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Rachel Lake

Volunteer Vacation

Thu Jul 9, 2026 3:00 PM — Wed Jul 15, 2026 12:00 PM

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Region

Snoqualmie Region — Snoqualmie Pass

Features: Earn Northwest Forest Pass

Crew Leader: Hannah Callan

From the shores of Rachel Lake. Photo by Laurel A.

Overview

Join this crew for a week of trailwork on the popular Rachel Lake Trail in Alpine Lakes wilderness! This crew will set up a cozy car camp basecamp a few miles from the trailhead and spend the week replacing an old trail puncheon with a bog bridge. It's a fun opportunity to do wilderness trail construction and come back to a cozy campsite with some extra car camping amenities.

About the Area

Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Rachel Lake is a popular destination for day hikers and backpackers alike. It's a big climb from the trailhead, but from Rachel Lake, you can access further adventures at Rampart Lakes, Lila Lakes and Alta Peak. 

What to Expect

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

Project Description

The main focus of this trip is to replace a failing puncheon with a new bog bridge using a combination of lumber and materials found on site. The constuction project is within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness so no power tools are permitted. The crew will spend time deconstructing the old structure, preparing the ground, hauling dirt and materials, and building the new structure. You may use a variety of hand tools and saws to accomplish this.

You can also expect to do some general annual maintenance on the trail including removing overgrown brush, improving the walking tread, and digging drainage channels.

Camping and Hiking Information

  • Type: Car camp 
  • Location: Dispersed campsite near Kachess Lake Campground (more information closer to the trip)
  • Shower: None
  • Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain
  • The crew will carpool from camp to the trailhead every day in WTA and volunteer vehicles.
  • Hike to camp: None
  • Expected daily hike to project: 2-4 miles roundtrip with 1,000’ gain at a moderate pace

Schedule

Your crew leader will send more information about a meeting spot about 2 weeks ahead of the trip. For now, directions route to Rachel Lake Trailhead. You will likely meet your crew leader at another campsite in the area.

  • Day 1 (Thurs): Meet the crew rain or shine, then help setup camp
  • Day 2-3(Fri-Sat): Trail work day. Gather for breakfast (7:00 AM) then hike to the project site (8:00 AM). Work at your own pace, take plenty of breaks and enjoy lunch on the trail. By 3:00 PM, hike back to camp to enjoy snacks and unwind before dinner (6:00 PM). Help with a different camp chore each day including meal preparation and cleanup.
  • Day 4 (Sun): Day off to relax and explore your beautiful surroundings
  • Day 5-6 (Mon-Tue): Trail work day
  • Final Day (Wed): 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 great vacation!

What it Takes to Do This Work Party

  • A great attitude for working with a team!
  • Camping gear and trail work gear; WTA provides training, tools and great food
  • Good physical condition to be physically active for about 7 hours daily on uneven terrain
  • 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. 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.

In addition to the items listed above, bring the following camping gear:

  • WTA hard hat
  • Work gloves
  • Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad
  • At least two 1-liter water bottles and a coffee mug
  • 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
  • Day pack
  • 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 hart 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

From the Hiking Guide

See what WTA's hiking guide and trip reports say about this area.

This is a preview. Registration will open soon.

Partners

Directions

From I-90 travellling Eastbound or Westbound: Take Exit 62 towards Kachess Lake Road. Continue on Kachess Lake Road which becomes NF-49 for about 5 miles. When NF-49 ends, turn left onto NF-4930. Continue uphill on NF-4930 for 3.9 miles. The trailhead will be on the right.

Note: Please follow the written directions above instead of using a GPS device. This will ensure that you get to the correct meeting location for this work party. The location of the pinpoint below is only approximate.

Getting to WTA work parties can involve travel on rough, unpaved roads in areas without cellular service and without street addresses that can be accurately used by navigation devices. Unless specifically noted otherwise, routes can generally be traveled by all types of vehicles. Volunteers with limited experience driving on unpaved mountain roads may want to allow extra time, beyond what is recommended in the directions above, to get to the meeting location.

Fees

Trip fee for WTA members: $225.00

Trip fee for non-members: $275.00

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Cancellation Policy

  • If you paid the WTA member fee of $225, there is a $30 cancellation fee for cancellations more than 30 days prior to the trip, and no refund for cancellations within 30 days of the trip.
  • If you paid the WTA non-member fee of $275, there is a $70 cancellation fee for cancellations more than 30 days prior to the trip, and no refund for cancellations within 30 days of the trip. You will retain your one-year membership to WTA.

Required Documentation

You must be part of this crew and have a My Backpack account to see the Crew Corner.

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Carpool

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