Zoom info session Weeks 1&2
Zoom info session Weeks 3&4
August Camp 2023 Mt. Hood
August Camp 2023 will be located on a brand-new site in Oregon! We’ll be camped on private land between Sandy, OR, and Mount Hood Village, only about an hour’s drive from Portland International airport, making this one of the most easily accessed sites Camp has had in many years. We will have access to great hiking in sections of the Columbia River Gorge and around Mount Hood, and in the Mt Hood National Forest. There is easy access on foot to the Sandy River. Learn more about the area here.
Each week, our full-service tent village for 64 campers offers home-cooked meals, daily hikes at all levels, nightly campfires, and wonderful camaraderie.
Camp Dates:
Week 1: July 15 to July 22
Week 2: July 22 to July 29
Week 3: July 29 to August 5
Week 4: August 5 to August 12
Application Process
We are currently accepting applications for our waitlist.
What if I am applying with someone?
If you are traveling with another person, there is a place on the form to indicate that your attendance is dependent on another camper being accepted. THE PERSON YOU LIST MUST ALSO LIST YOU. Please provide accurate contact information for your travel companion. We still need each person to fill out their own form.
2023 Camp Pricing
$1650 for members
$1980 for non-members
IS AUGUST CAMP FOR ME?
If you hike regularly and like camping in relative comfort, yes, and we welcome you! You should be aware that this is a hiking camp – we will be out on the trails for 5-8 hours per day, six days in a row, covering 6-13 miles and 500’ to 2500’ or more of elevation gain, at a suitable pace for the hikes you choose. If you join a hike beyond your ability or fitness, you will be asked to choose easier hikes for the rest of the week. Even our easiest “C” hikes require that you be able to hike the indicated distance and elevation gain at a steady pace of around 2 miles/hour. (See hike rating section below)
While we offer occasional non-hiking activities, such as biking, kayaking/rafting, or a service trip, these vary by location and are limited in number. There are no half-day options at Camp, no “walks” and no organized activities if you are unable to hike or choose to remain at Camp rather than join a hike.
Our hike rating system
A hikes are the most difficult and may run from 7 to 13 miles in length with elevation gains from 1000’ to over 4000.’ Because of the length and gain, they run at a fast pace with shorter breaks.
B hikes are our intermediate level hikes, covering 6-10 miles, with elevation gains of 1000’ to over 2000’, and are run at a more moderate pace than the A hikes.
C hikes are easier, and proceed at a sustained pace somewhat slower than the B hikes, generally on less challenging terrain and with more frequent stops. Although some hikes on the C list are as short as 2-3 miles, these would be combined with another hike or activity to make for a full day’s outing. C hikers can expect to do 6 or more miles in a day with up to as much as 1500’ of elevation gain.
Although our rating system is based on distance and elevation gain, it does not take into account the condition of the trail (steep ascents/descents, boulders, mud, scree, stream crossings, etc). Such hazards may make any given hike considerably more challenging. Special features, when known, will be described at campfire the night before by the hike leaders, along with the expected distance and elevation gain for the day.
Your preparation and conditioning
A variety of hikes are offered daily, and you will be out on the trails for several hours each day. Hiking is a physically demanding activity, regardless of the difficulty rating of a particular hike. Our hike rating system assumes that all campers are starting from a foundation of being active, healthy people with good footing, strength and balance.
If you can agree with the statements below, August Camp is the place for you!
- I follow a regular fitness program, exercising several times a week.
- I regularly participate in strenuous exercise that elevates my heart rate.
- I am able to navigate uneven surfaces.
- I am comfortable hiking/walking 5-10 miles.
- I am able to hike for half an hour without needing a break.
- My health status does not hinder my hiking ability.
- I enjoy hiking 5-6 days in a row.
- I am able to hike at a pace of 1.5-2 miles per hour, and am able to maintain a regular, uninterrupted pace.
- I am able to hike multiple miles with elevation change (500-2500’ of elevation gain).
If you are not quite ready for the level of hiking that we offer, we encourage you to consider some of AMC’s other group sites and activities that may offer more flexibility in their offerings. Here are some options you may find of interest.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
Cancellations must be e-mailed to the Registrar – phone cancellations will not be accepted.
- Prior to May 1, 2023, all but $300 per person will be refunded.
- After May 1, 2023, but at least 31 days prior to the first Saturday for which a person is registered, 50% of payment in excess of $300 per person will be refunded.
- No refunds will be given for cancellations received within 30 days of the first Saturday for which a person is registered.
Cancellations must be e-mailed to [email protected].
In the event of Camp cancellation or interruption due to COVID-related restrictions or other unforeseeable events, August Camp would return all or part of the camp registration fees to affected campers, with the amount depending on the timing of such interruption or cancellation.
If an entire camp is canceled due to State of Oregon regulations, the full amount will be refunded
If, within 14 days prior to arrival to August Camp, you are experiencing symptoms of COVID or have been exposed to COVID please do not come to camp. If you experience COVID symptoms while at camp, you will be asked to leave.
Camper expenses outside the registration fees, such as travel expenses, are not the responsibility of August Camp. August Camp strongly recommends that Campers purchase travel insurance to cover expenses in the case of personal cancellation and also in the case of camp cancellation. If you choose to purchase such insurance, verify with your insurer that it covers cancellation for any reason.
We encourage you to buy Trip Cancellation Insurance
Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions to our cancellation policy for medical issues and other personal emergencies that may arise, so we strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance to protect yourself in case such a situation occurs
RoamRight is one company with whom the AMC has worked. Participants can purchase insurance online from them or any agency of your choice.
HEALTH AND COVID INFORMATION
Given the nature of August Camp’s activities, set-up, and location, the August Camp Committee encourages participants to be especially mindful while traveling to camp, and to take appropriate steps to arrive at camp healthy and COVID-free. Anyone not feeling well while at camp is expected to notify the Camp Director immediately. Any guest who becomes ill during a session may be asked to leave if that illness jeopardizes the health and participation of other campers. Any expenses incurred under these circumstances will be the responsibility of the camper. We strongly encourage campers to obtain travel insurance. All information related to COVID protocols will be updated on the August Camp website should there be any changes.
Q: What can one do to have the best chance of a virus-free experience at August Camp (AC)?
- Arrive at camp in good health, and fully boosted against COVID, if possible.
- In the week before camp, wear a mask in closed (airplanes) and crowded (concerts, airports, shopping, etc.) places.
- You must wear a mask in the airport meeting area and in the van traveling to camp.
- Observe good hand-washing practices while traveling and throughout your stay.
- Bring masks to wear in the AC vans during your stay. If possible, bring 2-3 Covid tests.
Q: What kind of medical facilities are available at August Camp?
- August Camp does not employ healthcare providers. Hike leaders are certified in Wilderness First Aid.
- Any camper needing urgent or emergency healthcare will be transported to the nearby hospital emergency service or an urgent care provider. Make sure you have your medical insurance card with you.
AIRPORT MEETING LOCATION
Campers flying to Camp will meet at the Portland airport (PDX) baggage claim between 11 AM and 2 PM on Saturdays only for transport to camp. We will meet at the welcome booth across from baggage claim number 4. Vans will depart for camp as they fill and volunteer drivers are available.
If possible, please do not plan to arrive at the meeting place prior to 11 AM on your arrival day to allow departing campers to disembark.
The camp is about an hour drive from the airport with a QUICK stop en route for lunch and for people to buy a few snacks and supplies (e.g. happy hour provisions).
DEPARTURE TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to Portland Airport will not be available on departure Saturdays for flights leaving before 10 a.m. Vans begin leaving camp at 5 AM to return to the airport. You must plan to leave camp about 4-5 hours before your flight time.
We strongly encourage you to book a flight departing late morning. If you choose to book an early morning flight you might consider booking it for Sunday morning and spending Saturday night near the airport.
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS AT CAMP
To run our full program of hikes and activities each day, August Camp depends on having a large number of campers qualified as volunteer drivers. Even if you drive your own vehicle to Camp, please consider applying as an approved van driver.
We appreciate your willingness to apply to be a driver. The more drivers we have the less everyone has to do.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
From NE Airport Way take I-205 S to I-84 E/US-30 E. Take exit 16 for 238th Dr toward Wood Village. Turn R onto NE 238th Dr and continue straight as it becomes 242nd Dr, then NE Hogan Dr, then NE Burnside Rd. Take US-26 E in Gresham; go about 21 mi (past Sandy). Watch for signs along Rte. 26 for "Sandy Ridge Trails" and "Mt. Grange / Marmot." Turn L on E Sleepy Hollow Drive. After 0.3 mi, turn R; cross Sandy River. Turn L on E Marmot Road. Look for August Camp signs in < 1 mile.
HIKING AND ACTIVITIES
August Camp 2023 Hiking Program – Mt. Hood Sandy, OR
Camp Location
Please note: You will be out of camp most of the day; even the easiest hikes will require you to be able to hike a minimum of 5 miles with 500-700 feet of elevation gain. Shorter, easier hikes are combined with other hikes or other activities to make for a full day's outing.
Hike List
The updated hike list in Excel and as a printable PDF document are below. The PDF file is formatted to print landscape on legal paper.
Guidebooks
G1 “Day Hiking Mount Hood, a Year-Round Guide,” Eli Boschetto, 1st ed., 2020;
G2 “100 Hikes, Northwest Oregon,” William Sullivan, May 2022 (not to be confused with the 5th edition of “100 Hikes/Travel Guide - Northwest Oregon & Southwest Washington,” by the same author);
G3 “Hiking the Columbia River Gorge,” Russ Schneider, 4th ed., 2022
Maps
M1 Trails Illustrated Map #820, Mount Hood (Mount Hood and the Willamette National Forests)
M2 Trails Illustrated Map #821, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
(These maps are available as a map pack for Mount Hood/Columbia River Gorge.)
Alternate Activities
Flat Water Kayaking:
Wednesdays, Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4
Join Alder Creek Outfitters for a 3-hour kayaking tour on the Columbia River Water Trail. Explore scenic waterways and spot beavers, deer, eagles, and more wildlife. Suitable for beginners. The price is $75, including equipment and guides. Email [email protected] with your name, contact information, and preferred week to register. 4-5 campers and a leader are needed to run this trip. Not enough people and the trip doesn’t go. Click here for more details.
White Water Rafting: Deschutes River Full-Day Excursion Join
Join River Drifters for an exhilarating full-day white water rafting adventure on the Deschutes River in Maupin, Oregon—raft through stunning canyons, thrilling class II and III rapids, and tranquil pools. Enjoy a picnic lunch and swimming along the way. Limited to 18 participants, so sign up early. The cost is $85.34 per person, including 6 hours on the river and lunch.
Make reservations by June 17 through the link or by calling 800-972-0430. More details and FAQs can be found on their website.
Click here for Reservations for Week 1 - Thursday, July 20
Click here for Reservations for Week 2 - Thursday, July 27
Click here for Reservations for Week 3 - Thursday, August 3
Click here for Reservations for Week 4 - Wednesday, August 9
(note: kayak and rafting trips are the same day in week 4)
Biking Option
Weeks 1 & 2
Trips will take place on Tues., going from Hood River to the town of Mosier along the Columbia River. This is a highly recommended 10-mile round trip through very scenic
terrain, with several lovely viewpoints on the route. Additional options (2-mile waterfront trail, watching kite-surfing, touring the town of Hood River) will round out our day.
Cost for bike rental from local bike store is $40 for road bikes, $60 for e-bikes.
Please contact Eliza Dagostino for more info if interested.
([email protected] 413-387-9509
Week 4 (day TBD but not Wed. 8/9)
With enough interest, we will offer a bike trip, using rental e-bikes (approx $80 for bike, helmet, lock, itinerary) to bike 22 miles along the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. We will pass several waterfalls in view and we can park for short (0.5 - 1 mile walks) to other falls with swimming at the turn around point. Participants must know how to use a multi-geared bike with brakes on the handlebar.
If interested, by June 17, email [email protected] (activity = biking, week attending, your name, email, phone, height, weight) and additional information will be forwarded to you.
Fishing Options
Our site’s owner is a passionate fisherman and offers two fishing options. First, fish on the river from our land with catch and release, except for hatchery salmon. Spring Chinook Salmon is abundant during this season. You'll need a license, tag, and Columbia River Endorsement from OR Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (available at myodfw.com/fishing/licensing-info). The non-resident fee is $24 for one day, with reduced rates for two, three, or seven days. Alternatively, fish in our landowner's private stocked trophy pond and purchase a whole fish from him at $6/lb. Bring a sturdy rod capable of handling a 10-25 lb. fish, with a minimum 25 lb. test line and a #5 or #6 Bluefox spinner attached to the main line.
To express interest, please email [email protected] by June 17. Include the activity (fishing), the week you'll be attending, your name, email, and phone number. Further details about fishing in camp will be provided.
Service Trip or Trail Maintenance
We are discussing with several agencies and hope to offer a service project one day each week. Details will be announced at Camp. If interested, consider bringing work gloves and protective eye gear. You will not need to bring tools.
Camp Drivers
August Camp is a volunteer-run AMC entity. This includes transportation from the airport to camp and to trailheads or activities. We rent a fleet of minivans such as the Chrysler Pacifica, which our volunteer drivers, aka campers, will drive. Please consider being a driver to balance the responsibility between many campers.
Site Information and Details
Electricity: While it is expected that we will have a charging station for phones, cameras and such small devices, we suggest bringing a car charger for use while in the vans.
Swimming in the Sandy River before or after our hikes is available a short walk from camp.
Emergency Contact Info
Should someone need to contact you in the case of a serious emergency, such as might require your return home, please use your own cell phone as the first line of communication. If that is not possible, for emergencies during Camp, July 16 - August 13, 2023, the cell phone of Camp Manager may be used 564-900-0744.
Hospital & ER: Legacy Mt Hood Medical Center, 503-674-1122, 24800 SE Stark St, Gresham (12.3 mi. from Sandy).
Recommended Equipment
2023 August Camp Gear List
To ensure your comfort and safety, the equipment list has been updated to accommodate activities and conditions at the 2023 camp and on hikes. You must bring required items. Keep in mind while you're packing during a heatwave in the city that you will need warm clothing at camp and on the hikes. Believe it or not, temperatures can dip below freezing. Camp this year is at an elevation of around 1000’ and some hikes may go as high as 7000’. If you are not properly equipped for a particular hike, you may not be able to participate. Snow on many trails is possible. Label your belongings!
CLOTHING
Required Clothing
- Full set of waterproof rain gear: jacket and rain pants
- Hiking boots/shoes - strong, comfortable and well broken-in
- Shirt and pants for sun protection
- Long pants for cool evenings and high peaks
- Shoes for around camp
- Socks (inner and outer), twice as many as you think you will need
- Two or three sets of your usual hiking gear (non-cotton shorts and shirts)
- Hat for sun protection
- Warm hat, mittens or gloves (necessary for high peaks)
- Wool, primaloft, or fleece layers of clothing
Recommended Clothing
- Bathing suit and beach towel for swimming, if desired
- Second pair of hiking boots/shoes, if you have them
- Waterproof shoes for damp mornings
- Thermal underwear–not cotton
- Sundress/cover-up for trips to the showers
GEAR
Required Gear
- Sleeping bag, rated to 15-20°F
- Air mattress or foam pad
- Daypack (large enough to carry extra clothing layers, food and 2 quarts of water for hikes)
- Quart-size plastic or metal bottles (at least two for hikes) - or hydration system
- Driver’s license, if signed up to drive
- Sunshower labeled with your name or initials
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries (Note: No candles or gas lanterns are permitted.)
- Towel
- Heavy-duty trash bags, for use in backpack if it isn’t waterproof
- Compass
- Personal first aid kit; with masks for travel in vans, and extra covid tests
- Personal hygiene items (preferably unscented)
- Whistle
- BIODEGRADABLE, unscented soap for personal use and hand-washing laundry
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
Recommended Gear
- Tarps, for use as a tent ground cloth. Many are available in different shapes and sizes for rent ($5) at camp, if you’re flexible; if you’re particular, bring your own
- Unbreakable mug
- Heavy-duty trash bags, for use in backpack and in duffle bag
- Hiking poles (packed in checked luggage)
- Reusable lunch container
- Charging Cables with car adapter; all chargers should be clearly marked with initials
- Unbreakable mirror for shaving or putting in contacts
- Folding chair for campfire (several are available for rent ($5) at Camp)
- Head net for insect protection
- Safety pins/sewing kit/repair kit/extra boot laces
Optional Gear
- Musical instruments
- Umbrella
- Pillow
- National Parks pass, if you have one
- Camera
- Battery-operated lantern for tent
- Travel alarm
- Tightly sealed box to keep cosmetics/lotions in tent
- Bathmat or throw rug for the floor of your tent
- Binoculars
- Trail guidebooks and maps
- Bird, flower and other guidebooks
- Light blanket or quilt or sleeping bag liner, for warmer nights
- Mosquito netting for sleeping under
- Pen and small journal
- Small personal tent (if you want to have the option of sleeping in it or going on an overnight)
- Pocket Knife (in checked luggage)
OTHER REQUIRED ITEMS
- An adventurous spirit
- A great sense of humor!