Overview

This crew will work on clearing logs from the forgotten Copper Pass trail that connects the Twisp River Valley to HWY 20. This trail is less popular than the neighboring Twisp Pass trail, partially because it hasn't been annually maintained and there are many downed logs. This crew will pick up where the 2024 WTA crew left off and continue cutting logs and brushy to make Copper Pass passable.

About the Area

The Twisp Pass Trail starts at the end of the Twisp River Road. Starting in the valley, it climbs to a ridge in the Sawtooth-Chelan Wilderness and eventually connects to the PCT.

The Copper Pass trail forks from the Twisp Pass trail and crosses a ridge, connecting to the PCT and popular day hikes accessed from HWY 20 and Rainy Pass. This trail has not received much maintenance in the last few years, so this crew will do some vital early work in removing fallen logs and opening the trail to more maintenance next year.

What to Expect

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

Project Description

This crew will focus on wilderness logout, which means clearing fallen logs from the trail using crosscut saws, hand saws, and axes. This crew will cut a lot of complex logs with the guidance of highly skilled Assistant Crew Leaders. The crew will also work on improving the tread and drainage structures on the trail.

If you've never used a crosscut saw before, this is a good opportunity to learn how to saw safely from our certified Assistant Crew Leaders and get a lot of practice.

Camping and Hiking Information

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

• Hike to camp: 1-3 miles with up to 1500 ft elevation gain
• Location: exact campsite TBD
• Expected daily hike to project: 3-6 miles roundtrip with up to 1500’ elevation gain at a moderate pace
• This crew may spend 1-2 nights camping near the trailhead before pushing up to a backcountry campsite.

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.
• 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 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. 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. 

Camping gear

• Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad
• Food and cooking gear for duration of the trip
• Lawn chair
• At least three 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
• 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 (glasses, sunglasses or safety glasses)
• Day pack recommended

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

• 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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