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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.

There is a popular mountain biking trail system nearby, so we will consider whether a mountain biking activity can be planned.  For those with their own car, there is a mountain bike rental shop in Sandy. 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

Appalachian Mountain Club COVID-19 Guest Information

The Appalachian Mountain Club recommends guests follow CDC guidance to maximize protection and prevent possible spread to others. AMC recommends but does not require, vaccination to use our facilities. We should all expect to be in the company of both vaccinated and unvaccinated people when engaging with AMC.  AMC believes that the outdoors belongs to everyone. To be sustainable and impactful in carrying out our mission, the AMC community must create and embrace opportunities to be inclusive, kind, and equitable per AMC’s Code of Conduct. Even if you are vaccinated, your efforts to follow our policies will enable all to feel comfortable in the unique communal atmosphere of these special places. 

Covid Information for August Camp

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 ensure that they arrive at camp healthy and Covid-free. It is expected that anyone not feeling well while at Camp will notify the Camp Director immediately. Any guest who becomes ill during a session, and tests positive for Covid, will be asked to leave. 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.  

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. 

AIRPORT MEETING LOCATION

PLEASE DO NOT MAKE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS UNTIL AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED IN FEBRUARY.

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. Vans will depart for camp as they fill and volunteer drivers are available. The meeting place will be determined in December 2022.

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

Directions on Google Maps

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

This is a new location for August Camp and our volunteer hike leaders are compiling the list of hikes. This Excel Spreadsheet will be updated late spring with final descriptions. At that time a printable pdf version will be posted. 

>>>Download Hike List

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

There are many things to do in the area, and August Camp will run non-hiking excursions and activities. These may include visits to scenic locations, rafting, kayaking, biking. Keep in mind these activities involve extra charges, such as admission fees or costs of an outfitter.

We will post a list of additional activities closer to camp, and campers will be notified at that time. It is perfectly ok to stay in camp for the day and relax with a book or your camera.

Activities other than hiking will be posted in Late Spring 2023.

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

Our August Committee is busy researching this area and information will be made available in the spring.

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.

Recommended Equipment

To ensure your comfort and safety, the following equipment list has been updated to accommodate activities and conditions at the 2023 camp and on hikes.

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 to below freezing. Camp this year is at an elevation of around 300’ and 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.

Don't forget your rain gear!

CLOTHING

  • Full set of waterproof rain gear: jacket and rain pants
  • Boots - strong, comfortable and well broken-in (2 pairs if you have them)
  • Light-weight, long-sleeved shirt and pants for sun protection
  • Light-weight windbreaker
  • Long pants (fleece or wool slacks for cool evenings and high peaks)
  • Shoes for around camp, including waterproof footwear for walking in high wet grass in the mornings
  • Socks (inner and outer), twice as many as you think you will need
  • Thermal underwear - not cotton
  • Two or three sets of your usual hiking gear (non-cotton shorts and shirts)
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Warm hat, mittens or gloves (necessary for high peaks)
  • Wool or fleece layers of clothing

GEAR

  • Sleeping bag, rated to 15-20°F (or summer bag and extra blankets, if needed)
  • Air mattress or foam pad (full-length as cold air beneath cot will cool you even in the warmest sleeping bag)
  • 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
  • Ground cloth or tarp (good for under your duffle bag or suitcase, and on the floor of your tent - tents do not have floors; there may be some for rent at Camp*)
  • Driver’s license, if signed up to drive
  • Sunshower so you can have a hot shower (available through several mail order companies), labeled with your name or initials as many look alike
  • Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries and bulb (Note: No candles or Coleman-type gas lights are permitted.)
  • Towel and washcloth
  • Unbreakable mug (for hot drinks in the morning and afternoon)
  • Heavy-duty trash bags, for use in backpack and in duffle bag, to keep clothing dry, if it rains
  • Compass
  • Extra shoe/boot laces
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Personal hygiene items (preferably unscented)
  • Sewing kit and safety pins
  • Strong twine or light clothes line and clothes pins
  • Sturdy pocket knife (packed in checked luggage)
  • Whistle
  • BIODEGRADABLE, unscented soap for personal use and hand washing laundry
  • Insect repellent
  • Lip balm with sunscreen (rated at least SPF 30)
  • Reusable lunch containers to cut down on trash
  • Sunglasses and/or sun goggles
  • Sunscreen

Optional Items

  • Gaiters
  • Hiking poles (packed in checked luggage)
  • Pillow
  • Charging Cables with car adapter
  • Camera (extra batteries)
  • Battery-operated lantern for tent
  • Travel alarm
  • Sundress or shift for trips to the showers (ladies)
  • Tightly sealed box to keep cosmetics/lotions in tent
  • Bathmat or throw rug for the floor of your tent
  • Bathing suit and beach towel for swimming, if desired
  • Binoculars
  • Trail guidebooks and maps
  • Bird, flower and other guidebooks
  • Mirror for shaving or putting in contacts (unbreakable)
  • Reading/listening material
  • Folding chair for campfire (some may be available for rent at Camp*)
  • Head net for insect protection
  • Light blanket or quilt or sleeping bag liner, for warmer nights
  • Mosquito netting for sleeping under (many don't find it necessary if you close tent flaps before dusk)
  • Musical instruments
  • Pen and small journal
  • Small personal tent (if you want to have the option of sleeping in it or going on an overnight)
  • Umbrella (for use around camp, and even some hikes)
  • Art supplies
  • National Parks pass
  • GPS for getting to the trailhead

FOR OVERNIGHTS (occasionally offered):

  • Backpack suitable for an overnight (with straps for your sleeping bag, pad, etc.)
  • Backpacking tent

*There may be some tarps, chairs and coolers for rent at camp, but you can’t count on this.

DOWNLOAD GEAR LIST