Overview

What could be better than a weekend of stewardship and camaraderie at Gypsy Meadows? Each day will start with an opportunity to tend the trails leading into the heart of the Salmo Priest Wilderness -- and will end with a campout complete with s'mores and plenty of good company. Feel free to join us for either part or all of this fun weekend work party!

About the Area

Gypsy Meadows has long served as a trail hub and basecamp location for trail crews, going all the way back to its use as a summer CCC spike camp in the 1930s! It provides easy access to several Salmo Priest Wilderness feeder trails, plus a lovely campsite at day's end. This far northeast corner of the state is known for its rugged terrain and thriving ecosystem. It's an inland temperate rainforest, and area wildlife ranges from deer, elk, and moose, to cougar, wolves, and grizzly bears!

What to Expect

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

Project Description

Each morning, we will split into several different crews to work on several trails in the area. We will all gather at Gypsy Meadows to split into crews, then either hike or carpool to our assigned trails for the day. The work will include using cutting tools (including power tools if outside wilderness and fire precaution levels permit) to remove vegetation from the trail corridor, using digging tools to fix the walking surface of the trail, and using digging tools to clear drainage. For the wilderness portions of the trail, we will do much of the same tread work but all log-out work will involve crosscut saws.

Please register for the specific day(s) you are planning to volunteer, and we will split into separate crews for each day onsite.

Hiking Information

Each day will be different depending on how the work goes, and you will be able to self-select into a crew with an expected level of exertion that matches your available energy. Be prepared for options ranging from a hike of 1.5 miles round trip to a hike of 5 miles round trip over hilly terrain.

Camping Information

We will have a large camping area set up at Gypsy Meadows. You are welcome to camp the day before and after your stewardship; trailers, campers, and tents all welcome. Gypsy Meadows is best suited for smaller RVs.

There is no potable water onsite, though there is a nearby stream from which you can filter or treat water.

Schedule

• 8:30 AM: Be ready to meet the crew. Please make sure your electronic waiver has already been signed before the work party!
• 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: The end! Relax and, if you're camping, spend the afternoon soaking up the area.

For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.

Special Event

This will be a fun camping weekend! You provide your own food; we will provide a campfire (depending on fire regulations at the time) and s'mores.

Planning Information

Get ready for a great day outside!

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 for log-out teams & power tool use:

• 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 hard hat. For chainsaw use, volunteers will be provided with additional PPE. For safety reasons, volunteers who do not have required gear will not be able to participate in with log-out/power tool use.

What to Bring

• Lunch and plenty of water
• Rain jacket and pants
• Extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather
• A pack to carry your personal gear
• A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!
• Your camping equipment if you are planning to stay overnight
• Enough water for however long you are planning to be present (or a way to treat water from a nearby stream)
• Enough food for however long you are planning to be present
• Any medications you need for the duration of your stay

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

---

Partners

•