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Hoag Memorial - Big Rock

Day Work Party

Fri Nov 14, 2025: 8:30 AM — 3:30 PM

Trip Difficulty: Limited

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Region

Puget Sound and Islands — Bellingham Area

Crew Leader: Mike Bellis

Dr. Richard M. Hoag Memorial Park plaque by onehikeaweek

Overview

Join the WTA crew at the secluded Hoag Memorial Park, just east of Mount Vernon, to help develop a path to the top of Big Rock also known as 'Yudwasta' to the ancestors of the Coast Salish people.

About the Area

Skagit County manages the 13 acre park where Big Rock is located but due to private property surrounding the parcel public access has been cut off until now! The County is currently working with the Skagit Land Trust to acquire the property surrounding Big Rock so that this 13 acre park will become almost 80 acres!

What to Expect

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

Project Description

Since the property surrounding Big Rock has not fully been acquired our work will focus on building tread and structures on Big Rock. Activities may include digging with hand tools, collecting or carrying materials (lumber or rock), and working with power tools to break rock and build structures.

Hiking Information

Our hike to the project site is expected to be 1-3 miles roundtrip over moderately steep terrain. If you want to go to the top of Big Rock it adds about 500 feet over very steep, sometime slippery, exposed rock.

Schedule

  • 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 early is not allowed.

Planning Information

Get ready for a great day 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 on uneven terrain
  • Recommended for ages 10 and older; under 14 must be accompanied by an adult

What to Wear

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.

What to Bring

  • Lunch and plenty of water
  • Rain jacket and pants
  • Extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather
  • A pack to carry your personal gear
  • A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!

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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Partners

Directions

From I-5 take exit 227 for WA-538 E/College Way. Follow signs for College Way and continue on E College Way for 3.5 miles. At the traffic circle, take the first exit onto WA-9 South . Follow WA-9 until you see Mt Vernon Big Lake Rd on your right. Take the right onto Mt Vernon Big Lake Road and continue for .2 miles, until you see the concrete ecology blocked gated entrance to the property on your right - take care not to drive over or through any chains or cables that may be blocking the entrance.

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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