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Discover McCully Camp in Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness for an unforgettable ski touring getaway. Cozy yurts, fresh powder, and diverse terrain await just miles from Joseph, OR.
Discover McCully Camp in Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness for an unforgettable ski touring getaway. Cozy yurts, fresh powder, and diverse terrain await just miles from Joseph, OR.
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 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.
moderate.
4 days and 3 nights (weekend trip) or 5 days and 4 nights (midweek trip).
Good aerobic fitness required for a 4-mile uphill approach with 1,800 feet elevation gain and daily ski touring in variable terrain.
The camp is accessed via a 4-mile skinning approach from Joseph, Oregon, gaining 1,800 feet in elevation through forested trail.
While beginners can potentially join, it’s recommended you have basic backcountry ski touring skills, including skinning and uphill travel.
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.
Yes, gourmet meals are provided, reflecting decades of culinary evolution at the camp.
The area is home to deer and various alpine bird species; always maintain respectful distance from wildlife.
Winter months are ideal for ski touring, while spring snowmelt marks the end of typical access for skiing.
McCully Camp has been operating since 1980, evolving from basic wall tents to a well-established yurt village, marking decades of Western backcountry ski culture.
The camp operates with a low-impact ethos to preserve the Eagle Cap Wilderness, emphasizing Leave No Trace principles and limiting group sizes to protect sensitive environments.
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