Overview

Do you enjoy (or think you might!) winter camping while giving back to a great trail system? If so, this third annual winter snowshoe weekend BCRT might be just the trailwork trip for you! We are heading to Noisy Creek this year. With its easy-access on the south end of Sullivan Lake, it's a popular year-round hike that has been hit hard by winter storms. It's just a little too far away to do as a daytrip work party, so we will be snow camping at the trailhead and giving the trail two days of attention! Since this is a weekend work party, you can choose to join just one or both days.

About the Area

Noisy Creek Trail is located at the south end of Sullivan Lake and is accessed directly from the popular Noisy Creek Campground. The Noisy Creek Trail is 5 miles long, but leads to other trails on the Newport/Sullivan Lake Ranger District: hike to the summit of Hall Mountain, connect to the Hall-Grassy Divide, or plan long multi-day backpacking routes that connect to the Salmo Priest Wilderness! This part of Washington's Selkirk Mountain Range is rugged and wild, where notable wildlife includes deer, moose, elk, cougars, wolves, black bears, and even the occasional grizzly!

What to Expect

We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! Volunteer on Saturday, Sunday or both days. No experience is necessary.

Project Description

The snow has been lacking this year, but we are still preparing as though this will be a winter wonderland work party. You will need to have snowshoes and/or microspikes for snow/ice, multiple layers of winter appropriate clothing (please no cotton), warm waterproof boots and warm waterproof gloves/mittens. Plan extra clothing layers so you can swap to dry clothing as needed over this two-day work party.

We will be car camping at the group campsite in Noisy Creek Campground. Love the project but hate snow camping? Participants may feel free to join for just one day or make hotel arrangements in nearby Metaline Falls. We will spend each project day removing downfall from the trail, plus addressing other needs as we find them. Part of this trail crosses through an old burn, and an early winter windstorm has left a snarl of downed trees in its wake.

Hiking Information

Our hike to the project site is expected to be 3-5 miles roundtrip over moderately steep (and potentially snowy/icy) terrain.

Camping Information

We’re all invited to camp out on both Friday and Saturday night.

• Type: It's not yet open for the year, so we get to have the entire Noisy Creek Campground all to ourselves!
• Location: We'll use the group campsite, which is also adjacent to the Noisy Creek Trailhead
• Facilities: Pit toilet
• Water: Bring potable water or a way to purify water/melt snow
• Pass required: None

Schedule

Saturday and/or Sunday:

• 8:30 AM: Be ready to sign in and meet the crew, rain or shine
• 8:35 AM: Gather for a safety briefing, then hike to the project site
• Morning: Work at your own pace, and take breaks throughout the day
• 12:00 PM: Lunch on the trail
• Afternoon: Consider trying a new task before wrapping up the day's work
• 3:30 PM: Sign out after enjoying refreshments at the trailhead
• For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving the work party early is not allowed

Planning Information

Get ready for a great weekend outside! Please note that we will be monitoring the weather closely in the days leading up to the work party. It's a snowshoe project, so we're hoping there will be some snow! However, a blizzard or high winds would cancel our plans.

What it Takes to Do This Work Party

• No experience is necessary—just bring a great attitude for working with a team! WTA provides the training and tools you need
• Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours each day on uneven terrain
• Recommended for ages 10 and older; under 14 must be accompanied by an adult and a parental consent form must be signed for anyone under 18

What to Wear

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 if you do not already have a WTA provided hard hat. 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.

What to Bring

Camping / Overnight gear if you are staying Friday and/or Saturday night:​

• Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Four-season equipment is nice-to-have for winter trips. Prepare for expected overnight lows below freezing.
• A camp chair and a blanket for enjoying some evening time by the campfire.
• Breakfast and dinner to enjoy in camp. There will be fixings for s'mores provided!
• A packed lunch to enjoy on trail.
• Personal items such as medication, hand sanitizer and toiletries.

A hard hat will be provided by WTA. For safety reasons, shorts and sneakers are not allowed while working.​ Firearms and weapons are not allowed.

More Information

• 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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