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Notch Pass

Day Work Party

Mon Jan 26, 2026: 8:30 AM — 3:30 PM

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Region

Olympic Peninsula — East - Hood Canal

Features: Logout, Earn Northwest Forest Pass

Crew Leader: Patrick Sullivan

Notch Pass. Photo by trip reporter AKorn.

Overview

Time to do some more maintenance for a nice trail on the Olympic Peninsula. Notch Pass is a historic route through the Quilcene Range. Help us keep the trail through this pass and down to the Big Quilcene River open and enjoyable for hikers!

About the Area

This is a very old, historic trail. It may have been a Native American trade route across the Olympics. For sure it was rebuilt by the CCC in the 1930's. It was relocated by Scott Burgwin several years ago and re-opened from the Quilcene side through the notch in the Quilcene Range (easily seen from Highway 101.) It climbs steeply through the notch and then traverses along the Quilcene Range.  The trail then descends along Townsend Creek to the Big Quilcene River.
 

What to Expect

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

Project Description

This work party is weather-dependent and may be subject to change!

We will concentrate on annual maintenance tasks, including clearing logs and other debris, cleaning out drainage structures, repairing tread surface, and maybe even a little brushing of woody plants along the trail corridor. We will be working on Notch 1 for this work party.

Hiking Information

Our hike to the project site is expected to be 2-4 miles roundtrip over steep terrain.

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 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

  • 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.


Partners

Directions

From Quilcene, drive one mile south on Highway 101 to Penny Creek Road. Take a right, go 1.4 miles staying to the left at the “Y” at the two gravel roads. Drive about 0.9 miles and take a right on Forest Road #010 road (unmarked), then drive 1.4 miles to the trailhead.

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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