Help Washington Trails Assocation tackle a perpetually treacherous part of this trail by building a new staircase and installing several check steps!
If we have enough capacity, we may also take on annual maintenance.
PLEASE NOTE: There is substantial POISON OAK in this area. Your crew leader is highly sensitive to it and you will take every reasonable precaution to avoid it, but you will likely encounter it at some point.
About the Area: Currently owned and managed by the Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust, this property was once a homestead that had, you guessed it, a cherry orchard. Largely restored to its natural state, it is an outstanding example of white oak woodland perched on steep rocky bluffs overlooking the Columbia with views far to the east and downriver towards the Gorge. WTA has been instrumental in building a new series of loop trails at the Lyle Cherry Orchard.
We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary.
Project Description
We have three main goals for this series of work parties:
Build 18 box steps to create an enticing staircase rather than a muddy slip-n-slide
Install a series of check steps above the new staircase to further prevent erosion
Tackle the annual brushing that is needed to keep the trail free from encroaching vegetation
Please be ready to take on any of these three goals depending on the needs of the day. You will use a variety of hand and power tools. You may help shuttle lumber and gravel about 400 feet down the trail. No experience is necessary; these are great work parties to learn a new skill!
Hiking Information:
In total we'll hike about 3 miles round trip. The hike in, a little more than 1.5 miles, has about 415 feet of elevation loss (which you will need to save energy for to go up at the end of the day).
Camping Information
We are still working on an official place to camp for any members of the crew who want to stay for a few days. Your crew leader will be in touch and we will also update this post when we have better information.
Either way, there are definitely a few unofficial places to camp should you so choose: Turkey Hole and Icehouse Campgrounds are oft-used favorites. A Discovery Pass is required for Turkey Hole; no pass required for Icehouse. Both are first come, first serve.
Schedule
8:30 AM: Be ready to answer health screening questions and meet the crew!
8:35 AM: Gather for a physically distant 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: Enjoy refreshments with the crew at the trailhead before heading on your merry way.
For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.
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 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 Wear - 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.
What to Bring
A cloth face covering and optional but recommended hand sanitizer
Lunch and plenty of water
Rain jacket and pants
Extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather
A pack to carry your personal gear
A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!
Firearms and weapons are not allowed.
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.