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Step into the Eagle Cap Wilderness and experience McCully Camp, a historic backcountry ski retreat offering diverse terrain, cozy yurts, and unmatched solitude. Discover why this hidden gem has captivated skiers for over 40 years.
Step into the Eagle Cap Wilderness and experience McCully Camp, a historic backcountry ski retreat offering diverse terrain, cozy yurts, and unmatched solitude. Discover why this hidden gem has captivated skiers for over 40 years.
Book with Wallowa Alpine Huts
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Wallowa Alpine Huts · Joseph, Oregon
Located in the rugged beauty of Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness Area, McCully Camp offers an exclusively remote ski adventure that transports visitors back to the roots of backcountry skiing. Established in 1980, this historic camp has evolved alongside the sport itself, from simple wall tents and skinny skis to a quaint yurt village outfitted with refined amenities. McCully Camp sits about four miles into the wilderness, reached via a gradual 1,800-foot ascent through dense forest lining a trail with only two switchbacks, setting the tone for a day immersed in quiet natural splendor.
Upon arrival, guests settle into one of two cozy sleeping yurts, each equipped to comfortably sleep five. These accommodations blend comfort and rustic charm, featuring wood stoves, foam pads, and cots to provide warmth and rest after exhausting days on the slopes. The kitchen yurt doubles as a communal spot with additional cots for those late nights discussing the day’s adventures. A freshwater spring onsite ensures a steady supply of cold, pure water, sustaining guests through their stay.
What makes McCully camp especially sought after is the diversity of its ski terrain. The basin unwraps into a playground for all skill levels, starting with low-angle gladed meadows perfect for gentle cruising, then opening to expansive north-facing alpine bowls. These broad, snow-packed areas are framed by non-technical summits, inviting intermediate to advanced skiers to explore at leisure. For thrill seekers, scattered black-diamond chutes provide adrenaline-pumping descents framed by rugged wilderness.
Beyond the skiing, McCully stands as a true haven of solitude. Located deep within the Eagle Cap Wilderness, the camp offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the bustle of modern life and reconnect with nature on its own terms. Its nearly four-decade history fosters a close-knit community spirit, where visitors bond over gourmet meals cooked on-site and tales of fresh tracks and winter magic.
The closest town, Joseph, Oregon, provides the last stop for supplies and accommodations before venturing into the wild. This proximity creates a perfect balance—accessible wilderness adventure paired with small-town hospitality.
McCully Camp remains a standout destination not only for its exceptional skiing and historic significance but for its commitment to preserving the wild character of Eagle Cap Wilderness. It's a destination where the unhurried rhythms of nature shape every moment, making it an ideal pick for those seeking both challenge and tranquility in an authentic wilderness setting.
challenging.
4–5 days.
Participants should be in good physical condition to handle uphill skinning with heavy packs and altitude changes.
Your stay includes two sleeping yurts outfitted with wood stoves, cots, foam pads, a kitchen yurt with extra cots, and access to a cold spring water source.
The camp is accessed via a 4-mile hike or skin from Joseph, Oregon, ascending about 1,800 feet through forest to the basin.
Yes, participants should have backcountry skiing experience and avalanche safety knowledge due to the varied terrain.
Gourmet meals are prepared onsite as part of the experience, reflecting the longstanding culinary tradition of McCully Camp.
The camp accommodates up to 10 guests, divided between two yurts sleeping five each.
Cell service is very limited or nonexistent deep within Eagle Cap Wilderness, so plan accordingly.
McCully Camp marks the origins of Wallowa Alpine Huts backcountry skiing traditions dating to 1980, reflecting 41 seasons of evolving wilderness adventure.
Strict Leave No Trace practices are enforced to protect the delicate alpine ecosystem and preserve McCully's pristine winter environment.
Wallowa Alpine Huts operates out of Enterprise, Oregon, and runs guided backcountry and mountain-bike camps and day-guided experiences across the Wallowa Mountains. The operation places multiple yurts and cabins at remote camps including McCully Basin, Norway Camp, Big Sheep Camp, Schneider Camp, and Cornucopia Camp, providing options for small groups and exclusive rentals. McCully Camp is noted for 41 seasons of history and offers gourmet meals and cozy yurts; McCully is available as exclusive rental or small-group programs. Norway Camp uses a 20-foot double-decker yurt with a kitchen and dining area below and sleeping for eight above. Big Sheep Camp sits behind Wing Ridge near a 7500 ft saddle and features sleep cabins, a shared kitchen yurt, and a sauna. Schneider Camp runs year-round programming with downhill mountain biking, shuttle access, wood-heated yurts or deluxe cabins, and a sauna. Cornucopia Camp focuses on below-tree-line glade skiing with routes connecting Summit Creek to the Cornucopia mastiff, offered as four-day weekend or five-day midweek options. Non camp-based day guides provide rescue drills, alpine touring or splitboarding, and local route selection with post-trip access to Joseph, Oregon for food and brews. Big Sheep participants access camp via the Wagon Rd. Trail and can relax in the on-site sauna after outings. Camp listings note wood heating, communal kitchen yurts, and self-contained sleeping spaces that support multi-day backcountry skiing and mountain-biking trips. It also coordinates trip logistics. Wallowa Alpine Huts markets remote lodging, small-group formats, and local guiding to provide access to varied Wallowa terrain.
Book with Wallowa Alpine Huts