Get Out & Go Within

Meaningful adventures. Lasting transformations.

Since 1968, we’ve guided youth and adults through wilderness rites-of passage that foster self-discovery, connection, and belonging.

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participants report meaningful growth

Watch Our Work In Action →

Discover Our Programs

Summer Programs

Venture out for the journey of a lifetime! Our summer rite-of-passage programs inspire youth and adults to step outside their comfort zones, connect with nature, gain confidence, and forge community, all in the wondrous wild of the PNW.

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Year-Round Offerings

We offer many different ways for folks to connect and grow all year long, from retreats and workshops to community events and leadership trainings. Not from Washington? No worries! We host in-person and virtual programs.

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Schools & Groups

Whether you’re looking for a meaningful rite-of-passage celebration, an educational adventure, or facilitated team and community-building, we work with schools and other groups to craft meaningful programs that align with your unique needs.

Plan Your Program →

Everyone deserves the chance to access their next rite of passage.

That’s why we work hard to offer financial aid and sliding scale tuition for all of our programs.

Learn More About Financial Aid →

What Is A

Rite of Passage?

From birthdays and graduations to weddings and funerals, rites of passage mark significant transitions in our lives. Wherever you are on life’s journey, our rite-of-passage programs create space to:

Honor Change

Reflect on where you’ve been, acknowledge where you are, and intentionally consider what lies ahead.

Learn Through Experience

Step beyond what’s familiar to embrace new challenges, gain new perspectives, and discover your strengths.

Find Support in Community

Share the journey with peers and mentors who witness your growth and help you carry it into everyday life.

Testimonials

“I can't even begin to describe how amazing this has been for me."

“I was able to really get to know myself and figure out what I wanted in my life. If I ever experience hard times I will be able to come back to the experience [of my solo]. Now, I have a clear picture of who I want my friends to be, how I want to act, what kind of relationship I want, and more qualities I want to keep or let go of. It was life-changing.”
— Emily, Age 14, Mountain Quest Participant
“Journey's trips are truly life-changing."

"They teach leadership, responsibility, trust, teamwork and self-growth, through in-depth councils and wilderness skills. The guides on the trip were powerful role models, and respected and treated us like adults. I'm incredibly grateful to have spent such a full 3 weeks in the beautiful outdoors with such inspiring people. I strongly believe in the power wilderness has on youth, especially in this day and age.”
— Grace, Age 16, Solo Crossing Participant
"When we first 'got him back,' I felt immediately that he was so grounded and connected to who he is."

"Brandon has returned to us with a deep gratitude for his existence and life which he did not have before. I realize that I can actually hand the reigns over to him, and that he is indeed capable of handling the steering.”
— Parent of Youth Participant
“I gained many things: mental & physical strength, perseverance & courage."

“I had a great time backpacking. I explored an interesting sea cave, spent a day on the beach, and discovered ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks hundreds of years ago... I now appreciate the place we live in more."
— Aiden, Age 10
"It’s super important to be able to have an experience like that where you have a clear step into adulthood, a clear step into finding yourself and who you are.”

“I felt like I needed a burst of maturity… a step through into adulthood and finding who I was as a person. This really helped with that. It settled in me who I was.”
— Jackson, Age 18, Prior Mountain Quest Participant (Now an Apprentice Guide!)
“I really felt that I was welcomed into young womanhood."

“This journey had awesome guides…. They treated us like adults and let us help out with everything that needed to be done. I grew to be confident and became a much more open person. I think that that will help me a lot in relationships with people.”
— Katya, Moon Rise, Age 12
"The course of my life has been permanently altered, in the most precious and meaingful ways."

“I am better equipped to serve my community from my heart and I am better able to see the humanity in myself and in others.”
— Adult Mountain Quest Participant
"During my time at Journey's, I've gained a stronger sense of self."

“I don’t think I have ever felt more at peace with who I am or what I feel.”
— Mountain Quest for Young Women participant, Age 13
“I was inspired to sit like that bird; calm, confident, and silent."

“I couldn’t see thirty feet in front of me due to the mist. I looked up at a nearby rock formation, and there was a bald eagle perched on the highest point on the peak. It felt as though the eagle was sitting out the solo with me.”
— Luca, Coming of Age, Age 13

Upcoming Programs

Autumn Alchemy Day Hike Series

In-Person. Sat Oct 24 and Sat Nov 11.

Art of Accompaniment Parent Workshop

Virtual. Thursday, November 5, 7-9pm.

Walk Your Path Intro Session

In-Person. Saturday, November 7.

Grief Retreat

In-Person. Sat Dec 5 & Sun Dec 6.

Our Mission

Fostering Community & Self-Discovery

Our vision is a world of vibrant communities where each life stage and the transitions between them are honored.

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nearly 1 million hours spent in nature and transformation

Mission, Vision & Values →

Sponsor a Child. Transform the World.

Your generosity directly impacts kids lives, empowering the next generation through essential scholarships, program development and critical infrastructure.

Or visit our Donation Page for more information →

As a 501(c)(3) organization, your gift is tax-deductible.

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Our Commitment

A Space For Everyone to Belong

We welcome people of all identities and lived experiences.

We strive to create spaces where LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent individuals, Black, Indigenous and people of color, and people of all abilities and identities feel seen, respected, and able to show up authentically.

Our Approach to Justice, Equity, and Belonging →