Mt. Rainier Yoga & Backpacking

Explore breathtaking scenery and reconnect with yourself and nature.

As the highest point in Washington, Mt. Rainier gives one an amazing feeling that cannot be captured on film; you must experience it for yourself.

Mt. Rainier is a place nourished by water, carved by glaciers and enamored by humans. The mountain gives you a sense of the Northwest before the time of modern civilization – old growth forests abound. The energy and majesty of Mt. Rainier is the perfect backdrop for high Alpine meadows and lakes, old growth forests and raging glacial fed rivers.

We will be hiking a particularly spectacular part of Mt Rainier: from the Sunrise Lodge into high alpine meadows and Grand Park. Imagine stunning Mt. Rainier and all of its glory as you hike through high alpine meadows viewing glacial carved valleys and big stretches of beautiful wild flowers.

This multi-day trip in alpine country offers a space for rewarding time spent in the backcountry, where the days slow down and time seems to slip away. We will visit multiple camps, hone route-finding skills, spend time each day with our yoga and meditation practice, gaze at impressive glaciated features, and enjoy the beauty of making time for ourselves.

What type of shape do I need to be in?

This retreat is appropriate for yoga practitioners of all levels of experience and fitness. Yet, this experience is also backpacking retreat; you will be expected to carry a pack of 30 – 40 lbs. on your back for up to 4 hours at a time through relatively flat terrain. We will be walking off-trail over rocks, talus, and in canyon streams. All of the hiking will be minimal – our focus is to get into the backcountry and set up a base camp from which we will explore each day. Your total mileage any one day will be up to 5 miles. No backpacking or yoga experience is required.

Dates:  August 19th – August 24th, 2012 (We will meet the night of August 19th in Seattle @5pm)

$995 per participant – When registered prior to May 15^th 2012

$1100 per participant – When registered after May 15^th 2012

 

Your yoga instructor is Laura Yon-Brooks

Laura Yon-Brooks, M.A., LMP, RYT, holds a Master’s Degree in Sports Medicine, is a Licensed Massage Practitioner and a Nationally Certified Yoga Therapist. She has taught throughout the U.S. and internationally since 1992. Laura helps her students create balance in body, breath and mind, so the effects of their practice can extend well beyond their yoga mats.  For years, her compassionate teaching style has made Laura a favorite in the Seattle area. Currently, Laura owns and teaches at Planet Earth Yoga Center in Fremont and is also on-staff at the University of Washington Medical Center, where she teaches yoga for people who are in treatment for cancer or have had an organ transplant. Learn more at Planet Earth Yoga.

 

What will be provided during Mt. Rainier Yoga and Backpacking?

• 4 nights, 5 days of majesty, scenery, relaxation, and guided instruction provided by KAF Adventures.  Read about our talented staff here.
• Tasty and healthy backcountry food
• All group equipment (shelter, cooking, maps, water purification, sanitation supplies)
• Twice daily yoga and meditation practice with Laura Yon-Brooks
• Carpooling options to and from Seattle
• Park entrance fees plus camping and permitting fees
• Help with logistical planning and pre-trip planning
• An unforgettable experience crafted to build backpacking skill, deepen your yoga practice and experience the Self in the purity and awe of nature

This trip is a community experience.

We are all a part of the expedition and will participate in group living. We are not just guiding you through this experience, you are an active member of this trip. We hope you will be prepared to participate in daily chores and activities.

***Upon registration, you will receive more information about equipment requirements and logistical support. ****

What will the days look like? Here’s an itinerary snapshot…

Day 1:

Morning

- Gear review
- Last minute packing
- 8am Depart Seattle

Afternoon

- Park entrance and registration
- Goals and overview
- 1:00pm @ trailhead and pack in

Evening

- Orientation
- Dinner
- Opening circle & practice

Days 2 – 4:

Morning

- Meditation & yoga practice
- Breakfast
- Pack up camp and hike

Afternoon

- Hiking lunch
- Free time or hike!
- Yoga & yoga nidra practice

Evening

- Dinner
- Group discussions

Day 5:

Morning

- Pack camp
- Closing practice & circle ceremony
- Late breakfast
- Pack out
- Drive back to Seattle
- Final group dinner

**Please note that scheduled itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances**

Connect with the open landscape, challenge your fitness and normal daily patterns, reflect, relax, and find new space in your heart. Take a different sort of vacation and open yourself up to the beauty of the mountains and the beauty of the Self through the practice of yoga in nature.

So register today and join KAF Adventures and Planet Earth Yoga on this unique Mt. Rainier Backpacking and Yoga Retreat! We’d love to have you. 

And if you’re interested to participate in more yoga & backpacking retreats, take a look at our Fall Canyon Lands Yoga Retreat!