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 3-5 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:

You will be asked to completed an application/medical form after you sign-up for a trip. For other requirements and expectations, read through our FAQs for our Backcountry Response Teams.

Upcoming Trips:

• The "Free Pass" column indicates if a project is on Forest Service land, in which case you will be eligible to earn a Northwest Forest Pass. To learn about this incentive, and others, go here.