August Camp 2025: Olympic Peninsula
Discover Adventure at August Camp 2025 – Olympic National Park!
Ready for an unforgettable outdoor adventure filled with nature, activities, and camaraderie? Join August Camp 2025 at Olympic National Park near Discovery Bay, WA! Whether you're an experienced explorer or new to the outdoors, August Camp offers hiking, biking, kayaking, and more—all led by skilled AMC volunteer leaders.
Explore Diverse Landscapes From glacier-capped mountains, ancient temperate rainforests, and wild coastlines to stunning waterfalls, Olympic National Park protects over a million acres of natural wonders and rich human history. Hike through this vast wilderness, paddle in the bay, and bike through scenic vistas, all while soaking in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Outdoor Fun for All Levels Each day, choose from a range of hikes and activities tailored for varied fitness levels. From challenging mountain treks to leisurely coastal walks, there’s something for everyone. Click here to find out if August Camp is right for your fitness level.
Camp Life Our private, peaceful camp offers mountain views and ample shade, perfect for relaxation after a day of adventure. Enjoy delicious meals, nightly campfires, and the opportunity to connect with a diverse community of outdoor enthusiasts. Round-trip transportation from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Camp and all daily activities is provided.
How to Join August Camp runs from July 19 – August 16, 2025, with four one-week sessions to choose from. Registration opens January 2, 2025, at 9 AM. Apply by January 12 to be part of the random selection for a spot. Late applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, or placed on a waitlist. To be included in the lottery selection for camp, submit your application by January 12.
- Week 1: July 19 – July 26
- Week 2: July 26 – August 2
- Week 3: August 2 – August 9
- Week 4: August 9 – August 16
2025 PRICING
$1700 AMC members plus Washington state tax
$2040 non-members plus Washington state tax
Reconnect with nature, meet new people, and make memories to last a lifetime. August Camp is calling—will you answer?
APPLICATION PROCESS & TIMELINE
APPLICATION TIMELINE
The initial application window for August Camp 2025 will be open from January 2, 2025, at 9 AM (EST) and will close on January 11, 2025, at 11:59 PM (EST).
Acceptances will be determined through a random lottery system. However, applications will continue to be accepted until the camp reaches full capacity, at which point a waitlist will be established.
APPLYING WITH SOMEONE?
If you are applying with another person, please indicate on the form that your attendance is dependent on the acceptance of both applicants. Both individuals must list each other as companions. Ensure you provide accurate contact information for your travel companion. Each person must complete their own application form. The maximum number of people who can apply together is three.
COMMITMENT AND PAYMENT
Once accepted (by the end of January), full payment must be made within 10 days of receiving your confirmation. Please apply only if you are fully committed to attending camp if accepted. Due to the lottery system, some individuals genuinely wish to attend but may not secure a spot. Therefore, it is crucial that if you are accepted, you honor your commitment. Choosing not to attend after acceptance denies another deserving person the opportunity to participate.
IS AUGUST CAMP FOR ME?
This is a hiking camp – Expect to be on the trails for 5-8 hours a day for six consecutive days. Distances range from 6 to 13 miles with elevation gains of 500 to 2,500 feet (or more), at a pace appropriate for the chosen hike. If you join a hike beyond your ability or fitness, you may be asked to choose easier hikes for the rest of the week. Even our easiest “C” hikes require you 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 cannot do the scheduled hikes at the group's pace 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 six 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
The fee for August Camp covers your tent lodging and three meals a day, from Saturday dinner to next Saturday's breakfast, as well as transportation each day on Camp-led hikes or other activities. Some special optional activities, such as rafting, may cost you an additional fee.
Prior to May 1, 2025, all but $300 per person will be refunded.
After May 1, 2025, 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].
Force Majeure: On rare occasions, August Camp may need to cancel all or a portion of a camp session due to force majeure events. Force majeure refers to any event or circumstance beyond the reasonable control of August Camp, making it impossible or impractical to carry out the camp. This includes but is not limited to terrorism, local health conditions, natural disasters, changes in the local regulatory environment, extreme weather conditions, wildfires, smoke, heatwaves, pandemics, or other infectious disease outbreaks. In such cases, your camp fee will be refunded less any camp expenses already incurred plus any non-cancellable future camp expenditures. August Camp will notify participants of such cancellations as soon as reasonably practicable.
Travel Insurance: August Camp strongly recommends that all participants purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellations and interruptions due to force majeure events, including but not limited to pandemics, infectious diseases, and wildfire, smoke or other hazards. Participants acknowledge and agree that August Camp shall not be liable for any costs or expenses incurred due to a force majeure event, and that travel insurance is the sole responsibility of the participant.
If, within 14 days prior to arrival to August Camp, you experience 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.
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.
Participants can purchase insurance online from any agency of their choice.
AIRPORT MEETING LOCATION
CAMP ARRIVAL INFORMATION
Campers flying to Camp should meet at Seattle-Tacoma airport (SEA) baggage claim between 11 AM and 2 PM on Saturdays only for transport to camp. The meeting place is adjacent to baggage carousel #16, near the escalator (the same location as 2022). For those arriving by taxi or limo, ask to be dropped at door #26. Vans will depart as they fill and volunteer drivers are available.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT arrive before 11 AM on your arrival day to allow departing campers to disembark.
The camp is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from the airport. There will be a quick stop en route for lunch and for purchasing snacks and supplies (e.g., happy hour provisions).
For convenience, many campers choose to fly to SEATAC on Friday and stay overnight near the airport. This allows time for possible complications with delayed flights.
DEPARTURE TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to SEATAC Airport is not available on departure Saturdays for flights leaving before 10 AM. Vans will start departing from the camp at 5 AM to return to the airport. Plan to leave camp about 4-5 hours before your flight time.
We strongly encourage you to consider booking a flight departing late in the morning. Some campers opt for red-eye flights on Saturday night, allowing them to enjoy the sights in Seattle on Saturday before heading home. If you choose an early morning flight, schedule it for Sunday morning and spend Saturday night near the airport.
ATTENTION: VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED!
August Camp relies on volunteer drivers to ensure our daily hikes and activities run smoothly. We urge ALL campers, even if you bring your own vehicle, to apply as approved van drivers.
Your willingness to step up as a driver is crucial to our program’s success. With more drivers, everyone's workload is significantly reduced, making the camp experience better for all. 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.
Thank you for your commitment to help make our camp extraordinary!
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Take I-5 South.
Follow I-5 South about 21 miles and use the right 2 lanes to merge onto WA-16 West.
Follow that across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, continuing on WA-16 for another ~20 miles.
At Gorst, near Bremerton, merge onto WA-3 North and follow it about 25 miles.
Near Port Gamble, turn left on WA-104 West and cross the Hood Canal bridge. Follow WA-104 about 16 miles.
Take a right onto US-101 North (Olympic Hwy) and follow it to Discovery Bay (ocean visible on the right), about 3 miles.
Go left (West) on Uncas Rd.; go 0.2 mile.
Go right onto Casselary; go 0.3 mile, and it turns to gravel.
Continue another 0.5 mile; go right, and go 0.1 mile.
Stay left and pass through a gate. (An airport road with a usually closed gate is on the right; don't go that way.)
Continue a mile or so in woods and fields, to the partially open top of the hill.
HIKING AND ACTIVITIES
August Camp 2025 Hiking Program – Discovery Bay, WA
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.
GUIDEBOOK
Will be posted later
MAPS
Will be posted later
HIKE RESOURCES
Will be posted later
NON-HIKING ACTIVITIES
In addition to the daily hikes, August Camp offers various optional activities:
- Signing Up: Some activities require advance sign-up with the listed leader for your week.
- Limited Availability: Not all activities are available every week.
Alternative activities will be posted in the Spring.
SITE INFORMATION
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.
HEALTH AND ILLNESS INFORMATION
HEALTH AND ILLNESS 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 illness-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 may be asked to leave if that illness jeopardizes the health and participation of other campers. Any expense incurred under these circumstances will be the responsibility of the camper. We strongly encourage campers to obtain travel insurance.
Q: What can one do to have the best chance of an illness-free experience at August Camp?
A: We have had COVID outbreaks annually since 2022, from exposure while traveling to camp. To avoid a repeat, we recommend the following:
- Arrive at camp in good health, and protected by current vaccinations for COVID and flu, and any other illnesses relevant to a visit to the northwestern US, your age and your health status.
- In the week before camp, avoid exposure to illnesses from aerosol spread by wearing a mask in closed and/or crowded spaces (public transportation, airports, concerts, shopping, etc.).
- Wear a mask on the plane, in the airport meeting area, in the van traveling to camp, and during any travel by vans (our only enclosed space) during camp.
- Observe good handwashing practices while traveling and throughout your stay to wash off illness particles picked up from infected surfaces. (Soap works better than hand sanitizer against GI-based illnesses.)
- As per the equipment list, bring masks to wear in the AC vans during your stay and, if possible, bring 2-3 COVID tests.
Q: What kind of medical facilities are available at August Camp?
A: August Camp does not employ healthcare providers. Hike leaders are certified in Wilderness First Aid. Any camper needing urgent or emergency levels of healthcare will be transported to the locally available hospital emergency service or urgent care provider which accept a wide range of medical insurances. These facilities are at a distance from camp and trails, so all efforts by campers and staff to arrive and remain in good health are greatly appreciated. More detailed information including specifics related to the particular camp location, is available at camp each summer, posted on the bulletin board and with each hike leader.
Q: What happens if one becomes ill and has to leave camp?
A: If necessary, we will transport the ill person to a nearby hotel to isolate and recuperate; we will assist in picking up medication from the closest pharmacy (if the pharmacy does not have a delivery service); and we will assist in packing that camper’s belongings and delivering them to that nearby hotel. After the period of CDC recommended isolation, relocated campers are responsible for making their own way back to the airport.
RECOMENDED GEAR LIST 2025
THIS LIST WILL BE MODIFIED OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS
To ensure your comfort and safety, the equipment list has been updated to accommodate activities and conditions at the 2025 camp and on hikes. Definitely bring the required items. Remember while you're packing during a heatwave in the city that you will need warm clothing at camp and on the hikes. Night time temperatures can be in the low 50s. Camp this year is at an elevation of around 100' but some hikes may go as high as 5200'-6000’. If you are not properly equipped for a particular hike, you may not be able to participate. Remember, 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
- Compass
- Personal first aid kit, including blister care items such as moleskin
- Masks for travel in vans and on airplanes, and several 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 tent ground cloths, are provided in each tent by Camp at no charge (NEW this year!). Don't bring one unless you’re very particular about it.
- 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!