Overview

Don't miss this chance to work along the gorgeous Lakes Trail, beginning at Coldwater Lake with views of St. Helens. This crew is camping at the east end of Coldwater Lake, which the Forest Service is graciously allowing us to use just for this work party!

About the Area

The Mount Margaret backcountry is one of the most unique landscapes in North America. Visitors to this rugged and spectacular part of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument can see the effects of the 1980 eruption of St. Helens.

The lateral blast and pyroclastic flows shattered trees and swirled around peaks and basins as it toppled thousands of acres of pristine forest. Now the area is a stark moonscape and an excellent destination for hiking and backpacking.

What to Expect

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

Project Description

We are working on sections of both the Lakes and Coldwater Trails that has been severely overgrown the last few years. Expect brushing (cutting back foliage) to reveal the trail, followed by lots of treadwork in order to re-establish the trail.

Camping and Hiking Information

• Type: Backcountry basecamp
• Location: Coldwater Lake, with water available (which must be filtered) from the lake.
• Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain

• Initial hike to camp: 3.8 miles rolling along the lake shore with 500 feet of elevation change, 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: depending on how far we get, 1-2 miles roundtrip with up to 1500 feet of elevation gain at a moderate pace.

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. / 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.

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

• 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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Partners

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