The ARC – Activities & Recreation Center

Outdoor Wellness

Are you looking for a way to build community, learn new skills and play outside? Outdoor Wellness offers programs, event and trips plus, free outdoor gear rentals to students attending UW Bothell and Cascadia College. Here you can find announcements, current offerings, trip planning resources, and general program information.

Our Mission

The Outdoor Wellness (OW) program’s mission is to provide strategic and intentional programming designed to diminish barriers to entry for outdoor recreation, increase competency and mental fortitude, develop skills for responsible participation in outdoor activities and optimize health through the nine dimensions of wellness. We strive to develop deeper relationships and create a fun, inclusive and safe environment for students interested in recreating outdoors. If you are interested in any of our programs or want to learn more information, please email outdoor@uw.edu or click on the buttons below. You can also stop by the Nest Outdoor Gear Shop during our open hours to talk to an Outdoor Wellness Team member.

Two students kayaking
Kayaking around the San Juan Islands
Students hiking on rocks along the beach at sunset
Sunset on an Olympic Coast backpacking trip.
Students smiling in front of high ropes course at High Trek Adventures
Students enjoy a fun day at High Trek Adventures
Students on snowshoes posing in front of a snowy mountain at Mount Baker
Snowshoeing at Artist Point near Mount Baker

What type of programs do you offer?

We offer a variety of outdoor programs including hiking, indoor rock climbing, camping, backpacking, snow sports, paddle boarding and more!

Head to myarc.uwb.edu to see our current program offerings.

How do I sign up for a trip or a program?

Register online at myarc.uwb.edu

If you are having trouble accessing the systems of have any questions about our programs, please email outdoor@uw.edu!

If a program is full, please join the waitlist, we often fill spots the week of a trip due to last minute cancellations. Some trips will have a fee depending on the cost of the program.

Who can sign up for trips and programs?

The program is open to any currently enrolled student at UW Bothell or Cascadia College. We strive to offer a variety of trips for varying skill levels throughout the year. If you’re curious about a trip, you can read the full description at myarc.uwb.edu. Trip descriptions all include skill level, ability requirements, and important details about the event. Still unsure? Please email outdoor@uw.edu with any questions and we will be glad to help!

Two students on a small bridge looking at a waterfall
Overlooking waterfalls at the Hoh Rain Forest
Student snowshoeing in the Mount Rainier Area
Snowshoeing in Paradise near Mount Rainier
Four students canoe on the river
Students learn to canoe on the Sammamish River
One student belays another student rock climbing at an indoor climbing gym.
Indoor rock climbing at Vertical World
Large group of students pose in the parking lot at Snoqualmie Pass
Skiing and snowboarding at Snoqualmie Pass
Students hiking on a dirt trail with a service dog
Students hiking on the Ancient Lake trail