Annual Outing

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. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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. Usually, we set up a tented camp kitchen and huge dining tent. The campground this year has a wonderful indoor kitchen facility. Campers bring their own camping shelter and equipment and are assigned camp duties. 

Getting There:  The drive from Salem is about 285 miles. The campsite is reserved for Friday, July 21, for first week campers who wish to arrive early.  However, no meals are provided until supper on Saturday, July 22.  Second week campers may arrive after breakfast on Saturday, July 29 – first meal provided is supper.

Weather and Habitat:  During late July and early August, average daily high temperature is 73 F, average low 55 F, and average rainfall for the month of July is .85 inches. The park and surrounding Olympic Peninsula have snowy peaks that drop to mist-shrouded coast. Misty temperate rain forest on the west side, lies only 34 miles from dry oak savanna in the rain shadow northeast of the mountains. These quick changes in elevation and precipitation mean a lot of different habitats are crowded into the area.

Camp Meals:  A hot breakfast, dinner, and a brown-bag lunch, including vegetarian entrees will be provided from the first Saturday (July 22) dinner through the last Saturday (August 5) lunch.  Dishes and utensils are provided. The club hires cooks and pots and pans washers, but other duties are shared by campers.

Duties: The Outing is a cooperative enterprise.  Duties are assigned prior to camp and posted near the registration area.  Please check your assigned duties shortly after arriving at camp because your duties may start with the first meal. If you are going to arrive for camp late or leave early, be sure to indicate on your registration form or notify the Outing Chair or Governor. Camp duties are described in the Outing Guide (the 2022 guide is linked here so you can review duties - the 2023 guide will be linked as soon as it is available). If there are any duties you are unable to perform, please indicate so in the "Preferred Duties" section of the reservation form so we can consider that in duty assignments.

Showers:  There are flush toilets and a shower facility at the campsite.

Drinking Water and Electricity:  Drinking water is available at the campground, and there are a few electrical outlets in the dining area.  Cell phone service with most major plans is available at the campsite.  Service may be spotty or nonexistent within the park.

RV Hookups - A limited number of RV hookups are available. See more details on the registration page.

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.

Passes and Fees:  Entrance to Olympic National Park requires a $30 per vehicle pass that can be purchased at the park entrance and will be good for a week.  The Park recommends purchasing and printing your pass in advance online. A paper copy will be required for park entrance.  One valid Senior Pass (persons 62 and older can pre-purchase either an annual or lifetime pass) is also good for the entire vehicle. Passes must be displayed on the vehicle dashboard at trailheads, campgrounds and lodges.

Truck Loading: All attendees in the Salem area are expected to participate in either truck loading or unloading.  Loading will take place on Thursday, July 20, 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 Sunday, August 6, also 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Further information about trails and other recreational opportunities can be found at: Olympic National Park  

Purchase and print park passes in advance:  Olympic National Park Site Pass - Recreation.gov

Ferry to Victoria: Be sure to bring your passport if you wish to visit Victoria on Vancouver Island, Canada.  As of this writing, Covid-19 tests are not required to enter Canada or re-enter the US from there. Information about any changes to these guidelines can be found at COVID-19 Country Specific Information

Click here for ferry information.  Schedule and Fares - Black Ball Ferry Line

Biking:  If anyone wants an alternative to hiking, the Olympic Discovery Trail runs through Port Angeles and is one option.  The 135-mile bike route is composed of road and multi-use path. More than half is on non-motorized paths.    Olympic Discovery Trail - Pathway to the Pacific

Canoe/Kayak: Ediz Hook (a three-mile, crescent-shaped sand spit extending from the Port Angeles shoreline) provides shelter from the waves of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and makes for an excellent spot to launch a kayak or canoe.

Marine Life: Get up close and personal with the marine life of the North Olympic Peninsula.  Feiro Marine Life Center | Aquarium in Port Angeles

Lavender fields near Sequim (about 20 miles away) should be in full bloom during the Outing.  Sequim Lavender Experience