Recreation office
Located in the Annex building, a cozy and refurbished farmhouse, the Rec Office offers students of all skill levels the chance to explore the outdoors. Come by during office hours to:
- Sign up for outdoor trips and events
- Rent gear from our gear library
- Get trip planning tips from our student leaders
- Relax in the lounge area, away from the main campus bustle
- Learn about campus outdoor facilities
Outdoor adventures
The Rec Office organizes trips and activities to give you the opportunity to enjoy and access the great outdoors, all while acknowledging the land we recreate on. Come take an adventure with us, bring your friends, and make some new ones.
- We plan trips for a variety of skill and experience levels
- We offer free and reduced-cost activities, thanks to S&A fees
Sign up for an upcoming trip
Registration for each trip will open 3 weeks before the trip date.
- Sign up in-person at the Rec Office. Bring your CougarCard with you.
- Registration is first come, first served.
- Bring cash or check to secure your spot. We currently cannot accept debit or credit cards.
Eligibility: Trips are reserved for current students. If space permits, students may sponsor a non-student.
Spring 2025 events calendar
Jan. 31 - Feb. 2: Mt. Bachelor Ski Trip
Register for the Mt. Bachelor ski trip
Feb. 15: Snowshoe Day Hike | $5 for students (includes snowshoe rental)
Feb. 16: Indoor Rock Climbing at the Source | $5 for students
March 1: Ski Shuttle to Timberline | $5 for students (shuttle only, does not include lift ticket or gear rental)
March 22: Volunteer Trail Maintenance with Washington Trails Association | Free
March 23: Indoor Rock Climbing at the Source | $5 for students
April 5: Tree-To-Tree Zipline Tour | $25 for students
April 12: Volunteer Trail Maintenance with Washington Trails Association | Free
April 19: Oregon Coast Day Hike | Free
Student trip leaders
Trips are led and organized by our Adventure Facilitators, Rec Office student leaders, under the guidance of our Rec Coordinator. Adventure Facilitators have the leadership and risk management skills to know how to create safe and transformative outdoor experiences for all students.
Campus recreation areas
Disc golf course: Located next to the Rec Office, this 9-hole disc golf course is open to campus and community members alike. Current students, faculty and staff can rent discs at the Rec Office for free.
Walking and running trails: WSU Vancouver has six miles of Cougar trails, great for walking, running, and biking.
Gear rentals
We have an extensive rental gear library at a fraction of the cost of other outdoor shops. Our staff can help you plan a trip and show you how to use our gear.
To reserve gear, please complete the rental form or come by the Rec Office.
Payment: Please bring your CougarCard and cash or a check to the Rec Office to pay for your rental. We currently do not accept debit or credit cards.
Gear rentals and pricing
Gear availability depends on our inventory and the season. Only current students, faculty, and staff can rent gear. We do not rent to sponsored guests, community members, alumni, or students from other WSU campuses.
| Item | Student day rate | Faculty & staff day rate | Additional day rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downhill ski package (skis, boots, poles, helmet) | $15 | $20 | $5 |
| Snowboard package (board, boots, bag, helmet) | $15 | $20 | $5 |
| Lift package (Ski or snowboard package & lift tickets) | Save $5 on rentals | Save $5 on rentals | $5 |
| Snowboard | $12 | $17 | $5 |
| Snowboard boots | $5 | $10 | $2 |
| Snow helmet | $3 | $5 | $1 |
| Ski poles | $5 | $10 | $2 |
| Snowshoes | $5 | $10 | $2 |
| Sled | $4 | $5 | $1 |
| Item | Student day rate | Faculty & staff day rate | Additional day rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUP package (paddle board, PFD, paddle, wet suit, dry bag, phone case) | $20 | $25 | $10 |
| Paddle | $2 | $5 | $1 |
| Wet suit | $5 | $10 | $2 |
| Dry bag | $2 | $5 | $1 |
| Personal flotation device (PFD) | $15 | $10 | $2 |
| Item | Student day rate | Faculty & staff day rate | Additional day rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacks | $5 | $10 | $2 |
| Daypacks | $5 | $10 | $2 |
| Tent (One and two-person) | $7 | $12 | $2 |
| Tent (Four-person) | $10 | $15 | $5 |
| Sleeping bag | $8 | $13 | $2 |
| Sleeping pad | $4 | $5 | $1 |
| Camp chair | $4 | $5 | $1 |
| Camping stoves | $5 | $7 | $1 |
| Cooking pot set | $3 | $8 | $1 |
| Cooler | $4 | $6 | $1 |
| Bear-proof canister | $2 | $3 | $1 |
| Lanterns | $8 | $13 | $2 |
| Hammock and Straps | $5 | $10 | $2 |
| Item | Student day rate | Faculty & staff day rate | Additional day rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crash pad | $5 | $10 | $2 |
| Item | Student day rate | Faculty & staff day rate | Additional day rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing package (pole, tackle box, net) | $7 | $7 | $3 |
| Individual fishing items | $3 | $3 | $1 |
- Fill out the Gear Rental Form. Staff will email a confirmation.
- Arrive at the Recreation Office at the Annex building at your pick-up time. Pick-ups can take up to 20 minutes.
- Show your WSU Vancouver Cougar Card.
- Pay with cash or check (no credit cards).
- Sign the rental agreement and payment paperwork.
Staff will assist with loading and instructions. You are responsible for the rented equipment as per the agreement.
Customers should give at least 48 hours' notice of cancellation by phone or email. Rentals not picked up on time without notice will forfeit the reservation. Late returns are subject to a late fee equal to the additional-day price of the rented item(s).
- Arrive at the Recreation Office at the Annex building at your designated return time. Returns can take up to 20 minutes.
- Clean and sanitize rental gear before returning. A cleaning fee may apply if gear is not cleaned (do not use bleach).
- Staff will gather items and place them in designated areas.
You are responsible for all rented gear and terms outlined in the rental agreement. Staff will contact you if any gear is damaged, and you may be subject to a replacement fee.