Oregon Trail Adventure

Educator speaks to group of students with Oregon Trail wagons at a park.

Join Nature Vision for an exciting and engaging day of hands-on learning and environmental exploration! Our Oregon Trail Adventure connects students to the natural history of the Pacific Northwest, the role of Indigenous communities as stewards of the environment, and the complicated interactions as European Settlers expanded westward. Supporting both WA State Social Studies and Since Time Immemorial curriculum standards, our Oregon Trail Adventure makes history come alive with interactive role playing, critical thinking, and experiential learning about our forest ecosystems.

Beginning at Juel Park, students learn about and consider the motivations of the people who chose to undergo this difficult journey and will outfit themselves for the challenges on the trail ahead. At our trading post, students work together to decide how they should supply their wagon - should they purchase an additional bag of corn meal, some extra tools that may help them along their journey, or save their money for Oregon? Once packed, they walk with wagons in tow along the forested path that represents the Oregon Trail to Farrel-McWhirter Park.  Students will face decision points along the way based on real historical experiences and practice group communication and teamwork as they decide what is best for their journey. Students will learn how the interactions between settlers and indigenous communities had lasting impacts on people and the environment that extend to the present. After lunch, the journey continues with a return to Juel Park, where students discuss how their experiences on the trail connect to issues today and celebrate completing their adventure together with games and activities.

 Our Oregon Trail Adventure is a highlight of the year for students and teachers alike and we’re excited for your class to join us!

Line of students and chaperones follow educator on woody trail with wagons and Oregon trail outfits.

Program Benefits:

  • History comes alive!

  • Students engage with their environment in an outdoor classroom

  • Supports Washington State K-12 Learning Standards

  • Conveniently located in Redmond

    Students will:

  • Practice native plant and animal identification with experienced educators

  • Develop critical thinking skills through problem solving and working as a team

  • Get physical exercise

  • Build community

  • Create lasting memories

Cost: $835 per class
Group Size: Up to 30 students and 6 adults (if more adults are needed for inclusion, please let us know on the registration form)
Ages: 3rd through 5th graders
Program Length: 10am-2pm (or best time for your class) Time of Year: March-June annually
For questions, please call Nature Vision at 425-836-2697 or email info@naturevision.org

Please note: This program is not eligible for city, water district, or other grant funding.