Overview

Within the Colonel Bob Wilderness, on the south side of the Olympics, lies a land of magnificent trees and fierce winter storms. This combination creates problems for the trail and we want to help keep it open by logging out and retreading torn up trail. Luckily, you can relax in a slightly-cushier camp than normal, thanks to the fact we'll be frontcountry camping for this trip.

About the Area

Colonel Bob Peak dominates this small wilderness, with two trails offering access to the summit. The Colonel Bob Trail from the Quinault Lake side is a little more than seven miles long and ascends 4300 feet. The Pete's Creek trail ascends from the West Fork Humptulips Valley for 2.5 miles and intersects the Colonel Bob Trail two miles below the summit.

The sweat required to reach the peak is well worth it, with spectacular views of the southern Olympics and out towards the Pacific Ocean.

What to Expect

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

Project Description

Our mission on this trip is to help restore the Colonel Bob Trail which will involve logout, tread restoration, structure repair and brushing to widen the corridor. There are also usually some large root wads that are too close to the trail and will need to be moved using rigging gear.

Camping and Hiking Information

• Type: Frontcountry basecamp
• Location: USFS Falls Creek Campground
• Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain

• No initial hike to camp. The crew will be camping at the old Norwood Forest Service compound. It is accessible by car.
• Expected daily hike to project: Up to 6 miles roundtrip with 2000 feet of gain at a moderate pace on moderately steep terrain.

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

Required for Chainsaw Use: 

• Sturdy work or hiking boots that are “cut resistant” or leather, laced boots that provide ankle support and nonskid soles. 

A hard hat will be provided by WTA. For chainsaw use, volunteers will be provided with additional PPE (eye protection, ear pro, gloves, and chainsaw chaps). For safety reasons, volunteers who do not have required gear 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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