Overview

Join this crew for a remote adventure in the Pasayten Wilderness. Join an ambitious crew on this stunning trail, which passes through the truly remarkable terrain of the North Cascades. This trip is strenuous because we'll hike 14 miles to camp from Harts Pass, down 3000 feet into the Middle Fork of the Pasayten. The crew will stay at the historic Pasayten Airstrip, a small backcountry cabin with indoor cooking facilities. The Forest Service will pack in most of the food for this trip but be prepared for a long hike down to this remote cabin.

About the Area

East of North Cascades National Park and south of the Canadian border is the vast Pasayten Wilderness, where forested valleys are surrounded by open ridges and peaks.

The Boundary Trail, part of the Pacific Northwest Trail (PNT), spans the width of the Pasayten wilderness, attracting adventurers on foot and horseback. Yet this trail is threatened by a lack of resources to keep it maintained, particularly on its western end where downed trees can limit access.

What to Expect

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

Project Description

This crew will focus on tread repair and logout on the Rock Creek trail. WTA and the Forest Service have worked hard to remove fallen logs and overgrown brush from this trail. Now it's time to repair the walking tread and address some drainage issues on this trail.

While the primary objective is tread work, this crew will also use crosscut saws to log out the trees blocking the path. No experience with crosscut saws is required, on of our certified Assistant Crew Leaders will teach you how to use the saw safely.

Camping and Hiking Information

• Type: Backcountry camp
• Location: near the Pasayten Airstrip Cabin
• Shower: None
• Bathroom: Pit Toilet/Outhouse
• Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain

• Hike to camp: 14 miles with 3000 feet of loss at a moderate pace while carrying your backpack with some personal gear; 5 to 10 pounds of communal food/supplies. The rest of the food and tools has been packed in for you
• Expected daily hike to project: 4-8 miles roundtrip with 1000 feet of gain at a moderate pace

Schedule

Crew members are recommended to spend Wednesday night at Hart's Pass so that the whole crew is together first thing in the morning on Saturday for the long hike in.

• Day 1 (Thurs): Meet the crew rain or shine at the trailhead. Hike to camp with your personal gear. Help set up camp and enjoy a delicious dinner.
• 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
• Backpacking experience recommended
• 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.

Volunteers are responsible for their breakfast and lunch and on Thursday for the hike into the Airstrip.

Camping gear

• Backpack to carry all of the items below
• Tents and sleeping pads are stored on site at the cabin and are thus optional to pack yourself. Bring a sleeping bag.
• 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. Shorts and sneakers are not allowed while working. Firearms and weapons are not allowed.

More Information

• What to Pack for a Volunteer Vacation
• 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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