Start your new year of trail work on an overlooked gem of the Sam Walker trail near the Columbia River. Bald eagles will likely perch and call above you as you work to reclaim the tread from encroaching weeds, grass, and blackberry. Leather gloves recommended!
About the Area: Take a mile-long stroll along a graveled trail through abandoned farm fields. This trail is barrier free, and WTA has worked to make it it more wheelchair friendly. It winds through fields set aside for restoration, ducks into some woods, and emerges above the Columbia River. If you look carefully, you can see Multnomah Falls across the river.
What to Expect: We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary.
Project Description: In 2015 WTA restored the trail to its original width and resurfaced much of it with crushed rock. Since then it's been a yearly endeavor to keep the weeds, grass and blackberries from narrowing the trail down again. We'll run our brush cutter, use loppers, and bust out the digging tools to remove vegetation choking the trail.
Hiking / Accessibility Information: Round trip hiking is going to be about 2 miles on flat terrain.
Schedule:
8:30 AM: Be ready to 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 early is not allowed.
Planning Information: 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:
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