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Women's Backpacking Trip near Mount St. Helens
Join this all women's backpacking trip with a seasoned female outdoorswoman and backpacking guide. Increase your confidence in the woods and join the next trip!
Location:
Woodland, WA | Fly-In/Out Location: Portland International Airport (PDX)
2026 Dates:
Join the waitlist for 2027 dates.
Cost:
$449 per person
Overview
Join this beginner-friendly introduction to the backcountry in the epic Pacific Northwest! Led by an seasoned backpacking guide, this overnight trip is designed for those who are want to learn the essentials.
You will meet at the Woodland Park, WA at 9:00 AM and ride out together to Red Rock Pass in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The hike from Red Rock Pass will take you over lava fields and through the forest to our campsite. At approximately 2.5 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation gain (one-way), prepare to set up camp, enjoy dinner, and soak in the views of Mt. St. Helens. This is an ideal trip for beginners or those who cannot get many days off to adventure. It is a quick trip, but you will still become fully immersed in nature, learn essential outdoor skills, and build lifelong memories
Highlights
Real-time practice with backcountry gear, including tent setup, water filtration, and operating a camp stove.
A safe, judgment-free space designed for women and first-timers to ask "basic" questions and learn at their own pace.
Instruction on how to adjust your pack's suspension and straps for a comfort.
Essential technical gear (backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad).
Enjoy the option to add on an extra day of hiking at beautiful Sleeping Beauty or Falls Creek Falls.
Total Mileage:
5-10 miles (2.5-mile/1,000-ft hike one-way to campsite, w/ optional add-on hikes at Sleeping Beauty or Falls Creek Falls)
Transportation Included?
Yes: Round-trip transportation is provided from the Woodland park and ride meeting location to the trailhead.
Tendency for Break
Frequent
Duration:
2 Days / 1 Night
Strenuous Level:
Light
Pace:
Slow and steady with frequent breaks to catch our breath, adjust gear, and take in the view
Max Group Size:
12 Hikers
Minimum Age:
15+
Experienced Needed?
No prior backpacking experience required! This trip is intentionally designed for beginners to adapt to carrying a weighted pack.
This experience is perfect for:
This is a relaxed entry point for absolute beginner.
What's Included:
A professional guide to handle navigation, logistics, and all trail education.
A backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and trekking poles.
Trail meals: lunch and dinner on day 1, and breakfast and snacks for day 2.
Round-trip transportation from the Woodland meeting point, all necessary permits, and park entrance fees.
Loaner clothing (layers) available upon request.
What's Not Included:
Personal clothing
Toiletries and personal medications
Travel Insurance
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made 7+ days in advance: Eligible for a one-time fee transfer to a new activity or date.
Cancellations made 6 days to 49 hours before your activity: Eligible for a refund minus a $100 fee to cover administrative costs and guide compensation.
Cancellations made 48 hours or less (or late arrivals/no-shows): Not eligible for a refund or transfer.
By booking a guided activity, you agree to these cancellation terms
Meet your guide
Trish Schales
Guide/Owner for Trails Diverged
My primary goals as a guide are to help people build confidence, feel comfortable as a beginner, leave no trace, and recreate safely. I know how it feels to be intimidated by a new activity, and I will always work to be sure you feel safe physically and emotionally so that you can enjoy our trip and learn something new.
During our time together, I will call upon of 6,000 miles of backcountry experience & Search and Rescue experience to help you enjoy the outdoors safely. I strive to provide a personalized experience that shows a different side of the world to my clients, and to help them gain a better and deeper understanding of the sites and destinations we visit.
My passion is helping people that don't have the income to "try out" backpacking and wilderness exploration. My goal is to make access affordable and safe, while building confidence and life-long memories.
I have Wilderness First Responder training and practice the Leave No Trace principles so that we can recreate responsibly and conserve our special places for generations to come. I also teach Wilderness survival classes and backcountry navigation - I take care of the planning and medical gear so you can relax and enjoy the view. I have been a dedicated Professional Guide since 2020, and I was awarded the prestigious REI Guide of the Year Award in 2024.
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