Overview

Join this crew for some exciting logout work on either the Eagle or Oval Creek trail. The exact trail will be determined closer to the project date, but both trails share a simliar distance and goal. These sister trails start from the same trailhead and climb up neighboring river drainages to the high ridge of the Chelan-Sawtooth wilderness.

The crew will probably camp at a backcountry campsite but may also spend 1-2 nights at the trailhead. This trip is marked strenuous because the expected hike to backcountry campsite is 6-9 miles with up to 2000 feet elevation gain.

About the Area

A destination for hikers, climbers and horseback riders, the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness is home to soaring peaks rising dramatically from glacial lakes. Glorious in autumn when golden larches set the hills aglow, summer brings floral displays with glacier lilies, phlox, lupine and paintbrush stealing the show.

In 2018, these trails were hit by the Crescent Fire that burned through the Twisp Valley. In 2024, they were closed again due to the nearby Pioneer Fire, which damaged most of the trails in the wilderness, but it's still a gorgeous area to work and play.

What to Expect

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

Project Description

Fire can wreak havoc on trails, from causing erosion concerns to destabilizing trees. This trip is focusing on logging out trails and doing tread work and drainage to prevent erosion. We expect these trails to have a lot of downed trees with some complex cuts. If you've never used a crosscut saw, this is a good opportunity to get a lot of experience with the help of our skilled Assistant Crew Leaders. If you are an experienced sawyer, this is a good chance to practice some skills.

If there are fewer logs than we anticipate, we'll focus primarily on repairing tread, digging drainage structures, and clearing overgrown brush.

Camping and Hiking Information

• Type: Backcountry camp
• Location: Exact camp TBD
• Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain
• This crew may spend 1-2 nights camping at the trailhead before pushing up to a backcountry campsite.

Be prepared for creek crossings in up to knee deep water.

• Initial hike to camp: 6-9 miles with up to 2000 feet 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: 4-5 miles with up to 1500 feet of gain at a moderate pace while carrying your backpack fully loaded with all provisions plus WTA-provided tools.

Schedule

• Day 1: Meet the crew rain or shine, then hike in, begin work on the project and set up camp
• Day 2+: 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 (required for crosscut use) –review our Logout Boot Guide for more details.
• Long sleeved shirt (required for crosscut use)

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 and/or sturdy closed toed shoes, will not be able to participate in the work party.

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

• WTA hard hat
• Work gloves
• 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!

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.

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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