Overview

Each winter, trees damaged by a previous fire fall on the Duckabush River Trail. And every spring, WTA crews venture out to clear them away. Come help us clear away last winter's blow downs and learn what it takes to fix a trail after a tree falls in the forest.

About the Area

Starting on an old logging road and climbing to Little Hump, the Duckabush Trail enters The Brothers Wilderness at about one mile. After descending Little Hump, it follows the river for about 1.5 miles and then climbs Big Hump.

The switchbacks through Big Hump offer spectacular views. Beyond Big Hump, old-growth dominates the forest. It's possible to travel 20 miles to O'Neill Pass this way. The trail is a great early season trip with its starting elevation of 500 feet, though the entire length of the trail is not hikeable until much later in the season.

What to Expect

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

Project Description

This trip will focus mainly on logging out and tread restoration on the trail between Two Mile Camp and Five Mile Camp on Big Hump. If things go well we will try and clear the trail all the way to the Olympic National Park boundary near 7 Mile Camp.

Camping and Hiking Information

• Type: Backcountry basecamp
• Location: TBD - either Two Mile Camp or Five Mile Camp
• Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain

• Initial hike to camp: 5 miles with 1700 feet of 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 a maximum of 4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 800 feet.

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.

BaIn addition to items listed above, bring the following backpacking gear:

• WTA hard hat
• Work gloves
• 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!

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.

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

---

Partners

•