Camp Arrah Wanna Celebrates 85 Years on the Mountain

One of Mt. Hood’s most respected institutions, Camp Arrah Wanna, is celebrating 85 years as a summer camp, retreat location, and Mt. Hood landmark.

Camp Arrah Wanna has long been a landmark in the Hoodland area. Newcomers to the area quickly discover a new friend or neighbor with some connection to the Christian camp. Arrah Wanna is in the mountain’s bloodstream. And, it has worked hard to earn that spot by providing a safe space for kids throughout the region to learn and grow while enjoying Oregon’s natural majesty. Whether you’re a practicing member of the faith or not, Camp Arrah Wanna keeps its doors open.

The safe haven that locals know today began its life more than 100 years ago as a hotel. In the early 20th century, the 120-acre property was home to the Arrah Wanna Hotel, a rollicking resort nestled at the base of Mt. Hood. The Arrah Wanna Hotel gained a reputation for its entertainment, its dining options, and its opportunities for outdoor recreation. The good times came to an abrupt end in 1922, when the Arrah Wanna Hotel fell victim to a fast-burning fire that engulfed the resort’s main building and left a smoldering ruin just 30 short minutes later.

For the next 20 years, the grounds changed hands numerous times as owners tried and failed to do something productive with the property. There were regular attempts to revive the resort, but none managed to take hold. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the land fell deeper into disrepair.

That string of disappointments ended in 1941, when the land was purchased by a Baptist church for a mere $12,750. That’d be just north of a quarter million dollars today (which is still a pretty good deal considering the current value of land on the mountain).

The goal at the time was to create a space where children could soak up the area’s natural delights while gaining a better understanding of their faith. That founding philosophy remains largely unchanged. On their website, Camp Arrah Wanna says its mission is “providing a beautiful, peaceful, and safe environment where people can experience the transforming power of God's love and find support through healthy relationships and activities.”

Before they could welcome their pint-sized guests, however, the church needed to rehabilitate the space. Fortunately for the Hoodland area, the church wasted no time developing the land. They added several buildings (a tabernacle, a dining hall, and a swimming pool) with astonishing speed. Camps began during the summer that same year.

Over the next three decades, Camp Arrah Wanna continued to prosper. The camp saw consistent upgrades throughout the 1950s and 1960s. In 1969, Camp Arrah Wanna expanded its reach when they started hosting Outdoor Programs for area schools. These programs (which continue to this day) introduce kids to natural science and an understanding of environmental stewardship.

As the camp has matured, so have its offerings. In addition to its ongoing programs that focus on science and faith, the camp also offers a space for a variety of women’s retreats, business conferences, family reunions, holiday gatherings, and more. It’s a frequent first choice for mountain locals who want to celebrate an event and need some space to do it.

In honor of birthday number 85, Camp Arrah Wanna is reaching out for support. Between April 1 and April 15, the public can purchase raffle tickets for Camp Arrah Wanna’s Spring Fundraiser. You can visit the camp’s online auction and bid for your favorite items. You can also make a one-time donation directly to the camp or become a monthly sponsor. Their current goal is $40,000.

Eighty-five years after its founding, Camp Arrah Wanna remains deeply woven into the fabric of the Hoodland community. For generations of locals, it has been a place of first campfires, new friendships, and unforgettable moments in the woods. If the past eight decades are any indication, the camp’s story on the mountain is far from finished.