Overview

Work on a wonderful trail that accesses the spectacular Shedroof Divide. This crew will ascend the Thunder Creek Trail from Gypsy Meadows, completing log-out and other maintenance as they go. Upon reaching the Shedroof Divide, the crew will continue their work on the Jackson Creek trail, which provides access to the divide from the Idaho side of the range. There's lots of trail work to be done here, and gorgeous views from your worksite.

About the Area

The Shedroof Divide Trail dominates the Salmo-Priest Wilderness, traversing a long ridge for 22 miles from Snowy Top Mountain near Canada south to Pass Creek Pass. Along the way it passes Shedroof, Thunder, Helmer, Mankato and Round Top Mountains.

Views from the top include the Okanogan Highlands in the west to the spectacular Idaho Selkirks in the east. Wildlife abounds in this corner of the state, including moose, wolves, grizzly bears, and until recently woodland caribou (which will hopefully be reintroduced soon if a captive breeding program in British Columbia proves successful).

What to Expect

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

Project Description

The Jackson Creek trail is an east side feeder trail to the Shedroof Divide. It has several year's worth of deferred maintenance, so we have been working on the Washington side of the trail to get it into much better shape.

Our project will consist of many activities: logging out trees on the trail, cutting back encroaching brush, restoring narrow tread and making sure the drainage is working properly to prevent further erosion.

All this work to recover a nearly lost trail will create a pleasant hiking experience for visitors and restore fantastic loop backpacking options available in this area.

Camping and Hiking Information

• Type: Backcountry basecamp
• Location: Near the intersection of the Shedroof Divide and Thunder Creek trails
• Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain

• Initial hike to camp: 5 miles with 1400 feet of elevation gain at a moderate pace while carrying your backpack fully loaded with all provisions including camping gear and food, plus WTA-provided tools
• Expected daily hike to project: up to 5 miles roundtrip with 1300 feet of gain at a moderate pace

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.
• 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.

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 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

Backpacking gear

• 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!

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)

For safety reasons, shorts and sneakers are not allowed while working. Firearms and weapons are not allowed.

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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