Join this crew to spend a week doing beachside trailwork in Cape Disappointment State Park while staying in historic lodging in nearby Fort Columbia State Park.
This crew will build on the work of other day work parties to construct stairs on the Coastal Forest Loop trail. Volunteers will stay in the historic Scarborough and Steward houses in the nearby Fort Columbia State Park where they will make meals together.
About the Area: There are a plethora of small trails at Cape Disappointment, but this one may be the least well-known. Tucked off of Spur Road 100, the opposite direction from the camping area, the Coastal Forest Loop offers a chance to experience the signature environment of this area in either a half mile or mile and a half loop. Be sure to snag the brochure offered at the park office with interpretive information corresponding to posts along the way.
Project Description: This crew will continue construction work on stairs on the far side of the loop. This will require a lot of hauling gravel using heavy equipment like motorized wheelbarrows (toters) and plenty of manual hauling using buckets and straps.
Construction will use electric and gas powered drills and saws. It's a slow process to get everything level and properly set. There is also lots of dirt work to be done to prepare soil for stairs.
The crew may also do general annual maintenance on the trail including: pruning back overgrown vegetation, digging draingage channels, and repairing the walking surface.
Camping and Hiking Information:
Location: Fort Columbia State Park: Scarborough House and Steward's House
The houses have a total of 6 bedrooms with a combination of queen/twin size beds. Volunteers may be required to share rooms.
Due to State Park regulations, camping in vehicles or tents outside of the houses is not permitted.
Bathroom/Shower available
Coastal Loop Trail is 1.4 miles total
The project is on the far side of the loop and may require several trips to haul materials
Schedule:
Day 1 (Thurs): Meet the crew rain or shine, and then set up camp. Scout the project and possibly start some work.
Day 2-3 (Fri-Sat): Trail work day. Gather for breakfast (7:00 AM) then hike or drive to the project site (8:00 AM). Work at your own pace, take plenty of breaks and enjoy lunch on the trail. By 3:00 PM, hike back to camp to enjoy snacks and unwind before dinner (6:00 PM). Help with a different camp chore each day including meal preparation and cleanup.
Day 4 (Sun): Day off to relax and explore your beautiful surroundings
Day 5-6 (Mon-Tue): Trail work day
Day 7 (Wed): Break down camp, head out and say goodbye
For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.
Planning Information:
Get ready for a great vacation!
What it Takes to Do This Work Party
A great attitude for working with a team
Camping gear and trail work gear; WTA provides training, tools and great food
Good physical condition to be physically active for about 7 hours daily on uneven terrain
Day work party experience recommended
Flexibility to adapt to changes due to unpredictable weather or land manager requests
Minimum age: 18
What to Bring - Required:
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Work gloves
Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, or safety glasses)
Long pants
Recommended:
Sturdy work or hiking boots
Long sleeved shirt
A hard hat will be provided by WTA if you do not already have a WTA provided hart hat. Additionally, work gloves and eye protection will be provided by WTA if you do not have your own, but when possible we recommend bringing your own. For safety reasons, certain tasks may be assigned based on the safety level of your footwear. Volunteers who do not have long pants, or sturdy closed toes shoes, will not be able to participate in the work party.
In addition to the items listed above, bring the following personal gear:
WTA hard hat
Work gloves
At least two 1-liter water bottles and a coffee mug
Rain jacket and rain pants
Extra warm clothing
Camp clothing such as shorts, shirt and sandals
Sun and bug protection
Headlamp and extra batteries
Personal items such as medication, hand sanitizer and toiletries
First aid kit
Day pack recommended
A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!
State Park Lodging will provide bed linens, pillows, and towels. You are welcome to bring additional towels and blankets if you see fit. All cooking equipment will be provided by WTA to cook inside the house.
A hard hat will be provided by WTA if you do not already have a WTA provided hart hat. Additionally, work gloves and eye protection will be provided by WTA if you do not have your own, but when possible we recommend bringing your own.
More Information:
WTA's Trail Work Guide introduces the type of work you may do
Contact us at volunteer@wta.org or 206.625.1367
From the Hiking Guide
See what WTA's hiking guide and trip reports say about this area.
A My Backpack account is required. You will be asked to register or log in before you can join.