Overview

The theme for this trip is lost things found. Spend four glorious days camped lakeside at Lost Lake, working to reclaim one of our lost trails, spending your time brushing back encroaching vegetation and re-shaping lost tread.

Hikers for years to come will thank you for the time you spend working in this glorious location!

About the Area

Accessible from both Packwood Lake and the Clear Fork trailhead, Lost Lake is a medium-sized, scenic mountain lake ringed with trees and nestled in a small bowl below the former Lost Lake lookout site. Enjoy a campsite by the lake in the heart of the Goat Rocks Wilderness.

What to Expect

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

Project Description

Part of our previous Lost Trails Found campaign, your work here will help reclaim a trail that is being lost to the wilderness.

You'll spend your time cutting back vegetation and re-shaping tread so that future generations of hikers can continue to enjoy this fantastic trail.

(**Please note that you will meet at the Packwood Ranger Station so that you can caravan in past a locked Forest Service gate to allow you closer hiking access. If you are late, you will miss the caravan and work party!**)

Camping and Hiking Information

• Type: Backcountry basecamp
• Location: Lakeside at the lovely Lost Lake
• Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain

• Initial hike to camp: Approximately 4.5 miles with 3000 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 2 miles roundtrip with 400 feet of gain at a moderate pace.

Schedule

• Day 1: Meet the crew rain or shine. You will caravan to the trailhead past a locked Forest Service gate, then hike in 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, 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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