Adventure in the Cascades

The FNE Explorers headed into Oregon’s Cascade Mountains for a weekend packed with adventure. Between fishing the clear mountain waters, hiking through the forest, and boating around Clear Lake, there was hardly a dull moment.

Back at camp, the boys put their scoutcraft to work—setting up tents, cooking dinner, practicing outdoor skills, and spending time on the pellet-gun range. As evening settled over the mountains, everyone gathered around the campfire for stories, songs, laughter, and prayers. In FNE, even the ordinary moments of camp—meals, work, the campfire, and rest—are opportunities to live the faith together.

After a weekend of muddy boots, campfire smoke, good food, and plenty of time outdoors, the Explorers packed up Sunday morning and headed back to Salem, finishing the adventure together at St. Joseph’s for Sunday Mass.

It was the kind of weekend Exploring is all about: faith, friendship, challenge, adventure, and learning by doing.

Some of the Boys stop on a bridge as they hike around Clear Lake
For most of the Explorers, fishing and rowing the boats was the highlight of the trip.