Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts have a unique opportunity this summer to combine wilderness adventure with meaningful conservation work. From August 9–13, Ascend Wilderness Experience is hosting the Klamath Mountain Adult Backpacking & Botany Trip, a five-day guided journey through one of California’s most botanically diverse regions.

Set in the Kangaroo Lake Botanical and Geologic Areas along the Pacific Crest Trail, the trip invites participants to explore the stunning landscapes of the Klamath Mountains while contributing to a vital scientific project: the Klamath Vegetation Mapping Program. This initiative, led by California State Polytechnic University in Humboldt, California Native Plant Society, Bigfoot Trail Alliance, and other partners, aims to map plant communities to support biodiversity and climate resilience.

Two trip options are available: an 11-mile backpacking route along the PCT or a basecamp experience at scenic Kangaroo Lake. Both include flexible day hikes and hands-on plant surveys with expert botany, ecology, and geology instruction.

Leading the educational component is Liz McGee-Houghton, a seasoned botanist and educator with over 15 years of field experience. She’ll be joined by professional backcountry guide Andrew Nelson, who has worked extensively with Ascend and is in his third year with the vegetation mapping team.

No experience is required—just a love of nature and a spirit of discovery. The suggested donation begins at $750 per person and includes meals, gear, instruction, and optional transportation from Weaverville.

Participants will help survey and document native plant life, contributing to one of California’s most important ecological mapping efforts.