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Sun Lakes/Dry Falls - Volunteer Vacation Light

Volunteer Vacation

Thu May 7, 2026 3:00 PM — Wed May 13, 2026 11:00 AM

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Region

Central Washington — Grand Coulee

Features: Earn Discover Pass

Crew Leader: Bob Adler

Views of Umatilla Rock from the loop trail. Photo by caitoh234.

Overview

Join this crew for a week of light trailwork in the high desert alongside dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and lakes in Sun Lakes/Dry Falls State Park. This state park is home to fascinating geology carved by a dramatic Ice Age flood that left behind unique rock formations and basalt pillars. May is the perfect time to enjoy the Grand Coulee region with green hills and sunny breezy days.

This crew will work on a lighter trailwork project meaning slightly shorter trailwork days, a shorter hike to the project, and extra flexibility to find a trailwork project that fits your abilities. The crew will stay in the Camp Delaney Retreat Center with indoor beds, showers, and shared kitchen.

About the Area

Located in the heart of Central Washington, Sun Lakes - Dry Falls State Park sits just south of Coulee City in the high desert. It features Dry Falls, a massive geological formation that marks where a massive waterfall once flowed during the Ice Age. You can hike along a variety of trails that wind through rugged basalt canyons and past several desert lakes. The paths range from flat walks near the water to steady climbs up the canyon rims for clear views of the surrounding landscape.

What to Expect

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

Project Description

This crew will work on improving the Umatilla Rock and Monument Coulee trails that form a 5 mile, mostly flat loop trail. They will improve the tread, remove rocks, and close social trails. The crew leader will share more project details closer to the trip.

The goal of a trailwork light project is to provide opportunities for all to enjoy trailwork, without requiring a long hike and hauling heavy rocks. This crew will be completing tread work, which does require bending and using tools like shovels and rakes. Your crew leader can work with you to find a trailwork task that best fits your abilities. If you have questions or conerns, please reach out.

Camping and Hiking Information

  • Location: Camp Delany Retreat Center
  • Volunteers will stay in cabins with up to 6 beds. Volunteers may be asked to share rooms.
  • Due to State Park regulations, camping in vehicles or tents outside of the houses is not permitted.
  • Shared bathroom/shower building
  • Umatilla Rock Trail is a 5 mile loop with 100 feet elevation change.
  • The crew will probably work on all parts of the loop during the trip so the estimated daily hike may 2-5 miles round trip.

Schedule

  • Day 1 (Thurs): Meet the crew rain or shine, and then set up camp. Scout the project and possibly start some work.
  • Day 2-3 (Fri-Sat): Trail work day. Gather for breakfast (7:00 AM) then hike or drive 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
  • Day 7 (Wed): Break down camp, head out and say goodbye

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
  • 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
  • Long sleeved shirt

A hard hat will be provided by WTA if you do not already have a WTA provided hart 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. 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.

In addition to the items listed above, bring the following personal gear:

  • WTA hard hat
  • Work gloves
  • At least two 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
  • Day pack recommended
  • A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!

State Park Lodging will provide bed linens, pillows, and towels. You are welcome to bring additional towels and blankets if you see fit. All cooking equipment will be provided by WTA to cook inside the house.


A hard hat will be provided by WTA if you do not already have a WTA provided hart 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

From the Hiking Guide

See what WTA's hiking guide and trip reports say about this area.

This is a preview. Registration will open soon.

Partners

Directions

From I-90: In George, Washington, take exit 151 toward Ephrata Soap Lk/WA-283 N. Turn right onto WA-283 N. In 15 miles, continue on WA-28 E. After 10 miles, turn left onto WA-17 N (follow signs for Soap Lake/Grand Coulee Dm). After 17 miles, turn right onto Park Lake Rd NE. Drive past the turn off for the campground towards the Lake. Turn left onto Deep Lk Rd NE/State Park Rd. After 1 mile, take a slight left. At the Umatilla Rock trailhead, turn right. Delany Retreat Center will be at the end of the road.

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.

Fees

Trip fee for WTA members: $300.00

Trip fee for non-members: $350.00

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Cancellation Policy

  • If you paid the WTA member fee of $300, there is a $30 cancellation fee for cancellations more than 30 days prior to the trip, and no refund for cancellations within 30 days of the trip.
  • If you paid the WTA non-member fee of $350, there is a $70 cancellation fee for cancellations more than 30 days prior to the trip, and no refund for cancellations within 30 days of the trip. You will retain your one-year membership to WTA.

Required Documentation

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