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Yacolt Burn

Day Work Party

Thu Dec 18, 2025: 8:30 AM — 3:30 PM

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Region

Southwest — Lewis River Region

Features: Earn Discover Pass

Crew Leader: Jim Clute

A forested part of the Tarbell Trail. Photo by Ryan Ojerio

Overview

This work party will continue the work on Tarbell Trail (from Grouse Vista Trailhead) that WTA will have started on December 4th. Join us to help improve this close-to-town trail system.

About the Area

Close to several cities in Southwest Washington, the Yacolt Burn State Forest is a hiker, biker, or trail runner's dream. There are many trail options at low and mid-elevations, making it perfect for year-round adventures.

What to Expect

We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! Be prepared for a variety of projects. No experience is necessary.

Project Description

Weather permitting, your crew will work out of the Grouse Vista Trailhead to improve drainage and tread on the Tarbell Trail. You will use digging tools to improve drainage as well as to improve the walking surface of the trail, plus potentially some power tools to remove woody vegetation from the trail. If snow levels become low, we will move this to another site in the Yacolt Burn State Forest.

Hiking Information

Our daily hike to the project site is expected to be up to three miles roundtrip over hilly terrain at a moderate pace.

Schedule

  • 8:30 AM: Gather for introductions and 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: Discuss the days work and enjoy 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 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 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

  • A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!
  • 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

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

Meet at the Grouse Vista Trailhead and bring a Discover Pass if you have one. If you don't have one we have volunteer passes that our crew leader can loan to you for the day. 


From Vancouver take Hwy 14 east towards Camas and Washougal. Turn left on 15th/Washougal River Rd. to go north through the town of Washougal. Follow Washougal River Rd over the river, then for about 7 miles as it continues upstream. Turn left onto Hughes Rd (also known as Bear Prairie Rd). Follow Hughes road for about the next 3 miles (the road changes name multiple times, but is the main route). Next turn right on Skye Rd./NE 39th st. Go just a few hundred feet and Turn left on NE 412th Ave/Skamania Mines Road. In 1/4 mile bear right at the "Y" to stay on Skamania Mines Rd. In about 3 miles turn left at the stop sign. In a 1/4 mile stay left to continue northward on the 1200 road. Continue for another 6 miles on the 1200 road. Note it is rough and has pot holes that can make for slow going.

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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