Overview

Hike along a raucous waterway into a quiet corner of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. You'll make your way through groves of cedar, cottonwood, and towering Ponderosa pines resembling pillars holding up the sky on the way to these gorgeous meadows, named for a lovely wildflower that blooms in them.

Your work on the trail will help others to enjoy this gorgeous area.

About the Area

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is the most popular wilderness area in the state, so you almost always have plenty of company on trail here.

But the Chiwaukum Creek - Timothy Meadows area offers a respite, with a delightful riverside ramble leading to open meadows filled with timothy blooms. It is one of those places that echos with the sound of true wilderness, silence.

What to Expect

We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference!

Project Description

After years of deferred maintenance, the Chiwaukum Creek trail is in need of some serious attention. This crew will be clearing fallen trees off trail with crosscut saws, widening and re-treading trail in problematic areas, and cutting back overgrown vegetation.

Camping and Hiking Information

• Type: Backcountry camp
• Camp Location: Timothy Meadow, 47.68660, -120.86064
• Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain

• Hike to camp: 8.5 miles with 1800 feet of elevation gain at a moderate pace while carrying your backpack with camping and personal gear; all food and tools will be packed in for you.
• Expected daily hike to project: 4 to 6 miles roundtrip with 1,000 feet of elevation 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.
• 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

• Boots
• Long pants 
• Work gloves
• Long-sleeved shirt recommended
• Eye protection recommended (glasses, sunglasses or safety glasses)

Backpacking gear

• 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!

Trail work gear

• Boots
• Long pants 
• Work gloves
• Long-sleeved shirt recommended
• Eye protection recommended such as safety glasses
• WTA hard hat (provided, unless you have one)

For safety reasons, shorts and sneakers are not allowed while working. Firearms and weapons are not allowed.

More Information

• What to Pack for a Backcountry Response Team
• Frequently Asked Questions
• WTA's Trail Work Guide introduces the type of work you may do
• Contact us at volunteer@wta.org or 206.625.1367

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Partners

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