Mountain Running Camp: Intro

The camp will not be offered in 2023. Check back in early 2024 for dates.

Located at the base of Mt. Hood, at beautiful Mazama Lodge, the Mountain Running Camp: Intro is geared towards road and trail runners interested in taking their running to the mountain environment as well as honing their mountain running skills. This 2 1/2-day, 2-night camp will include:

• group runs
• a bootcamp
• hill running clinic
• mountain safety clinic
• discussion of training plans and philosophies
• mountain running movies
• excellent instruction by top level runners
• great food
• all in a gorgeous setting!

Led by top level runners, this camp will get you ready to confidently run and explore the mountains on your own. Some of the sessions will be held as a large group, while others will be split into groups of 10. We will adhere to wilderness regulation party size of 12 whenever we are in a wilderness area. There will always be a 5:1 student/instructor ratio. Transportation, meals (excellent quality, fresh foods, vegetarian and gluten-free available) are included, along with bunk-style lodging. Mazama Lodge is at appx. 1,500 ft. below historic Timberline Lodge. Runs will take place between 3,000–6,500 ft in elevation.

Prerequisites

By the start of the camp you should be able to walk/run for 3 hours and should have run 10 miles continuously on a road or trail. This camp is designed for beginner and intermediate runners and runners of all speeds are welcome. Looking for a bit more running? For 2020 we have added an Intermediate level camp that circumnavigates Mt. Hood over 3 days. Looking for a lot more running? Check our our Ultra Running Camp.

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet at the Mazama Mountaineering Center (527 SE 43rd Avenue, Portland, OR) at 12:45 p.m.. Van will leave the MMC at 1 p.m. and arrive at Mazama Lodge (located just outside of at approximately 2:30 p.m. There will be time to grab a bunk, bask in the beauty of Mt. Hood, and potentially even enjoy a swim at a nearby lake as you get to know your camp mates before dinner.

Day 2: This will be a full day, including a dawn patrol run, mountain safety course, bootcamp, hill running clinic, discussion of training plans, and more.

Day 3: An early breakfast after which you'll pack up and be shuttled up to Timberline Lodge to start your day. You’ll then run from Timberline Lodge (6,000 ft) to beautiful Ramona Falls (appx. 3,500 ft). Along the way you’ll travel through some stunning terrain along the Timberline Trail, including a loop through Paradise Park which affords unparalleled views of Mt. Hood. Run distance will be approx. 14 miles (but there will likely be a fair amount of power-hiking on the big hills!) You’ll be picked up at the Ramona Falls trailhead and transported back to the Mazama Mountaineering Center. You’ll be back in Portland between 3 – 6 p.m.

Tuition

$395 – includes instruction, transportation, two nights lodging at Mazama lodge (bunk style accommodations), all meals (2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and 2 lunches), and towel service. 

Refund policy:

• Before 4/15/2020 - full refund, less $65 administrative fee; between
• 4/16/20 and 5/19/20 - $175 refund;
• after 5/19/20 - We regret that we will be unable to process refunds after this time unless we can fill your spot. IF we are able to fill your spot, we can provide $165 refund.

Meals

The Mazama Lodge kitchen crew takes pride in serving food that is healthy, tasty, and accommodates special dietary needs. If you get hungry between meals we offer whole fruit and English Muffins with jam and peanut-butter and other tasty snacks. Nobody leaves Mazama Lodge hungry!

What you’ll need to bring

• A running hydration pack so you can carry food, water, and a light layer on Sunday. If you don’t already have one of your own, try to borrow one from a friend instead of purchasing as we’ll talk about the pros and cons of the different hydration packs during the weekend. There will be some demo packs for you to test "run."
• Sleeping bag (it can be quite warm at Mazama Lodge in the summer. You won't need a heavy sleeping bag, and some people enjoy just sleeping in a lightweight sleepsack.)
• Snacks, if desired
• Running clothes – include layers in case of cold/wet weather
• Running shoes
• Lounging clothes for hanging out at the lodge
• Basic items to shower
• Indoor only shoes for the lodge
• Bathing suit, if desired. We will likely head for a dip at Trillium Lake.

USDA Statement

USDA Special Use Permit Information and Non-Discrimination Statement

Mazamas Education Programs operate under a special use permit with the Mt. Hood National Forest. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, the Mazamas is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.