What You Will Learn

On this trip, you will create your own scientific research project and work alongside National Park Service researchers while backpacking in the Olympic National Park wilderness. Along the way, you'll learn:

• Wilderness survival and backpacking skills
• Olympic National Park natural history and ecology
• How to record field observations and identify patterns
• How to generate answerable questions and hypotheses
• How to collect data that will answer your question
• How to analyze and present your data to other scientists

Research in a Living Laboratory

The Olympic Field Research Course lasts for two weeks and is both physically and intellectually challenging. You will spend a couple of days acclimatizing at our Barnes Point campus on Lake Crescent before embarking on a backpacking adventure through Olympic National Park following the route of the first explorers to venture from one side of the Olympics to the other.

Part of the journey takes you through the Elwha River Valley where the largest dam removal in U.S. history is currently underway, offering an incredible living laboratory and monumental restoration project. During this expedition, you will take part in National Park Service research projects and then carry out a project based on your own interests. At the end of the course, you will present your research to scientists, NatureBridge staff, and fellow students. Parents are also invited to attend these presentations on the last day of the course.

Research teams consist of 10 students and two NatureBridge field science educators. Everyone does their part to ensure that camps are set up, dinner is ready on time, and research objectives are met. There is also plenty of time in each day to enjoy the natural beauty of Olympic National Park and each other’s company.

Dates & Fees

This year's program is July 14-26, 2013.

The cost is $1,815 and includes all meals, lodging, and educational experiences and materials. You can choose to be picked up at one of three locations: Sea-Tac Airport, the Seattle/Bainbridge ferry, or the Edmonds/Kingston ferry.

Financial Assistance

We are pleased to offer need-based scholarships to students. To apply, please email us.

Students in the Seattle School District should also consider applying for the Assistance League of Seattle's summer scholarships.

Pre-requisites

This course is designed for students entering the 11th or 12th grade in Fall 2013. We encourage interested students outside of the recommended grade levels to contact us to discuss whether the course is well-suited for them at this time. Participants should be able to hike seven miles per day carrying a 30-pound pack.

Our Educators

Our staff of highly skilled field science educators is key to the success of the Olympic Summer Field Research Course. 

Each learning group consists of no more than 10 students led by two NatureBridge field science educators with extensive experience in backcountry leadership and field research. 

Our field science educators have years of teaching experience in outdoor and environmental education programs and a contagious enthusiasm for exploring the natural world.

All of our educators have:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Wilderness First Responder certification
• Passion about teaching, youth, and the environment

Many of our educators:

• Have traveled or lived abroad, sometimes volunteering for organizations or studying foreign languages
• Have worked as national park rangers or certified classroom teachers
• Currently serve as educators, musicians, photographers, philosophers, poets, birders, artists, athletes, and more!

Register Today!

Space is limited so sign up soon to secure your spot! 

Please contact olympicfieldresearch@naturebridge.org with any questions.

We look forward to seeing you in Olympic National Park this summer!