Overview

Join WTA for an adventure that will feel remote, despite being just off of I-90. Lower Tuscohatchie Lake is a great base camp to explore the trails in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness to places like Kaleetan Lake and back entrance to the headwaters of the Pratt River at Melakwa Lake.

About the Area

The Pratt Lake trail is a popular route for families, day hikers and backpackers in the summertime. The lake at the end of the trail is a popular campsite for overnighters, and the sapphire-blue waters are calming to sit by after a long day of hiking.

Thanks to work done by WTA 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

This crew is removing winter blow down material that came down in winter storms and large diameter trees from the trail between Pratt Lake and Melakwa Lakes with crosscut saws and axes. Some tread repair and brushing will also be addressed as needed.

Camping and Hiking Information

• Type: Backcountry basecamp
• Location: Pratt Lake
• Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain. Weather is generally lovely for this trip. Consider brining a bathing suit & towel, inflatable pool floaty, or a fishing rod for evening fun.

Initial hike to camp: 6.5 miles with 2300 feet of elevation 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: less than 2-4 miles roundtrip as we logout the trail between Pratt Lake and Melakwa Lake.

Schedule

• Day 1: Meet the crew rain or shine, then hike in, set up camp, scout the project. Begin work if time and interest.
• 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.

Special Event

We are camping at Pratt Lake and working past Lower Tuscohatchie and Melakwa Lakes, great places to cool off after a days' work if you bring a bathing suit and towel.

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. Don't forget snacks too!
• 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. Don't forget snacks!
• At least two 1-liter water bottles and a way to purify your water
• Rain jacket and rain pants/rain kilt
• Extra warm clothing
• Camp clothing such as shorts, shirt and sandals
• Sun and bug protection (The BUGS were making themselves known. Bring a head net etc)
• Headlamp and extra batteries
• Personal items such as medication, hand sanitizer and toiletries
• ​First aid kit
• Swim suit and towel* optional
• A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!

Trail work gear

• sturdy hiking or work Boots - required
• 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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Partners

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