2025 Wenas Campout

May 30-June 1, 2025

Washington State Wenas Campout
at the Hazel Wolf Wenas Bird Sanctuary
60th Anniversary (1963-2025) (minus 2 years for COVID)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wenasaudubon/

A celebration of birds, blooms, and bugs in eastern Washington.
Free to attend | Open to all | Come for a day or the weekend

Welcome to the Annual Wenas Campout!

The purpose of the Wenas Campout is to provide Audubon chapters, interested birders, and friends with natural history and recreation opportunities in a beautiful area with a fascinating assortment of spring flora and fauna. Wenas offers the spiritual fulfillment of simply being outdoors. We do not charge fees for the campout. Voluntary donations cover camp expenses.

The Wenas Organizing Committee welcomes you! After setting up camp, locate Campout Headquarters, at a designated Larrison Tree, named in honor of the late Earl J. Larrison, a gifted and dedicated teacher, author and conservationist whose efforts helped make the Wenas Campout a memorable experience. The Larrison Tree is where we keep the sign-in sheet, bulletin board, programs, maps, bird lists, and wildflower display. If you see an interesting field trip, join it! Feel free to also explore on your own or relax in camp.

Evening campfire programs are held at the Hazel Wolf Campfire Circle. The Hazel Wolf Campfire Circle was named for Hazel Wolf on the 30th anniversary (1993) of the Wenas Creek Campout in Hazel’s 95th year. Naming the circle recognized her devotion in organizing the campout and her bright and witty presence at campfire programs. Hazel met her goal of living in three different centuries when she passed away January 19, 2000 at the age of 102.

In 1963, Hazel, Bea Buzzetti, and Ruth Anderson wandered serendipitously into the campground on a Memorial Day camping trip. They were so impressed with the rich wildlife that they convinced Boise Cascade to make the campground available to Audubon campers on Memorial Day. This was the birth of our annual, statewide (now regional) tradition, the largest such event in the country. In 2023, the Organizing Committee moved the campout to the weekend following Memorial Day.

60th Anniversary

Be sure to stop by the 60th Anniversary Pavilion. This display will be in the Campout Headquarters area and is open during the entire Campout weekend.

  • You will learn about the many highlights of the Wenas Campout:
  • The history since its founding in 1963;
  • The people who founded it and those so tirelessly supported its existence so generations could enjoy the annual festivities;
  • The Birds, Blooms, & Bugs this wonderful habitat has attracted and nourished.
  • There is also an area where you can share an artifact or story of your favorite memories over the years.

Please enjoy and join us in celebrating this 60th Campout!

2025 Schedule
2025 Evening Events

Important Information

  1. BRING YOUR OWN WATER. Do not use creek water for drinking or cooking. It is unsafe.
  2. BRING COMFORT ITEMS. Hand sanitizer, extra toilet paper, and Clorox wipes for cleaning porta-potties may add to your comfort. A small store at Wenas Lake sells some food, ice, beverages, etc.
  3. YOU MUST HAVE A STATE DISCOVER PASS TO PARK AT WENAS AND FIELD TRIP TRAILHEADS. To locate where to buy a pass, go to http://discoverpass.wa.gov/133/Where-to-Buy.
  4. Leave wildflowers and plants where you find them. There is a flower identification display for all to enjoy.
  5. Campfires: please, no fires or fire pits. The Wenas area has had numerous wildfires in the past few years. Gas cook stoves are fine.
  6. NO motor vehicles within 100 feet of creeks/wetlands (state DNR rules).
  7. Keep your site clean and pack out your litter. There is no trash pickup at camp.
  8. Protect wildlife. Respect nesting sites, especially birdhouses and nesting cavities.
  9. Keep dogs leashed. Please do not bring them on field trips.
  10. Respect your neighbors. QUIET TIME AT 10 PM. No noise, music, or generators after 10 PM.
  11. Please carpool to hikes. Many areas have limited parking, so carpool, save gas, and cut down on dust.
  12. Come prepared for very cold nights, warm/hot days and maybe rain.
  13. Please sign the register at the Larrison Tree Welcome Tent. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY!

While we try to plan activities for everyone, you are free to schedule your own activities any time.