August Camp 2024 Central Cascades, Sisters Oregon
Welcome to AMC August Camp 2024! Nestled near the majestic Santiam Pass at an elevation of 4,600 feet, where the iconic Pacific Crest Trail intersects Route 20, our base camp sets the stage for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Prepare to immerse yourself in the beautiful landscapes of the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests, as well as the pristine Three Sisters and Mount Jefferson Wilderness Areas.
Embark on a journey that combines the fun of exploration with the joys of relaxation. Each day, you'll have the freedom to choose your own adventure, be it challenging hikes to stunning viewpoints, serene nature walks through ancient forests, or invigorating treks to alpine lakes. No matter your skill level, our diverse range of daily hikes ensures that hikers able to regularly hike at least 6 miles per day can fully embrace the natural wonders of this region.
As the sun sets and the day's activities come to a close, gather around the comforting warmth of the nightly campfire. Share stories and highlights from the day's hikes, and find out about the various hikes planned for the next day. The crackling firelight creates an ambiance where camaraderie flourishes, and the sounds of laughter and song fill the air.
Our full-service tent village will be set up at the Hoodoo Ski Area. It accommodates up to 64 campers each week. Two-person tents (8'x10' army tent) with cots are provided. Our dedicated Croo will delight your taste buds with delicious home-cooked meals, ensuring you're well-fueled for the adventures that await.
Join us for a week of exploration, relaxation, and the forging of lifelong memories against the backdrop of some of the most stunning natural landscapes the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Camp Dates
August Camp cost and specifics will be posted when available, and an email notification will be sent out. Please join our email list to stay up to date on August Camp information and news.
Application Process
The general application window for August Camp 2024 will open on January 2, 2024, at 9 AM (EST) and close on January 11, 2024, at 11:59 PM (EST).
Acceptances will be made based on a random lottery system, but applications will continue to be accepted until camp is full and there is a substantial 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.
2024 Camp Pricing
Pricing will be posted when it is available. We will notify by email at this time.
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 5-10 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 6-10 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, 2024, all but $300 per person will be refunded.
- After May 1, 2024, 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.
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 recommend you 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
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 2.5 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).
Many campers prefer to fly to Portland on Friday and stay overnight near the airport to allow time for possible complications with delayed flights.
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. Some campers book
red-eye flights on Saturday night and spend Saturday enjoying the sights in Portland before heading home. If you choose to book an early morning flight, 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
May be updated later. Route: PDX to Hoodoo Ski Area (via I-5 and Route 22)
- Head south on NE Airport Way.
- Merge onto I-205 S via the ramp to Salem/Portland.
- Continue onto I-5 S.
- Take exit 253 toward OR-22/OR-99E toward Detroit Lake/Bend.
- Merge onto OR-22 E/Center St NE via the ramp to Detroit Lake/Bend.
- Continue on OR-22 E for approximately 74 miles.
- Turn right onto US-20 W/Santiam Hwy.
- Continue on US-20 W for about 18 miles.
- Turn left onto NF-2690 (Big Lake Road).
- Continue on NF-2690 for about 5 miles until you reach Hoodoo Ski Area, 27400 Big Lake Road, Sisters, OR 97759.
HIKING AND ACTIVITIES
August Camp 2024 Hiking Program – Sisters, 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 6 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 and Guide Books will be posted when available.
Alternate Activities
Alternate activities will be posted in the Spring.
Although August Camp is primarily a hiking camp, we will also schedule some non-hiking excursions to scenic areas, and, if possible, some rafting, kayaking or biking activities. These extra activities may involve extra charges, such as admission fees, or costs of an outfitter. In addition, it is perfectly ok to stay in camp for the day and relax with a book or your camera.
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 among many campers.
Site Information and Details
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. A dedicated camp phone number for emergencies will be posted prior to camp.
Recommended Equipment
2024 August Camp Gear List
To ensure your comfort and safety, the equipment list has been updated to accommodate activities and conditions at the 2024 camp and on hikes. You must bring the 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 4000’ and some hikes may go as high as 6000’. 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 with handle for hanging on mug tree
- 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 (there are also many 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!