Overview

This crew will focus on tread repair to fix storm damage where a large section of the trail has washed out near during the intense rains from the atmospheric rivers this past Fall. The wash out is near Otter Falls/Lipsy Lake trail. Crew will be camped near this trail junction with time to hang out at the Lake in the evenings.

About the Area

Enjoy the sounds of water rushing and birds singing. Explore mossy boulders and cross multiple burbling creeks, even do a small amount of cross-country travel on the way to the piece de resistance – a 1,200 foot waterfall that streams into tiny Lipsy Lake before draining to the Taylor River.

What to Expect

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

Project Description

The storm washout in the trail has created a significant mound of rock and dirt on the edges of deep cleft in the trail that is full of debris. The project will involve moving the dirt, rock and woody debris from washed out section of the trail using crosscut saws, rock bars, possibly a grip hoist and then rebuilding a rock retaining structure and rebuilding the trail across the washout.

Camping and Hiking Information

• Base camp: off trail between Otter Fall/Lipsy Lake and Snoqualmie Lake trail. No established camp sites here. We will make our own and then decommission them when we leave.
• Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind, rain, and bugs

• Initial hike to camp will be approximately 4.5 miles over gently rolling uphill grade on an old roadbed trail.
• Daily hike to the work site will be less than .5 miles over gently rolling terrain.

Schedule

• Day 1: Meet the crew rain or shine, then hike in with overnight gear and tools, set up camp and begin work on the project
• Day 2+: Make breakfast and pack a lunch before heading to the project site 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 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.

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:

• Sturdy Hiking Boots
• Long pants 
• Work gloves
• Long-sleeved shirt recommended
• Eye protection (safety glasses - ANSI Z87.1 rating clear plastic, or mesh "bug eyes")
• 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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