Camp Arrowhead History

(And what makes it so special today!)

After a five-year search, this property at Wind Mountain was purchased in 1948. Originally called Camp Wind Mountain, plans quickly formed to build roads, erect buildings, establish a water system and bring in electric power. By 1964, the changing landscape and wear of old buildings called for reconstruction. The camp officially became Camp Arrowhead in 1968, and much of the lodging still standing today was built in this era. Amenities like the swimming pool were added later. In 2005, the Marie Lamfrom climbing wall was constructed. For more details, expand each time period listed below.

1943–1948: It all started with some property in Washington toggle arrow

After a boom in membership and changing camp landscape (literally), it was decided that a larger camp location was needed for the council. A Girl Scout camp committee looked all over Oregon for the perfect site, visiting 16 different places. The five-year search ended on February 14, 1948, when the committee visited Wind Mountain, near Stevenson, Washington. The group of about eight gazed in wonder and said, “This is it.”

The property at Wind Mountain was purchased in 1948. Mr. Edward McLain, the property owner, graciously contributed about half of the purchase price to Girl Scouts. The only buildings on the site at the time of purchase were a caretaker’s cottage, a trapper’s cabin, and the Duck Lodge on Duck Lake. The 1,200 acres were initially named Wind Mountain. In July and August 1948, there were six, 5-day sessions of camp.

1949: Building Camp Wind Mountain and community support toggle arrow

The council began to build roads, erect buildings, establish a water system and bring in electric power. By 1949 plans for the main lodge and unit shelters were under construction.

In August 1949, a Girl Scout Ceremony “Blessing of the House” was held. This ceremony is customary at the establishment and naming of a new camp. The camp was officially named Camp Wind Mountain. During the event, a very generous donation came from one visitor who enabled the addition of extra amenities, like windows on the lodge. The official naming event combined with the generous gift resulted in many more donations from the public which helped to cover additional needs. Several Portland lumber companies even donated lumber.

1949–1964: Old camp toggle arrow

Many buildings were built between 1949 -1964 and are referred to as old camp. These include the original lodge (which burned down in 1963), the original unit houses, the ranger’s home, the corn crib, the caretaker’s home, and Celilo Lodge.

1964: Collins Point slide means changes for camp toggle arrow

Throughout the Columbia River Gorge, there is a changing landscape. After some shifting in 1964, many of the structures of old camp needed significant maintenance. All of the camp lakes have changed with the moving land. Some lakes have drained and others have been created. Home Lake, east of the property and used by Girl Scouts now, has changed significantly since 1960. It is one-tenth of its former size and now has a peninsula projecting into it.

1968: A new camp is built: Camp Arrowhead toggle arrow

Construction of Camp Arrowhead began in 1968 on stable ground on Little Wind Mountain. Some original ideas for camp came together as planned, and others (like the swimming pool) are a little different.

Buildings built after 1968 include Arrowhead lodge, guest apartment/infirmary, director cabin, staff house, birdhouses, unit houses, Cheesiah, tepees/trapper’s cabin, and swimming pool.

2005: Climbing wall brings added opportunities for confidence building toggle arrow

Camp Arrowhead is home to the Marie Lamfrom climbing wall, a 40-foot structure that offers campers a chance to get out of their comfort zones. Girls are able to try activities at whatever level they are most comfortable with. For some girls, it is just touching the wall; for others, it’s going all the way to the top. This climbing wall is unique within our council and only available at Camp Arrowhead.

2007: Geological report assesses camp safety toggle arrow

Since the land shift in 1964, no new buildings have been constructed in old camp, but a geological report has assured GSOSW that the land is safe for regular use. The study has helped to determine where new camp structures are built and to make sure that all necessary safety standards are upheld.

Camp Arrowhead today toggle arrow

After years of giving pieces of the property back to the U.S. Forest Service, Camp Arrowhead now consists of about 266 acres of land. The swimming pool at camp was re-opened for our 2015 resident camp season after an approximate eight-year closure. It is a definite highlight of camp.

Camp Arrowhead has been, and will continue to be, a location that presents many great learning opportunities for girls. Camp Arrowhead offers unique pioneer study (woodstove cooking and an authentic log cabin), nature study (forest management, wildlife, native plants and trees, weather, and ponds and lake ecology), geological study (Collins Point slide), and other activities (hiking, backpacking, outdoor camp skills, and swimming).

Camp Arrowhead Staff on What Makes Camp Special

We are a bit more spread out so we have our little areas all to ourselves; you can go outside and there’s a good chance all you will hear is nature.
I think the cabins and the shape of the unit houses make Arrowhead quite unique. My favorite thing about camp is that Wind Mountain is right next door and that we could go for hikes up the mountain.
The property. The Columbia River Gorge is special and Arrowhead has two distinct mountains, gorgeous views, great hikes, and countless lakes and rivers. There's nowhere quite like it.
I love the view of Oregon we get from the lodge area. The sunsets and sunrises are STUNNING!
The best part is the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge and the access to great hiking trails.

Traditions at Camp Arrowhead

Camp traditions are part of what makes Girl Scouts return summer after summer.

Camp Arrowhead Activities

From STEM activities to the climbing wall, there's something for everyone!

Advice for New Campers

Our camp staff have some suggestions to make sure you have a great time at camp!