Annual Outing

The 2025 Annual Outing will be held near Trout Lake, Washington on the south side of 12,276-foot Mt. Adams. Compared to the better-known and much-visited Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens, this massive, brooding peak is often overlooked. However, Mt. Adams is a spectacular glacier-clad mountain which presides over a land rich in Native American history.  We will have access to Mt. Adams Recreation Area, Goat Rocks, Indian Heaven, Bird Creek Meadows on the Yakama Reservation and so much more. Sparkling lakes, prodigious huckleberry fields, and eye-popping wildflower meadows should be ours to enjoy during our two-week stay in July.
 
Even though day hiking is the main activity at the Outing, there are options for backpacking or climbs of Mt. Adams. In addition, the Trout Lake Valley is a good road biking area.

Trout Lake Creek runs along one edge of our campground at Hollenbeck Park.  Trees by the creek and interspersed throughout the park, will provide ample shade for most tent sites. Both drinking water and electricity will be available on-site.  Several RV hookups will be available.

Some details about how the Outing works are listed below.  More information will be added as it becomes available.

Non-members wishing to attend must first go to the Chemeketans’ Becoming a Member page to apply and pay for membership (it’s a bargain at $20 per year!)  After that, they may return to this page and sign up for the Annual Outing as Chemeketans Members. Members of groups associated with the Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs (FWOC) may sign up by printing and mailing registration and liability forms along with the same fee as members. 

Basics: If you haven’t attended before it is quite an operation - the club hires professional cooks and provides hot meals for breakfast and supper and a make-your-own lunch for the trail. We'll set up a tented camp kitchen and huge dining tent. Many hands will be needed for camp set-up Thursday at noon, July 17. Campers bring their own camping shelter and equipment, and camp duties are shared.

The first meal provided will be supper on Thursday, July 17.  Second week campers may arrive after breakfast on Thursday, July 24 – first meal provided is supper.

The drive from Salem is about 135 miles. The campground will be available to us at noon on July 17. We hope that first week campers will arrive around then so that the camp kitchen and dining area can be set up in time for the cooks to prepare supper for that evening.

Weather and Habitat:   During July (according to U.S. climate data) average daily high temperature in the town of Trout Lake is 89 F, average low around 50 F, and average rainfall for the month of July is only about .34 inch. Daytime temperatures could, of course, be much colder when hiking in higher elevations. The campsite elevation is at 1,893 feet.

Duties: The Outing is a cooperative venture. This year you will be able to choose your own camp duties.  When you complete your registration you will receive a link to Signup Genius – a web-based signup program that will list the duties that need to be filled during camp.  Pick what you like, coordinate with friends and family, try something new, choose your own adventure.  You will be instructed to choose three duties for each camper you have enrolled.  Unfilled duties will be chosen or assigned during in-camp check in.  Those enrolling early will of course get the early choices.

Camp Meals:  A hot breakfast, dinner, and a brown-bag lunch, including vegetarian entrees will be provided from the first Thursday dinner (July 17) through the last Thursday lunch (July 31).  Dishes and utensils are provided. The club hires cooks and pots and pans washers, but other duties are shared by campers.

Special dietary needs:  Because of our small kitchen and limited choices available from the food service vendors that we must depend on for deliveries, we cannot promise to provide for all special diets. A vegetarian main option will be provided at each dinner.  Those who want that option must indicate so on their registration form.  Some dinner main options are also dairy-free.  A salad bar and a vegan/gluten free side dish will also be available at dinner. PLEASE NOTE: Gluten free dishes are not guaranteed to be completely gluten free, as they will be cooked in a kitchen with other food with gluten. Lunch offerings will include a variety of breads, corn tortillas, meats, cheeses, peanut butter, cut vegetables (such as carrots, peppers, and lettuce), fresh fruit, nuts, dried fruits and snack bars. Oatmeal and other foods will be available at breakfast, as well as plant-based milk (e.g., soy, almond) for those who cannot eat dairy.

Drinking Water and Electricity:  The campsite has drinking water and electricity. Cell phone coverage should be available through several major carriers but if this information is critical for you, you may wish to check with your own provider.

Truck Loading: All attendees in the Salem area are expected to participate in either truck loading or unloading.  Loading will take place on Tuesday, July 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Bridges Storage, 4370 Silverton Rd. NE, Salem (just east of Lancaster Dr.) Better to have too many hands than too few.  This is always a good social event and a way to connect with others who will be attending the Outing.  Camp and hiking guides will be available. Bring gloves and work clothes and water. Unloading is on Friday, August 1, also 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Pets:  Pets are not allowed at the Outing, with the exception of trained service animals.

Hiking: Hiking is the main activity of the Outing, and the Outing Guide will include descriptions of hikes and specifics about signing up for and leading hikes.  There will be a number of hikes each day. Anyone can start a sign-up sheet and organize a hike.