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Cape Disappointment Weekend (+Friday) Work Party

Weekend Work Party

Fri Oct 3, 2025 8:30 AM — Sun Oct 5, 2025 3:30 PM

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Region

Southwest — Long Beach Area

Features: Earn Discover Pass, Special Event

Crew Leader: James Alexander

North Head Trail. Photo by trip reporter LaraAshley

Overview

Spend a weekend on the dramatic Pacific Coast preserving a piece of Washington's history! You'll enjoy cozy accommodations as you help WTA prepare the Cape Disappointment trails for a long fall and winter.

Please only register if you are available for ALL THREE days.

About the Area

The North Head Trail winds through a lush coastal forest of sword ferns and towering Sitka spruce, similar to what Lewis and Clark likely encountered during their 1805 visit. From the bluff near where you'll stay, enjoy stunning ocean views and crashing surf below.

What to Expect

Please only register if you can commit to ALL THREE days.

We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary.

Project Description

Our main objectives are to get the trails in this State Park ready for a wet winter. Your tasks may involve working with power tools as well as using digging tools to help the trail surface shed water.


Because of tight lodging, please only register if you can commit to all three days of work. You may need to share a room with one other volunteer; your crew leader will be working out accommodations.

Camping and Hiking Information

  • Type: Historic residence 
  • Location: Scarborough House
  • Shower: Yes
  • Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain
  • Hike to camp: None 
  • Expected daily hike to project: 1 - 3 miles roundtrip with 300' gain at a moderate pace

Schedule

  • Friday, Saturday AND Sunday:
  • 8:30 AM: Be ready to sign in and meet the crew, rain or shine
  • 8:35 AM: Gather for a safety briefing, then hike to the project site
  • Morning: Work at your own pace, and take breaks throughout the day
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch on the trail
  • Afternoon: Consider trying a new task before wrapping up the day's work
  • 3:30 PM: Sign out after enjoying refreshments at the trailhead
  • For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving the work party early is not allowed
  • Lodging is available Thursday evening as well if you need to arrive early. You may need to share a room with another volunteer; your crew leader will be working out accommodations.

Planning Information

Get ready for a great weekend outside!

What it Takes to Do This Work Party

  • No experience is necessary—just bring a great attitude for working with a team! WTA provides the training and tools you need
  • Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours each day on uneven terrain
  • Recommended for ages 10 and older; under 14 must be accompanied by an adult and a parental consent form must be signed for anyone under 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. 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.

Overnight gear:​

  • Whatever you need for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
  • Personal items such as medication, hand sanitizer and toiletries

A hard hat will be provided by WTA. For safety reasons, shorts and sneakers are not allowed while working.​Firearms and weapons are not allowed.

More Information

From the Hiking Guide

See what WTA's hiking guide and trip reports say about this area.

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Directions

Located two miles southwest of Ilwaco, WA.

From Seattle: Take I-5 south to Olympia, SR 8 west to Montesano. From there, take U.S. Hwy. 101 south to Ilwaco.

From Portland/Vancouver: Take I-5 north to Longview, take exit 36 to Hwy 432, Cross the Columbia River on Hwy 433 and follow OR 30 to Astoria. Take Hwy 101 north across the river and on to Ilwaco. Once you get to Ilwaco head West from the stop light (only one in town) following the signs to North Head Lighthouse. In about 2 miles there will be a right turn to the North Head lighthouse parking (if you miss this you will end up at the entrance to the Cape Disappointment State Park camp ground). A short drive to the end of the blacktop and you will see the public parking on your left and the lighthouse keepers housing directly in front of you (where we will be staying). Follow the gravel road that veers off to the right around to the North side of the housing and park on the gravel near the outbuildings.

Note: Please follow the written directions above instead of using a GPS device. This will ensure that you get to the correct meeting location for this work party. The location of the pinpoint below is only approximate.

Getting to WTA work parties can involve travel on rough, unpaved roads in areas without cellular service and without street addresses that can be accurately used by navigation devices. Unless specifically noted otherwise, routes can generally be traveled by all types of vehicles. Volunteers with limited experience driving on unpaved mountain roads may want to allow extra time, beyond what is recommended in the directions above, to get to the meeting location.

Required Documentation

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