Overview

Join WTA for annual maintenance and fun projects on the east bank of Baker Lake. You'll stay in a tree-lined campsite, wake up to views of Mount Baker, the sound of cascading water, and loons calling across the glacier fed lake water.

Due to ongoing changes with USFS staffing this trip may turn into a hike-in trip or worst case, get cancelled. We will continue to update this page and email with updates as we get them!

About the Area

Because of its low elevation and level grade, the Baker Lake Trail makes a wonderful hike year round. Stands of giant old-growth timber are a highlight along this trail, which begins in a majestic stand of Douglas-fir trees that grew up following an 1843 forest fire caused by a small eruption of Mount Baker.

The trail contours above the eastern shoreline of Baker Lake for 14.5 miles, offering glimpses of Mount Baker with the lake in the foreground. Campsites dot the trail, which sees year-round foot traffic from trail runners, backpackers and hikers alike.

What to Expect

We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference!

Project Description

More details to come, but most likely we will be helping to prepare the trail so that Forest Service crews can access a couple of large structure replacement projects.

In addition, we may also cut back vegetation from the edge of the trail, widen tread where it has become narrow, or rebuild drainage structures in the general vicinity of the main project.

Camping and Hiking Information

• Type: Backcountry base camp
• Location: ___________ Camp
• Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain
• Other: Camp facilities include pit toilets and bear boxes. While there is plenty of room for the crew, we will try and save some space for passing hikers to camp as well.
• Since we will be boating across the lake, a couple extra amenities can be brought along like a folding chair or small ice chest.

• Initial hike to camp: We expect to be boated across the lake from Swift Creek Campground to ____________Camp by the Forest Service.
• Expected daily hike to project: 1-3 miles roundtrip with 500 feet of gain at a moderate pace.

Due to ongoing USFS staffing changes this information could change significantly.

Schedule

• Day 1: Meet the crew rain or shine, then boat in, begin work on the project and set up camp
• Day 2+: Make breakfast and pack a lunch before heading out on trail with the crew by 8:00 AM. Work at your own pace, take plenty of breaks and enjoy lunch on the trail. Arrive back in camp by 4:00 or 5:00 PM for a relaxing evening. Prepare your own dinner and swap stories with the crew.
• Final Day: Break down camp, finish trail project, boat out and say goodbye to the crew at Swift Creek campground

Special Event

Due to the reliance of this trip on Forest Service support, we may end up changing the nature of this trip if unforeseeable disruptions to their staff/programs occurs. We will communicate these changes to you as soon as possible, if they happen, so you can make the decision that fits best for you!

Planning Information

Get ready for a challenging backcountry adventure!

What it Takes to Do This Work Party

• A great attitude for working with a team! WTA provides the training and tools you need for the project
• Backpacking gear and food for multiple nights on the trail
• Good physical condition to hike with a fully-loaded backpack and be physically active for about 8-9 hours daily on uneven terrain 
• Backpacking experience including ability to run your own camp following Leave No Trace principles
• Day work party experience recommended
• Flexibility to adapt to changes due to unpredictable weather or land manager requests
• Minimum age: 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.

In addition to items listed above, bring the following backpacking gear:

• WTA hard hat
• Work gloves
• Backpack to carry all of your gear
• Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad
• Cooking gear and enough food (plus a little extra) for the entire trip
• At least two 1-liter water bottles and a way to purify your water
• 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!

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.

More Information

• What to Pack for a Backcountry Response Team
• 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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Partners

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