Overview

Join volunteers from WTA & the Pacific Northwest Trail Association (PNTA) on this special 3-day All-Women's backpacking trip!

About the Area

Get ready for stunning alpine meadows with sweeping views of Mount Baker (Koma Kulshan) and sunsets behind the Twin Sisters mountain range! Take an evening hike up to the historical Park Butte lookout or hang out at the Mazama Camp shelter and pick alpine blueberries just outside your tent!

What to Expect

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

Project Description

This trail needs a variety of maintenance to keep it in great shape and minimize impacts on the surrounding area. Activities may include pruning back overgrown vegetation, bridge and water crossing repairs and digging new paths for water to flow off the trail. We may also restore the tread. This involves digging the trail surface to the proper width and slope as well as removing organic material, protruding rocks and roots.

Camping and Hiking Information

• Type: Backcountry base camp
• Location: Mazama Camp
• Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain
• Other: Camp facilities include pit toilet. Please plan to use an approved storage container for food such as a bear cannister. While there is plenty of room for the crew, we will try and save some space for passing hikers to camp as well.

• Initial hike to camp: 4.5 miles with 1500’ gain & 400' loss at a moderate pace while carrying your backpack fully loaded with all provisions including camping gear and food, plus tools (provided by WTA)
•  Expected daily hike: Up to 4 miles roundtrip with up to 500’ gain at a moderate pace while carrying your daypack plus tools

Schedule

• Day 1: Meet the crew rain or shine, then hike 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. / Make a lunch and pack up camp 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. Reach camp by 4:00 or 5:00 PM for a relaxing evening. Set up, prepare your own dinner and swap stories with the crew.
• Final Day: Break down camp, finish trail project, hike out and say goodbye to the crew at the trailhead

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

Special Event

This is a special All Women's work party, open to all those who identify as women!

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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