Headwaters
New Student Orientation Outdoor Trips
Headwaters provides an opportunity for new and transfer students to connect with other new students, explore the beautiful natural environment in and around Bend, start to build a support network and ease the transition into college life before classes even begin. Students tell us Headwaters is one of their favorite programs at OSU-Cascades – you don’t want to miss it!
Headwaters Trips take place the week before the fall term begins and are open to all new first-year students and new transfer students.
Headwaters Trips 2024!
Climbing at Smith Rock State Park
Monday, September 16 - Thursday, September 19, 2024 (Please arrive on campus afternoon/evening Sunday, September 15th)
Welcome dinner and move-in (for Residence Hall students) will occur the afternoon/evening of Sunday, September 15th. The on-campus pre-trip meeting and trip departure is on Monday, September 16. The trip will return to campus on Thursday, September 19.
Backpacking in the Cascades Lake Region or Crater Lake National Park
Tuesday, September 17 - Friday, September 20, 2024 (Please arrive on campus afternoon/evening Monday, September 16th)
Welcome dinner and move-in (for Residence Hall students) will occur on the afternoon/evening of Monday, September 16. The on-campus pre-trip meeting and trip departure are on Tuesday, September 17. The trip will return to campus Friday, September 20.
Day Hiking and Whitewater Rafting on the Deschutes River
Wednesday, September 18 - Friday, September 20, 2024 (Please arrive on campus afternoon of Tuesday, September 17th)
Welcome dinner and move-in (for Residence Hall students) will occur the afternoon/evening of Tuesday, September 17. The on-campus pre-trip meeting and trip departure are on Wednesday, September 18. The trip will return to campus Friday, September 20.
*Locations and activities stated are tentative due to environmental conditions at the time of the trip.
To find all Fall Kick-Off events, go to the Fall Kick-Off website.
Early Move-In
If you are living in the residence hall fall term, you can move into your room the arrival date of your Headwaters trip. Classes begin on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
Choose Your Adventure
Participants will be placed into cohorts of up to 9 or 11 students based on trip. All trips will be overnight in the field that will be off-campus.
Open to All Levels of Experience
Trips are open to all levels of experience. Trips are led by experienced Cascades Adventures Student Trip Staff and OSU-Cascades Alumni. Accommodations for disabilities may be made by calling 541-322-3116 or emailing ellsworth.faris@osucascades.edu.
Cost
The cost of the Headwaters is $100 for Backpacking & Rock Climbing and $90 for Whitewater Rafting. Meals and early move-in rates are included.
Fall 2024 Registration for Headwaters
Registration Opens Tuesday, August 6th at 12:30 pm (PDT).
Registration and Wait List Promotion will close by Wednesday, August 28th at 9 am (PDT).
Headwaters Trip Registration - Bend Beavs Central Link (Link will be provided shortly before registration opens)
Contact Us
Ellsworth Faris
Campus Recreation Coordinator
541-322-3116
ellsworth.faris@osucascades.edu