Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

A mandatory safety orientation and/or initial class meeting and off-campus hikes are required for this course.

Addresses decision-making skills, trip planning, first aid, safety, navigation, and environmental concerns ("Leave No Trace" principles & practices), and mind-body connections. Includes required day hiking trips in order to apply learned skills in a real-time environment. Some experience and above-average fitness are recommended. 

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Improve overall physical conditioning through participation in hiking, including but not limited to improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle fitness, and flexibility.
• Perform safe and effective skills and techniques for hiking.
• Apply learned terminology, skills, and safety practices when hiking.
• Apply Leave No Trace practices and principles when hiking.
• Perform acts of trail stewardship.
• Develop and maintain a personal hiking practice .
• Describe the relationship of the mind, body, and spirit connected to outdoor fitness.

• Continue to develop a lifelong enjoyment of hiking and land stewardship
• Find a environmental connection to the urban parks and forests of the Pacific Northwest

This is an activity-based course designed to offer instruction and practice in proper hiking techniques and safety procedures. We will cover essential gear, personal safety, environmental issues, and how to apply those to plan and prepare for extended intermediate day hiking trips. We will cover basic fitness principles as they relate to hiking. This may include cardiovascular and muscle endurance program principles, warm-up and cool-down, program design, and goal-setting. Classes will include mini-lectures, warm-ups, hiking, and cool-down exercises.

The student provides appropriate clothing, shoes, and equipment. A small backpack, water bottle/bladder, and hiking or trail shoes are required. Students must provide their own transportation to and from the trailhead.

 Instructional strategies include lecture, small group work, group discussion, classroom activities, online or electronic activities/discussions/assignments, physical skill practice, fitness level assessment, and group hiking activities.

• Journal entries
• Peer discussions and reflections
• Written assignments
• Self-evaluations
• Attendance and participation
• Quizzes
• Outside of class observations and reports

1. Practice hiking warm-ups, cool-downs, and stretching
2. Apply safe hiking techniques during intermediate hiking activities
3. Alter hiking choices for special weather and physical conditions
4. Practice “Leave no trace” principles when hiking
5. Participate in the planning of a basic hike (route selection, preparedness, packing, and emergency plan)
6. Self-reflection and communication about hiking activities, routes, personal preparation, group dynamics, safety, and fitness for hiking