Your Next Adventure Starts Here
The Outdoor Program is your source for outdoor recreation and fun at SOU. Explore the beautiful Southern Oregon region and make new friends on a student-led adventure trip. Challenge yourself to scale a 44-foot route in the Climbing Center. Or rent all the gear you need to explore the outdoors on your own.
The SOU Outdoor Program Presents: Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival
For the 11th consecutive year, the Outdoor Program will host the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival in-person at Southern Oregon University. The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival is one of the most prestigious mountain festivals in the world. Each year, the festival tours to over 280 locations all over the world showcasing the best in adventure film, culture, and community.
Join the SOU Outdoor Program for two nights of epic films on February 16 and 17.
Climbing Center
Whether you’re an experienced climber, or just starting to learn the ropes, the Climbing Center is the perfect place to tackle new challenges and hone your skills. The wall stands 44 feet tall, meaning there’s plenty of space to test new routes, learn to belay, or practice lead climbing. Plus, gear like shoes and harnesses is included in your Rec Center membership at no extra cost.
Outdoor Trips
The Outdoor Program offers different adventure trips each term to some of the best outdoor recreation locations in the region. Signing up for an outdoor trip is a great way to explore Southern Oregon and learn a new skill like climbing, whitewater rafting, or snowshoeing. Looking for more friends? Outdoor trips are a great way to meet new people who also love adventuring in the outdoors!
Gear Rentals
With 1,200 outdoor gear items available to rent, the Outdoor Program has everything you need to adventure without breaking the bank. Get out on the water with kayaks and paddle boards, explore new trails with backpacking gear, or hit the slopes with snowshoes and snowboards. Our gear is high-quality and super affordable for SOU students and the Ashland community.
Wilderpress Newsletter
Learn more about what (and who) makes the Outdoor Program tick from our newsletter, Wilderpress. Learn more about our student-staff, our favorite gear items, and adventure trips. Plus, check out short articles written by OP staff sharing anecdotes, suggestions for adventures, and general tips to make your outdoor experience the best it can be.
About the Outdoor Program
For over 50 years, the Outdoor Program has been a fixture of extracurricular campus life at Southern Oregon University. The OP is an inclusive community that fosters personal growth through experiential programming, professional development, and the spirit of adventure for all SOU students. Our staff are excellent resources for information about outdoor opportunities in the area. Need a suggestion for a new place to hike, backpack, kayak, snowshoe, or paddle board? Come visit us! The Outdoor Program is located in the SOU Student Recreation Center.