Overview
Volunteer for one or more days, enjoy Saturdays Potluck dinner and stay for an extra day of hiking on Labor Day! Help WTA and Friends of Mount Adams restore trails at Bird Creek Meadows and Bench Lake following the 2015 Cougar Creek Fire.
About the Area
In Southwest Washington the best alpine scenery is often a trek to get to, but these lands managed by the Yakama Nation offer family friendly hiking through beautiful meadows bursting with wildflowers. Views of Mount Adams and sparkling glacial fed streams complete the experience. (Generous financial support for this project comes from the Friends of Mount Adams)
What to Expect
We’ll have fun, work hard and make a difference!
Project Description
This project is party of a three pronged push to restore the trails in anticipation of opening the area back to the public. This three day event follows a WTA Volunteer Vacation and Backcountry Response Team Trip. At this time we anticipate that our priority work will be around Bench Lake, but specific details will be ironed out later this summer.
Camping and Hiking Information
- Type: Car camp
- Location: Benc Lake
- Shower: None
- Water: Bring your own or filter from the lake
- Weather: Be prepared for variable conditions including heat, cold, wind and rain
- Other: Yakama Tribal Forestry staff will be working to replace burned infrastructure (toilets, picnic tables, etc..) but those repairs may not be done by the time this crew arrives.
Expected daily hike to project: 2-4 miles roundtrip with about 500’ gain at a moderate pace.
Schedule
FRIDAY September 1
- 11:00 AM – Gather for a safety briefing and hit the trail for a 1/2 day of trailwork
- 12:30 PM – Lunch break on the trail
- 3:30 PM – Finish trailwork with cold drinks and snacks back at camp
- 6:00 PM – Dinner (bring your own), gather around the campfire for S’mores and stories (if campfires are not banned due to high fire risk)
SATURDAY September 2
- 8:30 AM – Gather for the safety briefing and outline of the day’s trail projects
- 12:00 PM – Lunch Break on the trail
- 3:30 PM – Finish trailwork with cold beverages and snacks at camp
- 6:00 PM – Potluck Dinner, WTA provides spaghetti as the main dish
SUNDAY September 3
- 8:30 AM – Gather for the safety briefing and outline of the day’s trail projects
- 12:00 PM – Lunch Break on the trail
- 3:30 PM – Finish trailwork with cold beverages and snacks at camp
- 6:00 PM – Dinner (bring your own)
MONDAY September 4
- 8:30 AM – Clean up Camp
- 9:30 AM – Say Farewell – Day hikers on their own to enjoy the holiday hiking around Bench Lake or Bird Creek Meadows
Planning Information
Get ready for a great holiday weekend!
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 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 Bring
- Boots
- Long pants
- Work gloves
- Long-sleeved shirt recommended
- Eye protection recommended (glasses, sunglasses or safety glasses)
A hard hat will be provided by WTA. For safety reasons, shorts and sneakers are not allowed.
Camping gear:
- Tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- At least two 1-liter water bottles and a coffee mug
- 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
- Lunch and snacks hiking and working on the trail
- A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!
Trail work gear:
- 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.
