Fixing up the Trail — Washington Trails Association looking for volunteers to repair NCW trails

Lively conversation around a crackling campfire by night. A week of exercise in the great outdoors by day.

Not a bad way to volunteer.

The Washington Trails Association is gearing up for another Volunteer Vacations series that maintains scenic trails in Washington. What started as small day trips in 1992 has blossomed into a full calendar of week-long excursions in the back country. More than 170 show up annually to help clear fallen trees and repair damage to some of the nicest trails in the state, many of which are right here in North Central Washington.

U.S. Forest Service funding cuts have created a need for outside support in trail upkeep, especially deeper into the wilderness, says WTA communications director Lauren Braden.

"Projects we take on with Volunteer Vacations are typically a few miles in," she says.

This year's schedule features spring outings to Moore Point and Cascade Creek near Lake Chelan, followed by summer trips to the Teanaway area near Cle Elum, the Chiwaukum Creek trail near Tumwater Canyon and Stuart Lake in the popular Enchantments.

"Some of our most popular trails are the Lake Chelan ones," Braden says. "Because of the Ponderosa pine downfall, it's a real challenge year after year."

The $150 fee for non-WTA members includes a $50 discount for subsequent trips and a year's membership. The fee covers administrative costs, packing in supplies and fresh food, including salmon, at the work sites.

Many of the destinations are considered an "easy backpack" that cater to hikers of all skill levels. There are also car camps when you drive to a base and take shorter hikes to the work site.

Family camps, like the one at Hyas Lake near Salmon La Sac in late July, are offered.

Most of the trail maintenance east of the Cascade crest are log-outs, Braden says. Double-sided saws are often used by crews to clear fallen trees. Ponderosa pine is especially susceptible to falling over, Braden adds.

Much of the work west of the crest deals with water damage.

"For the most part, we work very closely with the Forest Service district managers," Braden says.

Trails are selected for their maintenance needs as well as their aesthetics.

"We want to choose locations that are very spectacular with good vistas and wildflowers," Braden says.