The Full Story: 5 Shocking Facts About Base Camp Brewing Portland—What Happened To The Iconic Brewery?

The story of Base Camp Brewing in Portland, Oregon, is a compelling and often controversial chapter in the city’s famed craft beer history. While the brewery’s physical location at 930 SE Oak Street has been permanently closed for some time, the legacy of its adventure-themed taproom, unique beers, and the dramatic events surrounding its former owner continue to spark curiosity among beer enthusiasts and locals alike. This comprehensive look, updated for December 2025, reveals the full, unvarnished truth about its rise, fall, and what occupies the space today. The closure of Base Camp Brewing Company was a stark example of the challenges faced by many hospitality businesses during the pandemic era. Although the brewery initially announced a closure "for the foreseeable future" in 2020, it was later confirmed to be permanent, leading to the sale of the building and its assets. The site, once a bustling hub for beer and food carts in the Buckman neighborhood, is now a testament to Portland's ever-evolving craft beer landscape.

The Profile and Controversial History of Base Camp Brewing and its Founder

The Base Camp Brewing Company was more than just a brewery; it was an experience built around the spirit of outdoor adventure, mountaineering, and the Pacific Northwest wilderness. Its taproom was designed to evoke a rustic, yet modern, base camp, complete with a roomy patio that was a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Base Camp Brewing Company (Defunct)

• Location: 930 SE Oak Street, Portland, Oregon, 97214
• Theme: Adventure, Mountaineering, and the Great Outdoors
• Signature Feature: Large, open taproom with a popular outdoor patio and rotating food carts.
• Notable Beers: In-Tents IPL (India Pale Lager), Ripstop Rye Pilsner, Northwest Fest, and the unique Owyhee Canyonlands Wild Ale.
• Closure Date: Officially closed permanently after an initial "indefinite" closure announcement in 2020.
• Current Occupant of Location: Ecliptic Brewing's "The Moon Room" (since November 2021).

Founder's Profile: Justin Mark Fay

The brewery’s narrative took a significant turn due to the actions of its former owner, Justin Mark Fay. While the brewery was known for its community involvement, including environmental causes like supporting the protection of the Owyhee Canyonlands, Fay himself became the subject of major local headlines.

• Name: Justin Mark Fay
• Role: Co-Founder and Owner of Base Camp Brewing Company.
• Controversial Incident: In 2017, Fay was arrested at his Mt. Tabor home. The arrest followed a bizarre incident where he allegedly drunk-dialed 911 seven times in a ten-minute period to rant about the Mayor of Portland and the city’s homelessness crisis.
• Additional Allegation: During the arrest, Fay allegedly answered the door to police officers while carrying a weapon, which police later determined to be an illegal make of firearm.
• Public Reaction: The incident drew sharp criticism, especially after it was revealed the city had previously provided a $5,000 sponsorship to the brewery for a beer festival.

The Base Camp Beer Legacy: 3 Things That Set It Apart

Base Camp Brewing was a significant player in Portland’s bustling craft beer market, known for its commitment to quality and a distinctive brand identity. Its influence extended beyond just the beer, creating a memorable experience for its patrons.

1. The In-Tents IPL and Unique Beer Portfolio

Base Camp’s beer lineup was characterized by its creative names and adventurous spirit. Their flagship beer, the In-Tents IPL (India Pale Lager), was a hop-forward yet crisp offering that became a staple. They also gained recognition for specialty brews like the Ripstop Rye Pilsner and the gorgeous Owyhee Canyonlands Wild Ale, which was brewed with wild Oregon sage and Brettanomyces to evoke the actual experience of camping in the high desert canyonlands. This dedication to incorporating the outdoor theme directly into the flavor profiles set them apart from many other local breweries.

2. The Integrated Food Cart Experience

One of Base Camp’s most beloved features was its seamless integration with Portland’s famous food cart scene. The brewery partnered with several popular food carts, such as Poblano Pepper, which were permanently stationed next to the taproom. This setup allowed patrons to enjoy high-quality, diverse food options—from nachos to ethnic cuisine—right alongside their craft beer, all within the relaxed, communal atmosphere of the outdoor patio. This combination was a hallmark of the Southeast Portland brewery experience.

3. The Distinctive Basecamp Aesthetic

The entire brewery was designed as a tribute to the outdoor enthusiast. The Base Camp theme was evident in everything from the rustic yet modern décor—often described as feeling like a hunting cabin with beer—to the names of their products and the adventurous imagery used on their cans and branding. This strong, consistent brand identity resonated deeply with the Oregonian culture of hiking, camping, and exploring the wilderness, making it a natural gathering spot for like-minded individuals.

The Phoenix Rises: What is at 930 SE Oak Street Now?

The closure of Base Camp Brewing was a loss for the Southeast Portland beer scene, but the space did not remain vacant for long. The story of the location is one of transition and rebirth, a common theme in the competitive craft beer industry.

Ecliptic Brewing's "The Moon Room"

In a major development that made headlines in the local beer community, the former Base Camp Brewing facility was acquired by another prominent Portland brewery: Ecliptic Brewing. Ecliptic, founded by renowned brewmaster John Harris, is known for its space-themed branding and high-quality beers. The new facility, which opened in November 2021, was rebranded as "The Moon Room." This expansion allowed Ecliptic Brewing to increase its production capacity and introduce a second taproom and pub concept to the city, continuing the location's legacy as a major craft beer destination. The transition from the "base camp" theme to Ecliptic's "cosmic" theme marked a definitive end to the Base Camp era.

A Note on Name Confusion: Base Camp Beer vs. Base Camp Brewing

It is crucial for enthusiasts to note that the original Portland-based Base Camp Brewing Company is permanently closed and has no connection to a different, unrelated entity that has since adopted a similar name. In a separate development, Monumental Beer Works in another region rebranded to Base Camp Beer, but this is a completely distinct business. The Portland establishment, which was located on SE Oak Street, remains a closed chapter in the city's beer history. The full story of Base Camp Brewing Portland is a fascinating blend of entrepreneurial success, a beloved local gathering spot, and a dramatic, controversial end. While the original taproom is gone, its legacy lives on in the memories of its loyal patrons and the continued vitality of the craft beer scene that now thrives in its former home.