Overview

Trapper Creek Wilderness is a hidden pocket of old-growth surrounding a former fire lookout site deep in Bigfoot territory. It was also the site of a large wildfire in 2020. Take four days with fellow volunteers to remove fallen logs from the trail and keep the Observation Trail open.

About the Area

This wilderness gem was designated in the mid-1980s to protect one of the few pristine old-growth forests left in southwest Washington. A system of rugged, primitive trails offer a variety of loop opportunities, but the most popular loop remains the Trapper Creek and Observation Trail combination. Our work on this project will improve the system as a whole, supporting our Trails Rebooted work.

What to Expect

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

Project Description

This crew will be focused on logout and tread repair on the Observation Trail. You will camp at Berry Camp and then hike to the Observation Trail with crosscut saws and tread tools to remove logs and make the trail easier to follow again. The daily commute to your work area starts at 1.3 miles (one way) but will get longer the more work you get done.

Camping and Hiking Information

• Type: Backcountry Camp
• Location: Berry Camp
• Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain.

• Initial hike to camp: 1.7 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain. The first approximately .8miles of the hike is in a burn area with limited shade, but the second half of the hike and your camp is in the trees.
• Expected daily hike to project: 3-4.5mi roundtrip over mostly flat terrain.

Schedule

• Day 1: Meet the crew rain or shine, then hike in, begin work on the project and set up camp
• 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. / Make a lunch and pack up camp 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. Reach camp by 4:00 or 5:00 PM for a relaxing evening. Set up, 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!

What it Takes to Do This Work Party

• A great attitude for working with a team! WTA provides the training and tools you need for the project
• Backpacking gear and food for multiple nights on the trail
• Good physical condition to hike with a fully-loaded backpack and be physically active for about 8-9 hours daily on uneven terrain 
• Backpacking experience including ability to run your own camp following Leave No Trace principles
• 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 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

A hard hat will be provided by WTA if you do not already have a WTA provided hard hat. For chainsaw use, volunteers will be provided with additional PPE (eye protection, ear pro, gloves, and chainsaw chaps). For safety reasons, volunteers who do not have required gear will not be able to participate in the work party.

Backpacking gear

• 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!

Trail work gear

• Boots
• Long pants 
• Work gloves
• Long-sleeved shirt recommended
• Eye protection recommended such as safety glasses
• WTA hard hat (provided, unless you have one)

For safety reasons, shorts and sneakers are not allowed while working. Firearms and weapons are not allowed.

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

---

Partners

•