Join NOLS on the Eastside Prep Leadership Expedition, a 7-day backpacking adventure in Alaska!

Backpacking in Alaska means traveling through vast, often trail-less wilderness where route-finding, river crossings, and unpredictable weather are part of the experience. It’s remote, physically demanding, and deeply immersive, offering a rare sense of true, untamed landscape to explore.

The Eastside Prep Leadership Expedition will focus on developing teamwork and leadership skills along with technical outdoor living skills in this beautiful wilderness. NOLS instructors will teach you cooking and stove use, map reading, Leave No Trace practices, expedition behavior, and techniques for hiking. They will also coach you through being both an active team member and designated leader, individual decision-making and effective group collaboration.