Cape Disappointment Weekend (+Friday) Trail Work Party

Friday, May 1, 2026 8:30 AM
Sunday, May 3, 2026 3:30 PM

Google Calendar ICS

Spend a weekend on the dramatic Pacific Coast preserving a piece of Washington's history! You'll enjoy cozy accommodations as you help prepare for the following week's Volunteer Vacation stair-building project.

Please only register if you are available for ALL THREE days.

There are a plethora of small trails at Cape Disappointment, but the Coastal Forest 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.

The North Head Trail winds through a lush coastal forest of sword ferns and towering Sitka spruce, similar to what Lewis and Clark likely encountered during their 1805 visit. From the bluff near where you'll stay, enjoy stunning ocean views and crashing surf below.

What to Expect: Please only register if you can commit to ALL THREE days.

We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary.

Project Description: Our main objective is to begin a stair-building project that a WTA Volunteer Vacation will complete the following week. You will cut timber to the appropriate size for box steps and spend a LOT of time walking the trail back and forth with mechanized toters to haul all the material to the staircase site. You will likely not actually build many (if any) stairs but will make sure that the materials are all in place.

Because of tight lodging, please only register if you can commit to all three days of work. You may need to share a room with one other volunteer; your crew leader will be working out accommodations.

Camping and Hiking Information

Type: Historic residence
Location: Scarborough House
Shower: Yes
Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain

The hike to the staircase site is approximately 0.6 mi with 140 feet of elevation gain. You will do this hike over and over throughout the day to stage materials.

Schedule

Friday, Saturday AND Sunday:
8:30 AM: Be ready to sign in and meet the crew, rain or shine
8:35 AM: Gather for a safety briefing, then hike to the project site
Morning: Work at your own pace, and take breaks throughout the day
12:00 PM: Lunch on the trail
Afternoon: Consider trying a new task before wrapping up the day's work
3:30 PM: Sign out after enjoying refreshments at the trailhead
For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving the work party early is not allowed
Lodging is available Thursday evening as well if you need to arrive early. You may need to share a room with another volunteer; your crew leader will be working out accommodations.

What it Takes to Do This Work Party

No experience is necessary—just bring a great attitude for working with a team! WTA provides the training and tools you need
Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours each day on uneven terrain
Recommended for ages 10 and older; under 14 must be accompanied by an adult and a parental consent form must be signed for anyone under 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. 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.

Overnight gear: