Adventure, competition await in Molalla woods

Let the clarion call go forth to all thrill-seekers, nature lovers and those ready to embrace the literal “wild” side.

The inaugural PNW Survival Games will arrive next month to provide adventures aplenty. For those with an inclination to test themselves against the wilderness, and their own limitations, something very interesting is about to spring up in Molalla.

The Pacific Northwest Survival Games will be held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7-8, at the Molalla Ripple Property, 16287 Highway 21.

The outdoor event offers participants with diverse backgrounds and experience levels the chance to connect with nature, learn essential survival skills and cultivate a sense of adventure through immersive challenges and expert-guided learning experiences at the PNW Survival Games.

The event requires no prior experience, just enthusiasm and a desire to learn. Instructors will guide participants every step of the way, ensuring they feel confident and capable throughout the challenges.

Solo participants will be matched up into two-person teams. After each 30-minute skill demonstration the teams will compete against each other in timed competitions.

The registration fee is $100. There will be a $500 grand prize and the PNW Survival Games trophy on the line for contestants.

“The PNW Survival Games is more than just an outdoor adventure; it’s a community-driven experience designed to reconnect individuals with nature, instill self-reliance and promote the preservation of survival skills in the stunning landscape of the Pacific Northwest,” according to Phil Robinson, who along with Tony Peniche, co-founded the first-year event. “Unlike typical outdoor events, the PNW Survival Games combine education, adventure and community-building. It’s an event where participants can learn practical survival skills while forging lasting bonds with fellow adventurers.”

Some of the skills to be taught include shelter building, primitive fire starting, creating a gill-net and more.

Robinson and Peniche note that the creation of PNW Survival Games was inspired by their shared enjoyment of shows like “Survivor,” “Alone, Naked and Afraid,” “Man vs. Wild,” “Survivor Man” and others. Now, they will create their own outdoor-focused event with its own unique twists and adventures. The action runs from 10 a.m. Saturday to 4 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, or to register for the event, go to pnwsurvivalgames.eventbrite.com.