Overview

This trail provides access to Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. It also provides access to Glacier Peak Wilderness via the Pacific Crest Trail at Dishpan Gap. Crews will work to perform log out ( Clearing Downed Trees from the trail) and annual maintenance like brushing and tread repair, as well as building rock fords across streams, and general structure maintenance like bridge flossing and organics removal.

About the Area

The trail starts off crossing a nice foot bridge over Sloan Creek, then continuing on an old road. The old road has three smaller washout to scurry in and out of and as you make your way through these there are waterfalls seen from the trail. By August these will be reduced to a trickle.  You come to the end of the road at about 2.5 miles from the trailhead and you enter the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. The trail climbs a series of switchbacks for about .5 miles offering a couple of views. After the constant ascent on the trail it opens up to an alpine meadow, this is Curry Gap.

What to Expect

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

Project Description

Work will consist of general maintenance like brushing, tread repair, and structure maintenance. Crews will also perform more advanced tasks like installing rock fords at stream crossings and clearing downed trees from across the trail.

Camping and Hiking Information

• Type: Front country Basecamp/ Car Camping
• Location: Bald Eagle Trailhead #650
• Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain

• Car Camping at the trailhead
• Expected daily hike to project: up to 6 miles roundtrip over moderate terrain

Schedule

• Day 1: Meet the crew rain or shine, set up basecamp, then hike into the worksite
• 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.

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.

Camping gear

• Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad
• At least two 1-liter water bottles and a coffee mug
• 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
• Lunch and snacks for Day 1
• Lawn Chair
• 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 (glasses, sunglasses or safety glasses)
• Day pack recommended

A hard hat will be provided by WTA. 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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