Overview

Work and camp at the gorgeous Noble Knob. Many say it feels like a Rainier hike without all the people!

About the Area

Dalles Ridge is the primary way that hikers access the popular Noble Knob and Ranger Creek trails. It provides hikers with a beautiful ridge walk and incredible views of the valleys below. On clear days you might catch glimpses of Mounts Rainier and Baker, Glacier Peak, and the craggy Stuart Range. If it's particularly clear, you may even catch sight of the Olympics. 

What to Expect

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

Project Description

This work party will focus on the Noble Knob trail systems. We will camp near the summit and work two days. This will include a variety of maintenance work. Such as, brushing and clearing of vegetation encroaching onto the trail, improving the tread surface, installing retaining structures if needed, and clearing any logs that may have fallen over the trail.

Camping and Hiking Information

Group will be backpacking to the campsite. Camping will be primitive style near the worksite. Which is 3 miles from the trailhead. We will be using backcountry methods for restrooms. Water will be sourced from gallon bottles that were hiked in on a previous work party.

Our hike to the project site is expected to be 3 miles one way.

Schedule

Day One:

• 8:30 AM: Be ready to sign in and meet the crew at the trailhead, 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
• 4:00 - 5:00 pm: Arrive back in camp for a relaxing evening. Prepare your own dinner and swap stories with the crew.

Day Two:

• Make breakfast, pack a lunch, and have all your gear packed and ready to go before meeting with the crew by 8:00 AM
• Morning: Work at your own pace, 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: Check out at the trailhead and enjoy refreshments before heading home

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 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 if you do not already have a WTA provided hard hat. 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 Primitive Camping:

• Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad
• Cooking gear and enough food (plus a little extra) for the entire trip
• At least three-four liters of water: this will be used to hydrate your body throughout the day
• A water filtration system (just in case)
• 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).

Firearms and weapons are not allowed.

More Information

• 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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