Overview

Our seventh season of snowshoe work parties! Mount Spokane has many great year-round trails and they need maintenance help even in winter. We will be brushing the trail corridor and placing blue diamond trail markers along Trail 182. You’ll need snowshoes and winter gear for this trip. This trip is considered somewhat strenuous since we will be covering a greater distance than we normally do on snowshoe work parties.

About the Area

Mt Spokane is laced with a 100 mile trail system that is popular with hikers, bikers and equestrians in the summer and with skiers and snowshoers in the winter. The trail system runs from the base of the mountain to the summit and covers varied ecosystems ranging from deep pine and cedar forests to open meadows. Wildlife including deer, moose, the occasional bear and cougar can be found on the slopes of this mountain.

What to Expect

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

Project Description

This is our seventh season of snowshoe work parties at WTA. For this maintenance day, work will include brushing the trail corridor, removing downfall trees if needed, and placing blue diamond trail makers to help keep hikers on-trail in snowy conditions. This will be a winter wonderland work party so you will need to have snowshoes and/or microspikes as appropriate for snow conditions, winter appropriate clothing (please no cotton), warm waterproof boots and warm waterproof gloves/mittens. Multiple sets of gloves is probably a good idea so you can swap to dry gloves as needed. (Limited number of loaner snowshoes available; please reach out if you'd like to borrow a pair in order to try this!)

Hiking Information

Our hike for this work party is expected to be about 5 miles round trip on hilly terrain.

Schedule

• 8:30 AM: Be ready to sign in and meet the crew, snow or shine.
• 8:35 AM: Gather for a safety briefing.
• 8:45 AM: Hike to the work site, working at your own pace, and taking breaks and enjoying snacks throughout the day.
• 10:00 AM: Candy break!
• 12:00 PM: Lunch on trail.
• Afternoon: Consider trying a new task before wrapping up the day's work
• 3:30 PM: Wrap up the day 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! Please dress in warm layers to be ready for wintery conditions.

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 5 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:

• Insulated boots
• Long sleeved shirt/warm insulating layers
• Winter shell jacket

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 for wet or cold weather
• A backpack 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

• 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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