Backpacking through Hells Canyon

The view that the group of hikers saw of the Snake River within Hells Canyon. Photo provided by Dylan Sims.

Nine NIC affiliates got to camp out in nature during the annual backpacking trip in the deepest river gorge in North America. The team left for Hells Canyon on March 23 and got back late on the 28, after covering about 35 miles during their out and back trip.

“It was really beautiful,” said NIC student Claire Vanpelt.

NIC Campus Rec. provided all the gear for the trip and each team member carried a 30-50 pound backpack.

For some, it was a chance to get away from the technology-driven world that is today’s society.

“I loved turning off my phone for a week,” said Christy Murphy, an instructor and intern at NIC Outdoor Pursuits.

The group approaching Kirkwood Ranch during their trip. Photo provided by Dylan Sims.

The cold rainy weather ended up being a challenge for the hikers but it wasn’t something they let ruin the trip.

“There were moments of sunshine which were a nice morale booster,” said Dylan Sims, another instructor and intern.

(Pictured from left to right)Gabriella DeMartini, Christy Murphy, and Dylan Sims chow down on one of the dehydrated meals that the group ate during the trip. Photo provided by Dylan Sims.

For non-perishable meals, the hikers used dehydrated food.

“We had one meal that didn’t work out as the others, but we learned,” said Sims.

For information on next year’s backpacking trip or other activities, go to the NIC campus Rec Outdoor Pursuits or online at their website campusrec.nic.edu.