Horseshoe Bend
Day Work Party
Fri Feb 27, 2026: 8:30 AM — 3:30 PM
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Features: Earn Northwest Forest Pass
Crew Leader: Mike Bellis
Overview
Join the WTA crew as we maintain this popular trail just outside of Glacier located right next to the Mt. Baker Highway and the often raging North Fork Nooksack river.
About the Area
Enjoy hanging moss and lush ferns as this mostly gentle trail meanders up the bank of the North Fork of the Nooksack River, which gets its start from the glaciers of Mount Shuksan. The roaring is sometimes deafening as the river powers its way through everything and anything in its path -- house-sized boulders, snags, and the riverbed, giving kayakers and rafters who venture here a wild ride.
What to Expect
We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference!
Project Description
This trail needs a variety of maintenance to keep it in great shape and minimize impacts on the surrounding area. Activities may include pruning back overgrown vegetation, building structures to keep the trail mud free and digging new paths for water to flow off the trail. We may also restore the tread. This involves digging the trail surface to the proper width and slope as well as removing organic material, protruding rocks and roots.
Hiking Information
Our hike to the project site is expected to be 1-3 miles roundtrip over gently rolling terrain.
Schedule
- 8:30 AM: Be ready to meet the crew, rain or shine. You will be asked some health screening questions.
- 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: Return to the trailhead
For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.
Planning Information
Get ready for a great day outside!
What it Takes to Do This Work Party
- 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 on uneven terrain
- Recommended for ages 10 and older; under 14 must be accompanied by an adult
What to Wear
Required:
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes
- Work gloves
- Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, or safety glasses)
- Long pants
Recommended:
- Sturdy work or hiking boots
- Long sleeved shirt
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, or sturdy closed toes shoes, will not be able to participate in the work party.
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!
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
From the Hiking Guide
See what WTA's hiking guide and trip reports say about this area.
Partners
Directions
Drive east on the Mount Baker Highway (State Route 542) for 34 miles to the town of Glacier. Continue for another 1.8 miles to the trailhead, immediately after crossing the North Fork of the Nooksack River. The trailhead will be on the right, across from Douglas Fir campground.
Note: Please follow the written directions above instead of using a GPS device. This will ensure that you get to the correct meeting location for this work party. The location of the pinpoint below is only approximate.
Getting to WTA work parties can involve travel on rough, unpaved roads in areas without cellular service and without street addresses that can be accurately used by navigation devices. Unless specifically noted otherwise, routes can generally be traveled by all types of vehicles. Volunteers with limited experience driving on unpaved mountain roads may want to allow extra time, beyond what is recommended in the directions above, to get to the meeting location.
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