more information or help registering for WhitWilderness please contact Outdoor Recreation Student Coordinator Haley Seyler by email at hseyler26@my.whitworth.edu.
Trip Registration
To register for an outdoor recreation trip, please visit urecservices.whitworth.edu/program. Select "Outdoor Instructional" under the Classifications column. Explore our trip types and offerings. Our trip schedule for Jan Term and spring will be posted at a later date.
Gear Rental & Rates
Please explore the gear we offer and their rates at the table below. For specific questions, contact the U-Rec member services front desk at 509.777.3734.
How to rent:
1. Go to the U-Rec member services desk to inquire about available gear.
2. Let the front desk staff know what it is you wish to rent and the length of time you will be renting it.
3. Pay the necessary cost for that particular equipment and length of rental.
4. Be sure to return your items to the U-Rec member services desk by the agreed upon date; otherwise, you will be charged a late fee.
| Equipment |
Student Rate 1 Day |
Student Rate 2-3 Days |
Student Rate 4-6 Days |
Student Rate 7-10 Days |
Faculty/Staff Rate 1 Day |
Faculty/Staff Rate 2-3 Days |
Faculty/Staff Rate 4-6 Days |
Faculty/Staff Rate 7-10 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpack (Standard) | $9 | $11 | $12 | $15 | $7 | $12 | $15 | $17 |
|
Backpack |
$12 | $14 | $16 | $19 | $11 | $13 | $15 | $17 |
|
Bike Helmet* |
$2 | $3 | $4 | $5 | $3 | $4 | $5 | $6 |
| Bouldering Pad | $8 | $10 | $12 | $14 | $12 | $14 | $16 | $18 |
| Climbing Shoes (Outdoor) | $3 | $4 | $5 | $6 | $4 | $5 | $6 | $7 |
| Climbing Helmet | $3 | $4 | $5 | $6 | $4 | $5 | $6 | $7 |
| Crampons | $6 | $9 | $12 | $15 | $8 | $11 | $14 | $17 |
| Gloves | $3 | $4 | $5 | $6 | $3 | $5 | $6 | $7 |
| Mountain Bike* (economy) | $12 | $14 | $16 | $18 | $14 | $16 | $18 | $20 |
| 22° Sleeping Bag |
$6 | $8 | $10 | $12 | $8 | $10 | $12 | $14 |
| 15° Sleeping Bag |
$8 | $10 | $12 | $14 | $10 | $12 | $14 |
$16 |
| 0° Sleeping Bag |
$8 | $10 | $12 | $14 | $10 | $12 | $14 | $16 |
| Sleeping Pad | $4 | $5 | $6 | $7 | $5 | $6 | $7 | $8 |
| Snowboard (Economy) | $14 | $18 | $22 | $26 | $16 | $20 | $24 | $28 |
| Snowboard (Standard) | $15 | $19 | $23 | $27 | $17 | $21 | $26 | $29 |
| Snowboard Boots | $5 | $7 | $9 | $11 | $7 | $9 | $11 | $13 |
| Snowboard Helmet | $3 | $4 | $5 | $6 | $4 | $5 | $6 | $7 |
| Snow Pants | $7 | $10 | $13 | $16 | $9 | $12 | $15 | $18 |
| Snowshoes (Standard) | $8 | $10 | $12 | $14 | $10 | $13 | $16 | $18 |
| Snowshoes (Premium) | $10 | $12 | $14 | $16 | $14 | $16 | $17 | $20 |
| Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) | $14 | $20 | $28 | $40 | $20 | $30 | $42 | $58 |
| Tent 2-Person (Ultralight)** |
$7 | $10 | $13 | $16 | $9 | $12 | $15 | $18 |
| Tent 2-3-Person |
$7 | $10 | $13 | $16 | $9 | $12 | $15 | $18 |
| Tent 4-Person (ultra light) |
$8 | $11 | $16 | $19 | $10 | $13 | $16 | $19 |
| Tent 4-Person |
$8 | $11 | $16 | $19 | $10 | $13 | $16 | $19 |
|
Tent |
$10 | $12 | $18 | $21 | $12 | $15 | $18 | $21 |
| Tent - All Season, 2-3-Person | $11 | $14 | $17 | $20 | $14 | $17 | $20 | $23 |
| Trekking Pole | $3 | $4 | $5 | $6 | $4 | $5 | $6 | $7 |
| *Helmet is free with bike rental | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| **Trekking pole is free with rental of 2-person ultralight tent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| PFD is free with rental of SUP | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Refund Policy
The Whitworth University Recreation Center is unable to process refunds for all but the most exceptional cases at this time. Due to the limited nature of the financial services we offer, refunds are extremely time consuming and will only be made at the discretion of management. We are able to issue account credit that can be used toward future U-Rec merchandise purchases, intramural sport registrations and outdoor recreation trip registrations.
Outdoor Recreation Trips
- 14+ days before trip: 75 percent refund given in choice of either U-Rec account credit or cash refund though the Whitworth University Business Office (subject to manager approval).
- 2-14 days before trip: 50 percent refund given as U-Rec account credit.
- 48 hours prior to trip: No refund is given.
- Should Whitworth cancel a trip or class, we will issue a credit or full refund. Reasons may include severe weather, road conditions, instructor illness and lack of participant numbers.
Equipment Rentals:
- Full payment required at time of rental checkout.
- Renter is solely responsible for the equipment and will be charged full replacement cost for lost, stolen or badly damaged equipment.
- Equipment returned late is subject to a late charge.
- Cleaning & damage fees will be charged for any items returned in unsatisfactory condition.
Merchandise:
- All merchandise MUST be in original packaging and in condition for immediate resale.
- All returns must be accompanied by the original receipt (no exceptions).
- No refunds or exchanges after 14 days from original purchase date.
Food Policy
Please note that Whitworth Outdoor Recreation is unable to meet all dietary requests of participants.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the outdoor recreation program, we are unable to accommodate students with severe allergies and allergies such as peanut (as in airborne or causing anaphylaxis) or tree nut allergies, or gluten-free or other dietary restrictions. Participants who have these kinds of food intolerances need to bring their own food since we cannot accommodate those kinds of allergies/intolerances. It is ultimately up to a participant's discretion to make an informed choice based upon individual dietary needs. Outdoor recreation can work with participants trying to maintain a vegetarian diet.
We will use reasonable efforts to prevent the introduction of allergens into your food via close attention to sourcing, preparation and handling processes. However (as noted above), outdoor recreation cannot guarantee that those food items are completely free of any allergen.