If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to climb 150 feet into the forest canopy—without just scrambling up some old tree branches like a kid in your backyard—Adventureterra on Lopez Island is your chance. This isn’t your average hike or trail run (though I got a little of that in too). It’s part tree climbing, part aerial adventure, and totally worth the trip.
Lopez Island is one of the four main San Juan Islands (along with San Juan, Orcas, and Shaw), and while it’s absolutely worth the journey, getting there requires a bit of logistical magic. Especially in the off-season, ferry schedules can be all over the map. Some sailings don’t allow cars, and the ones that do are limited—so do yourself a favor and double-check the ferry schedule before heading out. You do not want to be that group stranded at the dock with a car full of snacks and no way home.
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We caught the early ferry over, which gave us a full day to play with. While the rest of my crew enjoyed a relaxing morning filled with breakfast, quiet reading, and poking around town shops, I laced up and squeezed in a few peaceful miles on south Lopez near Watmough Bay. The trails were quiet, the skies were actually blue, and it made for a perfect warmup to what turned out to be a surprisingly solid upper-body workout later in the trees.
So, what exactly is Adventureterra’s tree climbing experience?
In a word: epic. It’s a four-hour guided climbing session that uses ropes, harnesses, and a specialized setup to help you ascend giant trees—some soaring well over 150 feet. And don’t worry: you don’t need a climbing background or Spiderman reflexes to join. The system is beginner-friendly, and the instructors are laid-back, knowledgeable, and ready to help anyone from age 8 and up feel at home in the treetops. Their oldest climber has actually been 98 year old. They used the adaptive battery ascender that allows anyone to climb with the push of a button. People with disabilities, or just want a chill exploration of the forest, can take this option.
After getting geared up and walking through the setup—which involves sitting in a harness that’s clipped into a climbing rope—we learned how to move upwards by using a squat-push motion, sliding straps upward with each deep knee bend It may sound complex at first, but once you try it, it clicks. My wife and I definitely gave each other the classic “Are we smart enough for this?” look during the demo—but we got the hang of it quickly.
Our eight-year-old was out there climbing multiple trees like a pro. She even figured out how to descend (which was arguably the trickiest part) with just a little help from our instructor—especially since her body weight wasn’t quite enough for gravity to do its usual thing.
Is it a workout?
This isn’t a lazy Sunday stroll. You’ll use your arms, legs, and core in ways that most runners don’t usually tap into. If you run regularly, you’re likely to be just fine, though don’t be surprised if your shoulders and lats remind you of the adventure the next day. It’s a fun, low-pressure environment, and the climbs are as challenging as you want them to be.
In short:
Adventureterra is a one-of-a-kind experience that blends nature, movement, and just enough adrenaline to keep things interesting. Paired with a morning run and a ferry ride through one of the most scenic regions in Washington, it’s a full-on Pacific Northwest day to remember. Whether you’re chasing miles, views, or just something new to try with the family, this is one adventure that climbs high on the recommendation list.
Add it to your list if you want to take a runcation this Spring at the Kings San Juan Island Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K. Also, Adventureterra has a second location in Silver Falls State Park if you want to run the Trail of Ten Falls – followed by scaling the canopy of tall trees! The 2025 Tree Climbers Rendezvous is coming there this August – and should be a great time!
