Overview

Join WTA for an adventure along the Pratt River Trail. This is primarily a logout trip where we'll clear winter windfall and do tread repair along the trail from Pratt Bar towards the Big Tree Trail and up on to the Railroad Grade as we are able. Working on this section of the Pratt River trail is like stepping back in time. The trail provides views of the early logging industry in the Middle Fork valley when crosscuts and double bit axes rang out across the hillside. Think Train Dreams movie vibes.

About the Area

Just a short drive from the city, the Pratt River Trail is a good choice if you're seeking a relaxing, riverside ramble. It's lined with large trees and the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River is your constant companion. But it's quite long; you can ramble for miles here, and the further you go, the more wild your surroundings.

Thanks to work done by WTA, Backcountry Horseman of Washington, and Mountains to Sound Greenway, hikers can enjoy a long or short trip on the trail, which people use as a day hike or the jumping-off point for longer overnight trips.

What to Expect

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

Project Description

We are clearing the Pratt River Trail to make travel easier for hikers. This means we're removing anything that has fallen along the trail, repairing tread, and improving corridor for hiker and horse passage. All our projects begin approximately three miles in.

Camping and Hiking Information

• Type: Backcountry basecamp
• Location: 3 miles in - Pratt Bar
• Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including rain, cold temps, wind, and mosquitos. No matter how warm the temps in town, it is always cool under the dense forest canopy on this trail. Bring warm/dry layers for mornings and evenings. A puffy and raingear are essential layers.

• Initial hike to camp: 3.25 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain/loss at a moderate pace while carrying a backpack loaded with your camping gear, food, and WTA-provided tools.
• Expected daily hike (we will work as we go, moving further up the trail each day): 3-6 miles roundtrip with moderate elevation gain over hilly to moderately steep terrain. Past the camping location, the trail can be difficult due to thick brush, uneven rocky surfaces and challenging tread.

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

Logout Work Party

Required:

• Sturdy work or hiking boots Logout Boot Example Guide
• Work gloves
• Eye protection (safety glasses should have wrapping side shields. ANSI Z87.1+, or mesh "bug eye" goggles. RX glasses/sunglasses with after market side shields are also acceptable.)
• Long pants
• Long sleeve shirt
• Hard hat

A hard hat will be provided by WTA if needed. For safety reasons, volunteers who do not have required "sturdy boots" and PPE will not be able to participate in the saw work. If you have questions about your boots, please email esnyder@wta.org for clarification. Lightweight trail running style boots do not meet the OSHA requirements for this type of work.

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, additional lightweight poncho recommended.
• Extra warm clothing - no cotton. Wool, silk, quick dry tech fabrics recommended.
• Camp clothing including dry layers, warm sweater, puffy jacket for cool evenings, and camp shoes
• 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!
• WHAT TO WEAR gear listed above

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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