How do I get to McCully Camp?

The camp is accessed via a 4-mile skinning approach from Joseph, Oregon, gaining 1,800 feet in elevation through forested trail.

Is prior backcountry skiing experience required?

While beginners can potentially join, it’s recommended you have basic backcountry ski touring skills, including skinning and uphill travel.

What accommodations are provided?

Guests stay in two cozy yurts sleeping up to five people with wood stoves, cots, and foam pads, plus a kitchen yurt with extra cots.

Are meals included in the trip price?

Yes, gourmet meals are provided, reflecting decades of culinary evolution at the camp.

What wildlife can I expect to see?

The area is home to deer and various alpine bird species; always maintain respectful distance from wildlife.

What is the best season to visit McCully Camp?

Winter months are ideal for ski touring, while spring snowmelt marks the end of typical access for skiing.

Explore McCully Camp: Ski Touring Adventure in Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness | Hiking

Located in the rugged Eagle Cap Wilderness area of northeastern Oregon, McCully Camp offers an immersive winter ski touring experience that balances rustic charm with stunning alpine adventure. Since 1980, McCully Basin has been a magnet for backcountry skiers seeking solitude, fresh powder, and varied terrain—all within a protected wilderness setting. Just a four-mile approach from Joseph, Oregon, gaining 1,800 feet in elevation along a gentle forested trail, this camp embodies both accessibility and wilderness immersion.

The trail meanders through dense forests with minimal switchbacks, leading you to a serene yurt village nestled in the basin. Unlike typical backcountry camps, McCully boasts two separate sleeping yurts designed for small groups of up to five, outfitted with wood stoves, cots, and foam pads, providing warmth and comfort after long days on the slopes. An additional kitchen yurt offers cots for evening rest or quiet moments by the fire. Water here comes fresh, sourced directly from a Cold Spring—a vital feature for any extended outdoor stay.

What truly distinguishes McCully Camp is the ski terrain surrounding it. Here, the landscape ranges from gentle, low-angled gladed meadows perfect for cruisy descents, to expansive north-facing alpine bowls that invite intermediate skiers to explore open faces and rolling hills. More advanced skiers can challenge themselves with non-technical summits scattered across the basin and a handful of black-diamond chutes, providing a rich mix of options without needing a guide.

Beyond terrain, McCully carries a rich legacy, with 41 seasons of continuous operation reflecting a community of expert skiers and dedicated backcountry enthusiasts. The progression from early-style skinny skis and wall tents to today’s sophisticated touring gear highlights the camp’s place in ski history. Guests frequently mention the gourmet quality meals prepared, a notable upgrade from the simple fare often associated with wilderness stays.

This adventure is not just about skiing but embracing the peace and isolation of the Eagle Cap Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in Oregon. Visitors come for the crisp air, the quiet snowfall falling amid towering old-growth forests, and the panoramic mountain views that unfold with every morning.

Whether you’re aiming for a weekend escape or a midweek deep dive into winter wilds, McCully Camp is a unique destination that delivers authentic backcountry conditions with homestyle comforts, wrapped in Oregon’s pristine wilderness. The closest town and gateway is Joseph, OR, known for its arts scene and friendly mountain spirit.