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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
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.