Join the Washington Trails Association stewardship crew for the fourth year in the Tatoosh Wilderness!
We'll be hiking and working along the spectacular Tatoosh Ridge, a strenuous but rewarding adventure. Expect grand views and hard work re-establishing tread so hikers can take in the incredible views without worrying about where they're stepping.
About the Area: Tatoosh Ridge runs much of the length of the Tatoosh Wilderness and offers a plethora of different hiking opportunities. It's rugged and steep, but the payoff is wildflower meadows, huckleberries, Tatoosh Lake, and spectacular mountain views.
What to Expect: This is an exciting and adventurous work party for the right volunteers. It is a strenuous trip; please be sure that you and your equipment are up to the task. The campsite is remote and the terrain rugged.
Project Description: Get your treadwork skills and hiking muscles ready! The Tatoosh Trail needs a lot of work reclaiming tread, and we know WTA volunteers are up to the task. We've already done three years of work here, but the last time was over two years ago, and there's more to be done.
We may need to spruce up some areas prone to washout, we'll definitely spend some time brushing, and we'll work hard to re-establish tread that, after many years of neglect, has started creeping down the hillside.
Camping and Hiking Information:
Type: Backcountry basecamp
Location: Near Tatoosh Lake
Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain
Initial hike to camp: 2.5 miles with 2900 feet of gain at a moderate pace while carrying your backpack fully loaded with all provisions including camping gear and food, plus WTA-provided tools.
Expected daily hike to project: up to 2 miles roundtrip with up to 1000 feet of gain at a moderate pace
Schedule:
Day 1: Meet the crew rain or shine, then hike in, begin work on the project and set up camp
Day 2+: Make breakfast and pack a lunch before heading out on trail with the crew by 8:00 AM. Work at your own pace, take plenty of breaks and enjoy lunch on the trail. Arrive back in camp by 4:00 or 5:00 PM for a relaxing evening. Prepare your own dinner and swap stories with the crew. / Make a lunch and pack up camp before heading out on trail with the crew by 8:00 AM. Work at your own pace, take plenty of breaks and enjoy lunch on the trail. Reach camp by 4:00 or 5:00 PM for a relaxing evening. Set up, prepare your own dinner and swap stories with the crew.
Final Day: Break down camp, finish trail project, hike out and say goodbye to the crew at the trailhead
For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.
Planning Information - Get ready for a challenging backcountry adventure!
What it Takes to Do This Work Party:
A great attitude for working with a team! WTA provides the training and tools you need for the project
Backpacking gear and food for multiple nights on the trail
Good physical condition to hike with a fully-loaded backpack and be physically active for about 8-9 hours daily on uneven terrain
Backpacking experience including ability to run your own camp following Leave No Trace principles
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 hard 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 items listed above, bring the following backpacking gear:
WTA hard hat
Work gloves
Backpack to carry all of your gear
Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad
Cooking gear and enough food (plus a little extra) for the entire trip
At least two 1-liter water bottles and a way to purify your water
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
A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!
A hard hat will be provided by WTA if you do not already have a WTA provided hard 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