What could be better than a weekend of stewardship in the Mount Adams Ranger District?
Each day will start with an opportunity to tend the trails near Trapper Creek-- and will end with a campout complete with s'mores and plenty of good company. Feel free to bring your family, and join us for one, two, or all three days!
These work parties will be opened for registration on April 10th around 4pm.
** If you are a WTA volunteer Crew Leader and want to help, please reach out to SW Regional Coordinator Stasia Honnold, shonnold@wta.org**
About the Area: The Mount Adams Ranger District is in the eastern part of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and includes the Mount Adams, Trapper Creek, and Indian Heaven Wilderness areas as well as the Lewis River Recreation Area. From old growth to second growth forest, wetlands, low and high elevation meadows, glaciers, and low and high elevation lakes, this area has it all!
What to Expect: We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! Volunteer on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or all three. No experience is necessary.
Project Description: Each morning, we will split into several different crews to work on several trails in the area. You will start at Camp Howe to get organized, then caravan to the work location. The work will include using cutting tools (including power tools if fire precaution levels permit) to remove vegetation from the trail corridor, using saws to remove downed trees, using digging tools to fix the walking surface of the trail, and using digging tools to clear drainage.
Please register for the specific day(s) you are planning to volunteer, and we will split into separate crews for each day onsite.
Hiking Information: Each day will be different depending on how the work goes, and you will be able to self-select into a crew with an expected level of exertion that matches your available energy. Be prepared for options ranging from a hike of 1.5 miles round trip to a hike of 4.5 miles round trip over hilly terrain.
Camping Information: We will have a large camping area set up at Camp Howe. You are welcome to camp the day before and after your stewardship; trailers, campers, and tents all welcome.
There is no potable water onsite, though there is a nearby stream from which you can filter or treat water.
Schedule
8:30 AM: Be ready to meet the crew. Please make sure your electronic waiver has already been signed before the work party!
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: The end! Relax and, if you're camping, spend the afternoon soaking up the area.
For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.
Special Event:
We will have a campfire and s'mores bar on both Friday and Saturday evening (attendance optional). There will be lawn games (attendance also optional). You provide your own food; we will provide a memorable experience!
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 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
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!
Your camping equipment if you are planning to stay overnight
Enough water for however long you are planning to be present (or a way to treat water from a nearby stream)
Enough food for however long you are planning to be present
Any medications you need for the duration of your stay
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.