It has been an incredible adventure owning and operating Scottish Lakes High Camp these past 23 years. Don and I truly enjoyed getting to know every single one of you and being a part of your backcountry experience. Although he is no longer with us, Don treasured every minute at High Camp and sharing this special place with such an extraordinary community. I am so grateful for all of your support, love, and appreciation of this wonderful place – it wouldn’t have been the same without you.

Don and Chris Hanson

Don and Chris Hanson

That being said, I am pleased to introduce the new owners of High Camp who will be carrying on its legacy: Justin and Austin Donohue! They moved to Leavenworth from Seattle about two years ago and are excited to take on the new adventure of running High Camp. Both are outdoor enthusiasts and their experience and expertise in the space will bring new energy, ideas, and exciting changes, while also embracing the history of High Camp.

Justin and Austin Donohue

Justin and Austin Donohue

Justin is an avid backcountry skier, mountain biker, and hiker, and actually did his degree in Outdoor Education. On top of that, he even has marketing experience with companies like REI and Sierra Club. Austin – a Seattle native – enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and trail running. They are a really sweet couple that are thrilled to step into all the work and joy that entails managing High Camp.

I know you will all be pleased to see the exciting changes and updates to come, with the first one being a name change. Scottish Lakes High Camp will now be Alpine Lakes High Camp, which speaks to the location perfectly and embraces the history of this special place. They are planning to revitalize the property with improvements to the cabins, lodge, and bathhouse this summer. In addition, they will be adding bike trails and starting next year, Alpine Lakes High Camp will be open year-round – making it the perfect mountain bike and summer hiking getaway! A new website is also on the way that will eventually allow online booking. Lots of exciting things happening!

Please join me in welcoming Justin and Austin! I am confident you will enjoy them as much as I do and recognize what a perfect fit they are for this unique and rewarding vocation.

 Chris