Testimonials

We love our clients and sharing adventures with them is why we enjoy our work. Here is what our clients have told us about their OPA outdoor experience:

Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Hike- August 2009
Hey Joe, Sorry this is so late.....Just wanted to thank you again for the awesome hike! Boy, I'm still thinking about it. That was one great day! The rest of my trip was awesome. Trip to coast Friday, Sat. did Forest Park. Sat. night someone set off the sprinklers in my hotel, so that was very adventurous (NOT!). Hey, it was great meeting you and getting to know you a bit during the hike. I think what you do is awesome and you're an inspiration for "doing what you love." Hope I get to hike with you again sometime. Take care and keep in touch, okay? As soon as I get my photos organized I'll send you a few. Sincerely yours, Julie Cornelius

St. Helens Climb - August 2009
I took away a few pictures, great memories and had some great conversations with the other hiker and your guide. The weather didn't cooperate much, windy and wet; though if not for the moisture, our hike would have been substantially different had the sand/scree been dry.....This was my first mountain type summit in the NW area for me, want to come back for some more fun.... The one constant for me no matter where I climb; the trail conditions, the weather, the folks you climb with, make each trip special and I know how lucky I am to be able to participate in these type climbs and experience some of natures most beautiful places in person.

I will be sure to recommend your company to anyone I hear of or who asks for your type services out there and will check your site in the future to see if you are already headed where our next trip is going. - Tom Homer

St. Helens Climb - August 2009

The climb was awesome and Vivian did a great job for us. Please convey our sincere thanks to her for all she did for both of us. ... I am trying to persuade Suzanne to return next year for a trip up Adams. Hopefully one or both of us will be in touch late this year or early next. Thanks again for the superior service rendered to us by your company and Vivian. Fred Branyan

St. Helens Climb - August 2009
My Dad and I really enjoyed our climb with Viviane. She is such a patient, experienced climber and has tremendous people skills. I hope I'll have another chance to climb with her again in the future. Thanks again for everything, Suzanne

Alpine Mountaineering Training - August 2009

My wife and I wanted to thank you and Chris for the great training you provided when we attended your introduction to mountaineering course the other week. Being native flatlanders from the Midwest, we were both hesitant and excited to learn some of the skills needed to ascend, descend (I personally never had a problem with this part thanks to gravity, but the whole "safely and under control" aspect you taught was entirely new to me, ha, ha"). rappel, belay, and how to use crampons without perforating one's own leg...all very useful and very appreciated. Unlike other wilderness courses we'd taken, we felt you took the time to make sure we were confident in what we'd learned before moving on to the next topic, and your sense of humor and positive attitude helped to create a comfortable learning environment on what many might consider a very cold and unforgiving classroom. We would not hesitate to recommend your group to anyone looking for a great outdoor experience, and look forward to signing up for one of your upcoming trips! Sincerely, - Eric and Andrea Peterson, Portland, OR

St. Helens Climb - July 2009

I wanted to thank you for a great Climb, but also I wanted to let you know that 3 guides were awesome with a great personality and experience but overall a great sense of motivational spirit, I had a great time and thanks again to Viviane, Brad and Erik they ROCK….. - Ron Chacon

Mt. Adams Climb- July 2009

This is Nola Nelson. I wanted to thank you for the link showing their progress. I appreciated the little "Climbers are OK" message. Brian is still raving about the trip. I think it was a great experience for him. It will be interesting to see what his next adventure will be.
Thanks,
Nola

Mt. Adams Climb- July 2009

I must say this climb was fantastic for several reasons: first, this mountain is beautiful from far away and now, with a new perspective, up close; second, our climbing group, including your people, was like a great group of friends on an outing; third, the expertise of Vivian, Brian, and Jerry helped to make us better hikers/climbers, by their suggestions and good natured nagging; fourth, their patience and awareness of our needs and abilities enabled us to complete this climb and feel mentally and physically uplifted; fifth, you do a great job with the food; sixth, you must be given credit for choosing the quality people who represent OPA (which is you)! Your guides are quality through and through. Technically very sound. Physically fit. Great sense of humor (which was needed to keep up with our group). Patient. Alert. And I guess a lot of other adjectives too. Needless to say I am a very satisfied customer. Please pass this on to our guides so they know how grateful I/we are for their help with this experience. - Craig Haines, Happy Climber

Mountaineering Training - July 2009

Thanks again for the great training experience. I enjoyed all the training and how well it was outlined. - Daniel Schultz

St. Helens Climb -May 2009

The triumverate climb routes of Mount St. Helens are each unique and beautiful: Butte Camp, Swift Creek, and Monitor Ridge. Oregon Peak Adventures made them all possible for me. Thank you Joe Whittington for the total package of services which you provide. Your guides are very knowledgeable, skilled, professional, and down right super people. I've gone with OPA on three climbs and one snowshoe. I'll be signing up again. Count on it. Thanks Bunches! - Susan Fox

Alpine Mountaineering Training - April 2009

Thanks again Joe, for leading the training. I really enjoyed myself and now have some basic skills that I look forward to implement during my climb this summer. Actually I hope to avoid using the self arrest techniques that I learned, but I'm confident that I can use them if needed. - Kellsie Kriegelstein

Alpine Mountaineering Training - April 2009

I just wanted to follow up with you on my recent summit attempt and success on Mt Hood. I literally could not have done it without your class and by the same token I ended up feeling VERY prepared as long as I paid careful attention. My physical conditioning could have been better, but I ran out of time to get in better shape. Long story short, it was fun, safe, successful, and way challenging. Thanks so much for everything from the instruction to the inspiration. My climbing partner, who was very experienced, was appreciative of your instruction as well. :) Thanks so much again. Thanks to you I was able to safely enjoy the

adventure of a lifetime. Two days later and I can't wait to go again. - Curtis

Alpine Mountaineering Training - April 2009

Just thought I would drop you a line to thank you for helping us prepare for our first successful volcano summit attempt. We left Timberline at 12:30 on Saturday and summited at 6:50am. It rained until 10pm with lightning, then cleared up before we left. I think the storm helped keep the numbers low. One in the party was forced back because of nausea and dizziness. We went up the Old Chute. Conditions were great. We decided against roping up. I was unprepared for how narrow the ridge line was, but braved it anyhow. Excellent climb! I bought a Spot GPS. It made our friends and family feel much better. Thank you again, Martin Lott

XC Ski Trip - FEB 2009
I wanted to let you know that I had a great time this past weekend learning to cross country ski. Steven and Viviane were great , as was Clint. As I told them on the way home, their instruction was easy to follow, comprehensive and challenging - which ensured that I got a great deal out of the time we spent together. Thanks again for doing the class given the turnout. I appreciate it. - Sarah

St. Helens Climb - OCT 2008
Thank you! Just wanted to let you know that both Payal and I had an amazing time. Chris was truly such a great guide!! I'm so happy the weather held up and I was able to get to the summit on my bday!! I'll definitely be using your company the next time I'm back in Oregon! Thanks again! -Shanti

St. Helens Climb - OCT 2008
I wanted to let you know that Viviane is a great guide! She is so knowledgeable and I really enjoyed climbing with her. She made me feel very safe and I felt confident being under her lead. Thanks again for everything.
Best, Suzanne P.S. Your trail mix is delicious!! :)

Mt. Adams Climb - June 2008
I am still talking to people about my climb with you up Mount Adams in June of this year. There were a lot of fun things there. My friends look at me with some sort of awe as next January 2009 I can start collecting my pension! Yippee. I hope you are all well? I will always remember all of your support. All good wishes Janet Sandilands from the Sandilands family, Perth in Scotland.

St. Helens Climb - September 2008
Just wanted to let you know about my experience on St. Helens on Sept 5. I was a little apprehensive having never been on a mountain. My sister Susan told to what to do to prepare and I did it. I am 56 (2 years younger than she is) and really wanted to make her proud of me. I really was just going to see what her passion is all about. Instead, I had one of the best experiences of my life.
I really just wanted to let you know that Thomas is such an awesome guide. He gave great advice and was so genuine and kind. Susan and I had the best sister weekend ever! Thanks again for providing your service with such a professional guide. - Deb Shadley

Mt. Adams Climb - August 2008
This unsolicited account of our recent three day/two night Mt. Adams summit trip is written with enthusiasm for the superb care we received from Joe Whittington and two assistant guides, Thomas Akeson and Viviane deBros. The trip was conceived to enjoy the association of four seventy-two year-olds who were Eagle Scouts in the same troop in Atlanta almost sixty years ago; one of our sons, also an Eagle Scout, accompanied us. OPA provided tents, trekking poles, ice axes/crampons and prepared superb food, even giving us “room service” in our tents the second night during a driving rain/sleet storm. Joe gave wise insight and advice, but let us make the numerous decisions necessary for the adventure. With a progressively worsening three day weather forecast, the group elected to take one day at a time and was able to reach the summit just as near “white out” conditions developed. All three guides demonstrated very personal “client-centered care” going way beyond what would be considered usual or necessary. Please call any or all of us for further insights or impressions.

Buck Baker                 503-558-1320
Doug Ellis                   770-984-5444
Stuart Gould               404-255-2830
Sean Kohles                503-516-7528
Bill Mitchell                404-355-4893

Mt. Adams Climb - August 2008
Hi Joe -
Just wanted to follow up after our climb. I turned back around 8000'-8500' and went back down to camp. The cleaver seemed like it was well beyond my skill level and I didn't want to risk an accident, though it's possible I was influenced by not sleeping Tuesday night.
Regardless, the trip was awesome. Chris is a great guide, and your service is really excellent - the food was good, the site was stunning, and despite me wimping out, I felt really well prepared. Third time will be the charm for me, but it's going to be the south side, and it'll be through OPA. Thanks, Jeff

St. Helens Climb - July 2008
...we left Portland Saturday, tired but very ecstatic from our climb! Everything was perfect. Scott and Thomas were great guides, the snacks were terrific, the pacing and route were excellent. It couldn't have been better. Deborah

St. Helens Climb - September 2008
What a stellar hike it was up St. Helens. Outstanding experience. The weather could not have been more perfect. Views... wow. No worries about my sister's hiking abilities. She powered to the top and back down. Your guide Thomas is 100% joy, Joe. What an awesome individual. Treasure him. Viviane is a sweetie. You definitely have some radar when it comes to hiring quality people. Thanks for your service. Thanks for the adventure (again!) Susan Fox

St. Helens Climb - May 2007
I am writing this email to express our appreciation for your guide during Mt. St. Helens climb last Friday. The trip was fantastic. Chris and Matt were very professional and were so nice and patient to us which even made the climbing more joyful. And thanks a lot for the prompt action at the end of the day, Lei finally caught his flight without any trouble. We are so happy that we made it, and will never forget the view of Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Hood in the distance when we were on the top, and of course will remember the taste of delicious sandwich and jelly beans on our way. This trip was our first submit climb, and it will not be the last one for sure.
Thank you very much and we hope to climb with you again! - Chun

St. Helens Climb - August 2007
I want to thank you and your staff for an outstanding trip up to the rim of Mt. St. Helens! Your organization and particularly your guides, Thomas and Brian, did a great job of making this a wonderful day and a successful summit. Your preparation of food was outstanding as well! Thank you!
I especially want to say what a wonderful person Thomas is and how his patience and perceptiveness kept all of us good physically and mentally. His leadership made this climb the success it turned out to be.
The climb and particularly summiting had an emotional effect on me since I had dedicated that day to my friend Day Karr and his two boys who were killed by the eruption of Mt. St. Helens. While taking pictures from a logging road north of the mountain, they were almost instantly hit by gasses from the explosion and died where they stood. What an enormous event that explosion was!
Again thank you for helping make this day special for me. I know Brian and Nola were thrilled with their summiting as well. Just three days later my legs were recovered and ready to start again...
Again, Joe, thank you for having such a great organization and caring employees!