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 morning, 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. 

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.

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.