By SAMUEL CATHCART, staff reporter

Outdoor Pursuits and Rentals has planned a two-day backpacking trip to Tunnel Falls, Ore. for students and Recreation Center members on the weekend. The trip gives students the opportunity to spend the weekend outdoors with their fellow peers.

Two OPR trip leaders will accompany eight hikers on the two-day backpacking trip. The group will depart on Friday and return Sunday night. The hikers will set up camp at the trail head Friday night and begin the hike Saturday morning.

The OPR provides everything students need for the trip, so students shouldn’t worry if they don’t have backpacking equipment.

Tunnel Falls is a popular hiking destination for recreational hikers around the Columbia River Gorge area. The 12-mile round trip hike offers spectacular views of waterfalls and lush rainforest.

“They call it Tunnel Falls because the trail cuts behind the waterfall,” trip leader Devin Dykes said.

The difficulty rating of the Tunnel Falls trail is moderate, but as it is a 12-mile round trip, hikers who are interested in going on the trip should have some hiking experience.

“You do need the ability to hike six miles a day,” Dykes, said.

Not only is the backpacking trip a great way to spend the weekend outdoors, but it’s a great way to meet new people, according to trip leader Danielle Richards.

“There’s a lot of bonding time,” Richards, said. “It’s really cool once you’re on the trip and everyone connects and you leave the trip making a lot of new friends.”

The $65 fee for students and recreation members covers equipment rentals, transportation and food. Hikers are required to bring lunch for Saturday’s hike.

Non-students and center members can still go on the backpacking trip. The cost for non-members is $80.

The deadline to register for the backpacking trip is May 1, but OPR will be offering more outdoor trips this spring.

Students can stop by the OPR office or visit their website for more details about the backpacking trip and other outdoor trips planned this spring.