Overview

This crew will be doing much needed trailwork on the remote Devore Trail. This trail is directly across the lake from Stehekin. It provides the shortest land route connecting Holden Village and Stehekin - two remote wilderness towns that are freqent stops for thru-hikers. Holden Village is inaccessible due to damage from 2025 floods so this trail is a critical connection route.

A Forest Service boat will transport the crew all the way to the tip of the lake before they head out on a strenuous hike to a backcountry campsite. This crew will hike big miles to complete a lot of much needed trailwork on this steep connector trail.

About the Area

The Devore Creek Trail is a rugged, 14-mile route that climbs steeply from the Stehekin lakeshore into Glacier Peak Wilderness. The trail follows Devore Creek to Tenmile Pass, where hikers can descend to Holden Village.

What to Expect

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

Project Description

This crew will complete a variety of critical trailwork including reparing tread, removing overgrown vegetation, and using crosscut saws to remove fallen trees from the trail.

This crew will cover as much ground as possible, completing high-impact trailwork attempting to clear the trail from the lake to Tenmile Pass. Plan for sunny conditions and long miles.

Camping and Hiking Information

• Type: Backcountry camp
• Location: Devore Creek Trail, exact location TBD
• Bathroom: catholes
• Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain
• The campsites are small so this crew is limited to 10 people. Prepare to camp in close proximity to other volunteers.

• Hike to camp: Forest Service boat to rocky shore then 5-6 mile hike with 3000 feet elevation gain
• Expected daily hike to project: 5-10 miles roundtrip with 2000 feet of gain at a moderate pace while carrying your day pack. 

Schedule

• Day 1: Meet the crew rain or shine. Follow Forest Service instructions to load your gear on the boat and enjoy a ride uplake to basecamp.
• 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! We will be getting ferried Uplake by the USFS instead of lady of the lake and we will be meeting at the 25 mile ranger cabin.

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
• 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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