Overview

Join WTA as we tackle spring log-out followed by the full list of basic trail maintenance: clearing drains, repairing tread, cutting back foliage, logout and other tasks as we encounter them.

This is a great introduction to Backcountry Response Team trips since we will be car camping for this one!

About the Area

Silver Creek Campground serves as a hub for many days worth of exploration in this gorgeous area of northeast Washington. We will camp on the edge of an Inventoried Roadless Area that was earmarked for possible future Wilderness protection in the most recent Forest Plan. Deer, elk, moose, mountain goats, cougar, wolves, and bear are all supported by this ecosystem.

What to Expect

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

Project Description

After a long winter, every trail needs to get spruced up for the coming hiking season. As a crew we will hit the trail and look to fix anything we find that detracts from the user experience, starting with spring log-out needs. We will also clean out drainage to get water off the trail and prevent erosion. If the tread is deteriorating or torn up we will take the time to make much-needed repairs.

Camping and Hiking Information

• Type: Basecamp
• Location: Silver Creek Campground
• Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain
• Filter water from Silver Creek or bring water for the weekend

• This is a car camping BCRT, where we will have a base camp at Silver Creek Campground. A stream is located nearby, and there is a CXT (pit) toilet.
•  Expected daily hike: Up to 6 miles roundtrip with up to 1500 feet of elevation gain at a moderate pace while carrying your daypack plus WTA-provided tools.

Schedule

• Day 1: 8:30 AM — Meet the crew rain or shine! Safety briefing, distribute tools, then begin work on project. Return to the parking lot and set up camp around 4:00 or 5:00 PM.
• Day: Make breakfast and pack a lunch before heading out on trail with the crew by 8:30 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: Make breakfast and pack a lunch before heading out on trail with the crew by 8:30 AM. Work at your own pace, take plenty of breaks and enjoy lunch on the trail. Finish trail project, and return to the trailhead by 3:30pm. Break down camp either in the morning or in the afternoon.

For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.

Planning Information

Get ready for a fun and 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

What to Wear

• Required:
• Sturdy work or hiking boots. Review our Logout Boot Guide for more details.
• Work gloves 
• Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, safety glasses, or mesh “bug eyes.” Glasses should have wrapping side shields. ANSI Z87.1+)
• Long pants
• Long sleeve 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 the items listed above, bring the following carpacking gear

• WTA hard hat
• Work gloves
• Backpack to carry all of your gear for when we are working on trail
• Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad for car camping
• 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 (or bring a container of water for the weekend)
• Rain jacket and rain pants
• Extra warm clothing
• Camp clothing such as shorts, shirt and sandals
• A comfy camp chair
• 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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