Backcountry Response Teams

Backcountry Response Teams (BCRTs)

A 3-person crew visits Dumbell Lake as part of BCRT in 2007

Because many of WTA's one-day and weekend work parties are only able to address the first few miles of trail, there is a need to have extended 3-4 day work parties to address maintenance needs of trails that head further into the backcountry. 

WTA's Backcountry Response Teams (BCRTs), trail crews consisting of 4 - 12 people, are a means to do this.  Intended for experienced backcountry hikers, trips will require each individual to carry his or her own provisions for the duration, as well as have the ability to camp without supervision.

These trips will follow WTA's work party guidelines and will be led by a WTA crew leader.  Due to the more arduous nature of these work parties, BCRT volunteers must be in good physical condition and will be expected to be equipped and able to carry all gear required for an overnight stay including:

• tent
• sleeping bag
• cooking gear
• food for the entire trip

Volunteers will also be asked to carry heavy work tools which may include loppers, pulaskis, shovels, grub hoes and crosscut saws. We encourage you to share some general gear with others in the group (stoves, cookware, etc), and we can try to facilitate this consolidation of equipment via e-mail and at the trailhead.

Before you sign up:

Read through our FAQs for our Backcountry Response Teams

How to sign up:

Upcoming Trips:

• June 19 - 21: Olympic Peninsula - Upper Big Quilcene - FULL!
  

• June 25 - 28: Olympic Peninsula, Heather Creek - FULL!
  
• June 27 - 29: Mt St Helens, South Coldwater to Ridge Camp - 3 spots left!
  
• July 17 - 19: Olympic Peninsula, Tubal Cain - FULL!
  
• July 22 - 26: North Bend, Granite Mountain - 4 spots left!
  
• July 24 - 26: Mount Adams, Observation Peak - 6 spots left!
• July 29 - August 2: Olympic National Park, Seven Lakes Basin - 5 spots left!
  
• August 7 - 10: Skykomish, West Cady Ridge - 6 spots left!
  
• August 8 - 10: Eastern Washington, Salmo-Priest - 7 spots left!
  
• August 10 - 14: Methow Valley, Lake Creek - 1 spot left!
  
• August 14 - 16: Olympic Peninsula, TBD - 7 spots left!
• August 19 - 22: Olympic National Park, Grand Valley - 5 spots left!
  
• August 18 - 21: Mount Baker, High Divide/Welcome Pass - 6 spots left!
  
• August 20 - 23: Skykomish, Bald Eagle Trail - 7 spots left!
  
• August 27 - 30: Darrington, Independence / North Lake - 7 spots left!
  
• August 29 - 31: Cowlitz Valley, Glacier View - 5 spots left!
  
• September 1 - 3: Mount Baker, Chain of Lakes - 4 spots left!
  
• September 4 - 7: Chiwaukum Lake via Scottish High Camp - FULL!
  
• September 4 - 7: Snoqualmie-North Bend, Island Lake - 5 spots left!
  
• September 9 - 13: Olympic Peninsula, Six Ridges - FULL!
  
• September 12 - 14: Mount Adams, Riley Creek - 7 spots left!
  
• September 18 - 20: Olympic Peninsula, TBD - 8 spots left!
  
• September 25 - 27: Olympic Peninsula, Appleton Pass - FULL!