An individual rock climbing up a steep, steep vertical rock face outdoors during an excursion
WSU Vancouver

Outdoor Recreation and Rentals

Discover Your Next Outdoor Adventure

The Recreation Office at WSU Vancouver helps you explore the outdoors, connect with other Cougs, and discover new adventures in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you are an experienced outdoor enthusiast or trying something new, Recreation offers opportunities to explore new places, build outdoor skills, and make the most of the region’s natural spaces.

Through outdoor experiences that encourage exploration, community, and responsible recreation, you can find new ways to get outside, challenge yourself, and create lasting memories beyond the classroom.

Recreation Office Services

Visit the Recreation Office in the Annex to explore ways to get outside and connect with other Cougs:

  • Outdoor Trips: Join group adventures and seasonal excursions.
  • Gear Rentals: Rent equipment for your next adventure.
  • Trip Planning: Get support and outdoor tips from student leaders.
  • Student Lounge: Relax in a cozy environment between classes.
  • Campus Facilities: Explore campus trails and recreation areas.

Questions?

Schedule

Monday12:00pm – 4:00pm
Tuesday12:00pm – 4:00pm
Wednesday12:00pm – 4:00pm
Thursday12:00pm – 4:00pm
Friday12:00pm – 4:00pm
*The Rec Office is closed during holidays and campus closures.

Outdoor adventures

The Recreation Office organizes outdoor trips and activities where you can explore the outdoors, connect with other Cougs, and try something new. Open to all experience levels, these adventures honor the lands where students explore and recreate while remaining affordable through S&A fees.

Sign up for an upcoming trip

Registration opens three weeks before each trip date.

  • Register online: Log in with your WSU credentials.
  • Register in person: Visit the Recreation Office.

Registration is first come, first served. Payment is required at registration. Only credit and debit card payments are accepted.

Eligibility: Outdoor trips are available to current WSU Vancouver students. Students may sponsor a non-student if space is available.

Student trip leaders

Outdoor trips are led by Adventure Facilitators, Recreation Office student leaders trained in outdoor risk management and group dynamics. These student leaders help create safe and engaging experiences while helping fellow Cougs explore the outdoors.

A staff member interacting playfully with Butch, the WSU mascot, inside a campus merchandise store
A student throwing a disc or playing ultimate frisbee on an open green campus lawn

Campus recreation areas

Explore outdoor spaces right here at WSU Vancouver. The campus offers opportunities to play, walk, run and connect with nature.

Disc golf course: Play a round of disc golf on the 9-hole course located next to the Recreation Office. Current students, faculty, and staff can rent discs for free.

Walking and running trails: Explore six miles of Cougar trails across the WSU Vancouver campus, great for walking, running and biking.

Gear rentals and pricing

The Recreation Office offers an affordable gear rental library with equipment for a variety of activities, making it easier to explore without purchasing your own gear. Recreation staff can help you choose the right equipment, learn how to use it and plan your next trip.

Reserve gear online with your WSU credentials or visit the Recreation Office. Payment is required when you reserve your gear.

Gear availability depends on inventory and seasonal availability. Gear rentals are available to current WSU Vancouver students, faculty, and staff. Equipment is not available for sponsored guests, community members, alumni, or students from other WSU campuses.

Category Item Student Faculty/Staff
Winter Gear Downhill ski package (skis, boots, poles, helmet) $15.00 $20.00
Snowboard package (board, boots, bag, helmet) $15.00 $20.00
Snowboard $12.00 $17.00
Snowboard boots $5.00 $10.00
Snow helmet $3.00 $5.00
Ski poles $5.00 $10.00
Snowshoes $5.00 $10.00
Sled $4.00 $5.00
Paddleboard SUP package (paddle board, PFD, paddle, dry bag, phone case) $20.00 $25.00
Paddle $2.00 $5.00
Dry bag $2.00 $5.00
Personal flotation device (PFD) $15.00 $10.00
Camping Backpacks $5.00 $10.00
Daypacks $5.00 $10.00
Tent (One and two-person) $7.00 $12.00
Tent (Four-person) $10.00 $15.00
Sleeping bag $8.00 $13.00
Sleeping pad $4.00 $5.00
Camp chair $4.00 $5.00
Camping stoves $5.00 $7.00
Cooking pot set $3.00 $8.00
Cooler $4.00 $6.00
Bear-proof canister $2.00 $3.00
Lanterns $8.00 $13.00
Hammock and Straps $5.00 $10.00
Climbing Crash pad $5.00 $10.00
Fishing Fishing package (pole, tackle box, net) $7.00 $7.00
Individual fishing items $3.00 $3.00

Gear is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserving online ahead of time is recommended.

  1. Log in to reserve your gear and select your reservation date.
  2. Pay with a credit or debit card at the time of reservation.
  3. Pick up your gear at the Recreation Office in the Annex at your scheduled time. Pickups may take up to 20 minutes.
  4. Show your CougarCard, load your gear, and get outside!

Recreation staff can help with loading and provide gear instructions. You are responsible for all rented items according to 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.

Return gear to the Recreation Office in the Annex at your designated return time. Returns may take up to 20 minutes.

Clean and sanitize all gear before returning. A cleaning fee may apply for gear that is not properly cleaned. Recreation staff will inspect returned items, and you may be responsible for replacement costs for damaged or missing equipment.