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Alpenflo Trail Camp 2022

Adventure, Connection, and Education with Alpenflo & Friends

Elkhorn Mountains, Northeast Oregon

Labor Day Weekend | September 2-5, 2022

 

My goal with Alpenflo Trail Camp is to create a multifaceted running camp with three key elements - adventure, connection and education. I've combined the best elements from my last three years of trips with some new ideas to form one hell of a four-day running camp.

Over the course of the weekend you will:

  • Explore the epic Elkhorns on guided runs
  • Connect with a small group of passionate runners
  • Stay in scenic cabins
  • Prepare and share meals with your fellow campers
  • Culminate in a ~28 mile point-to-point run of the Elkhorn Crest Trail

Camp will center around a home base with cabin and camping options. From there, you'll explore the rugged Little Alps near Anthony Lakes Ski Resort on guided runs. My guides and I will take you on smooth, flowing trails and adventurous scrambles. After shaking out your legs on shorter runs, you'll get a chance to complete the jewel of the weekend - a one way trip down the Elkhorn Crest Trail. A 28 mile one way trip down the crest of the range.

 
 

You'll balance high-output romps in the hills with chill time around camp. You'll have ample time to relax, prepare meals with your fellow campers, and learn with a few classroom topics - navigation, strength training, and adventure photography.

This year, I'm excited to work with some inspiring local professionals to bring you more than I could offer alone. You'll learn from a world class strength coach, local running guides, and a professional running photographer & filmmaker. I'll update this page as the itinerary firms up, so keep an eye on this page and subscribe to my email list for updates.

I hope you'll join us for an adventurous weekend in the Elkhorns.

 

Where We’re Going

Elkhorn Mountains, Northeast Oregon

The Elkhorn Mountains are one of Oregon's hidden gems. Far from any population center, they get few visitors.

The Elkhorns are home to the rugged Little Alps and the Elkhorn Crest National Scenic Trail. We’ll explore the Elkhorn Range from our basecamp near Anthony Lakes Ski Resort.


Where We’re Staying

Antone Creek Lodge

  • Cabins (first come, first served!)

  • Van and camping options

More info and photos: antonecreeklodge.com, Google Map


 

What to Expect

You’ll challenge yourself with epic runs in big terrain, balanced by plenty of downtime, learning opportunities, and connection with your fellow campers. To give you a feel, here are a few photos from previous Alpenflo trips.

Photos by Steven Mortinson


What You’ll Get

 

Explore the jewels of the Elkhorns on guided runs. Learn to navigate on your own in a place no race can go.

Learn to tell visual stories from a professional photographer and remember the trip with an album from Steven Mortinson.

Experience how a simple strength training program can improve your running and long term health from professional PT Matt Walsh.

Connection to a community of passionate runners. This is a chance to create an experience together.

A weekend away from tech and distraction. We have a satellite messenger for emergencies. You’ll be ok.

 

All that plus:

  • All meals and bevies

  • Transportation from Portland, OR to camp & back

  • Process: route-design, planning, navigation

  • Practice: technical navigation, off-trail travel

  • Alpenflo Navigation Pack including:

    • Compass

    • Custom Elkhorn Mapset

  • A supportive & ego-free environment


Who Will Be There

Steven Mortinson

Guide & Camp Photographer

Professional photographer, accomplished endurance athlete, and humble, authentic dude.

You may have seen Steven shooting races for Daybreak Racing, or watched his films at the Trail Running Film Fest.

Learn more about Steven: @stevenmortinson

Matt Walsh

Physical Therapist & Educator

An Australian-trained physical therapist with over 33 years of clinical experience in sports and orthopedic PT. Matt specializes in running-related pain and performance and has worked with professional and recreational athletes from all over the world.

He has previously worked as a therapist for the Canadian Cross Country Ski Team and Alberta Alpine Ski Team and served as a consultant to the PGA tour, Canadian U23 Rugby Team, and Nike's Team Oregon project. walshpt.com

Susie Rivard

Guide & Camp Host

An accomplished road marathoner turned backcountry adventurer, Susie has won the Portland Marathon and qualified for the Olympic Trials.

Despite her accomplishments, Susie values camaraderie and experience over competition and mixes a hearty dose of laughter with her competitive streak. If you want to get her going, ask her about her year of adventuring in Alaska.

JT Lehman

Lead Guide & Camp Host

Alpenflo founder and lead guide. JT has designed and completed endurance trips in ranges around the world. His priority with Alpenflo is to create a safe space for you to challenge yourself and grow. Learn more: About your guide


Who It’s For & Difficulty Rating

I emphasize fun over fast on every trip.

Instead of worrying about speed, consider the distance you can comfortably cover with energy left to enjoy the scenery.

This trip is rated Moderate.

You’ll get the most out of this trip if you’re able to run and hike 5-15 miles for several days in a row. There will be multiple guided runs each day with distances ranging from 5-30 miles.

If you have any questions on pace, distance, difficulty, or anything else - Email me

Loose Itinerary:

    • 6 a.m. Shuttle Leaves PDX

    • 12 p.m. arrive at camp, get settled

    • Light lunch, area orientation and navigation basics class

    • Run: Optional Shakeout

    • Photography class by Steven Mortinson

    • Run: sunset run

    • Dinner

    • Next Day Briefing

    • ~10 p.m. Bed

    • 7 a.m. Breakfast

    • Run: guided options

    • Happy hour: heavy appes & drinks

    • Strength training for performance and injury prevention by Matt Walsh

    • Dinner

    • Briefing for Big Day

    • Bed

  • The big day!

    • 6 a.m. Breakfast

    • Shuttle to trailhead

    • Run: Point-point run of the complete Elkhorn Crest Trail

    • Happy hour: heavy appes & drinks

    • Dinner

    • Bed

    • 7 a.m. Coffee & snacks

    • Run: morning shakeout

    • Big breakfast

    • ~2p.m. Pack up and head for home


Alpenflo Trail Camp | September 2-6, 2022

Cabins Starting at $959/Person, Camper Parking starting at $899/Person

Camp is limited to just 12 spots


 

Price Breakdown (all prices per person)

All prices include:

  • All meals
  • Shuttle from Portland, OR
  • Guided runs
  • Instruction

Private Cabin

  • $959/Person - 5 people (2 queen beds, couch)
  • $999/Person - 4 people (2 queen beds)
  • $1099/Person - 2-3 people
  • $1349/Person - 1 person

Bed in Shared Cabin

  • $999/Person - 2 people
  • $1099/Person - 1 person

Camper Parking/Tent

  • $899/Person - 2-3 people
  • $949/Person - 1 person

Need-Based Scholarships Available

With generous support from

 
 

Cost shouldn't be a barrier to trail running. Territory Run Co and Alpenflo are teaming up to offer two $500 scholarships to trail camp.

Applying is easy. Email jt@alpenflo.com and describe why you'd like to come to trail camp and how a scholarship would help you join us. Don't be shy, if cost is a barrier these scholarships are for you.

 

 
 

Happy Campers

Reviews from Alpenflo alums

I really enjoyed the supportive environment and positive regard. You have a way of sharing information that is really inclusive - I never felt like it was a lecture or one-way transmission of knowledge, it was more of a conversation that everyone was welcomed into.
— Erin G. - Coeur d'Alene
I feel like a huge swath of additional places and routes are now available to me. I also really appreciate the mindset JT cultivates for the group going in - it laid the foundation for fantastic group dynamics and a supportive environment.
— KT - Portland
JT provides an incredible group environment for any and all eager to learn. I feel much more equipped going into the backcountry with the knowledge that I can find my way out with a map and compass if my phone dies. Be ready for tired legs and lots of laughs!
— Brian D - Portland
What I loved most about my AF trip was how much growth I experienced. Whether your focus is on building confidence with gear, navigation, being in the backcountry, or challenging yourself - JT will be there to support and encourage you every step of the way. What he has created with AF is truly special.
— Amber H - Portland
This truly felt like a course for (almost) everyone. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your technical navigation skills, meet new people, gain confidence in the backcountry, or just explore new terrain, this is the course for you.
— Clare H, Portland
I loved how approachable JT was throughout the class. He set the mood for a fun, laid back, but intentionally directed and well paced class. Thanks JT!
— Liz S, Portland

Produced In Partnership with the USDA Forest Service

This trip operates under a special use permit from the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.