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 so you can enjoy the great outdoors while acknowledging and honoring the land we recreate on. Come take an adventure with us, bring friends, and make new ones.
- Activities are for all skill and experience levels
- Free or low‑cost activities are funded by S&A fees
Sign up for an upcoming trip
Registration for each trip will open 3 weeks before the trip date.
To register:
- Sign up online: Log in to DSE Rec with your WSU credentials.
- Sign up in person: Register at the Rec Office
Registration is first come, first served. Full payment is required at registration.
The Rec Office accepts payment by credit or debit card only. Cash and checks are no longer accepted.
Eligibility: Trips are for current students. If space is available, students may sponsor a non-student.
Events calendar
The full schedule of spring 2026 activities will be announced in January at the start of the semester.
Student trip leaders
Trips are led and organized by Adventure Facilitators, Rec Office student leaders, under the guidance of the Rec Coordinator. Adventure Facilitators have the leadership and risk management skills to know how to create safe and transformative outdoor experiences for all students.
Want to lead an adventure? Apply to be a trip leader on Handshake and help other Cougs explore the outdoors.
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.
Log in to DSE Rec with your WSU credentials or visit the Rec Office to reserve gear. Payment is due at the time of reservation.
Payment: You can pay online when reserving gear in advance. If you drop by the Rec Office to rent gear, we accept credit or debit cards only.
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 | Faculty/Staff |
|---|---|---|
| Downhill ski package (skis, boots, poles, helmet) |
$15 | $20 |
| Snowboard package (board, boots, bag, helmet) |
$15 | $20 |
| Snowboard | $12 | $17 |
| Snowboard boots | $5 | $10 |
| Snow helmet | $3 | $5 |
| Ski poles | $5 | $10 |
| Snowshoes | $5 | $10 |
| Sled | $4 | $5 |
| Item | Student | Faculty/Staff |
|---|---|---|
| SUP package (paddle board, PFD, paddle, dry bag, phone case) |
$20 | $25 |
| Paddle | $2 | $5 |
| Dry bag | $2 | $5 |
| Personal flotation device (PFD) | $15 | $10 |
| Item | Student | Faculty/Staff |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacks | $5 | $10 |
| Daypacks | $5 | $10 |
| Tent (One and two-person) | $7 | $12 |
| Tent (Four-person) | $10 | $15 |
| Sleeping bag | $8 | $13 |
| Sleeping pad | $4 | $5 |
| Camp chair | $4 | $5 |
| Camping stoves | $5 | $7 |
| Cooking pot set | $3 | $8 |
| Cooler | $4 | $6 |
| Bear-proof canister | $2 | $3 |
| Lanterns | $8 | $13 |
| Hammock and Straps | $5 | $10 |
| Item | Student | Faculty/Staff |
|---|---|---|
| Crash pad | $5 | $10 |
| Item | Student | Faculty/Staff |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing package (pole, tackle box, net) |
$7 | $7 |
| Individual fishing items | $3 | $3 |
- Gear is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserving online ahead of time is recommended.
- Log in to DSE Rec to select your gear and reservation date.
- Pay with a credit or debit card at the time of reservation.
- Pick up your gear at the Rec Office in the Annex at your scheduled time. Pick-ups may take up to 20 minutes.
- Show your CougarCard, load up your gear, and get outside!
Staff will help with loading and instructions. You are responsible for all rented items per the rental agreement.
Cancel at least 48 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice receive a 50% refund.
Late returns are subject to a fee equal to one additional day’s rental rate for each item.
- 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.