Camp Before a Work Party, Shorten Your Time to the Trailhead

As the snow melts, WTA's work parties move up into the mountains. This can add a bit of driving time the trailhead in the morning, making for an early start to the day in order to meet the crew at 8:30 a.m. Fortunately, for some of our summer locations, you are welcome to camp at the trailhead, either the evening before the work party, or stay and sleep after we've stashed the tools for the day. That way, whether you're an early-riser or a night owl, you can still join a WTA work party, enjoy your beauty sleep and be on time.

Stay at the ranger station in Verlot

Because we're working on so many trails on the Darrington Ranger District this summer, the folks at the Verlot Ranger Station have made the campground near the ranger station available to volunteers so you can stay the night after a work party, or arrive the day before and enjoy a leisurely morning.

Anyone signed up for these WTA work parties is welcome to stay one or more nights while you help maintain these trails. If you are interested in staying the night after your work party, simply let the crew leader know once you're there. If you'd like to stay the night before, contact the office to make arrangements before heading out.

Read more about the camping opportunites when you sign up for any of these work parties online.

Lake 22

June 26, 27 & July 1, 2, 3

The trail to Lake 22. Photo by "Pith Helmut Jack" or friends.

Come help WTA prepare this very popular trail for the heavy use it receives in the summer season. Work on a trail that follows a creek, passes by a half-dozen waterfalls and arrives at the peaceful alpine lake below the northeast ridge of Mount Pilchuck. We'll be doing general maintenance including drainage, rock steps, and tread repair at an avalanche slide.

>> Sign up for one or more of these dates on our volunteer page.

Mount Dickerman

July 8, 9, 10, 11

Views from the summit of Mount Dickerman make the steep ascent worth every step. Photo by Suj'n Chon.

Help us maintain this very busy, steep trail leading to views of rugged Del Campo, Big Four and Glacier peaks. We'll hike in about two miles, with 2500 feet of elevation gain. Though it's a steep hike, views of the craggy peaks and sprays of wildflowers will be a great reward, as will your nearby campsite after the work party is over.

>> Sign up for one or more of these dates on our volunteer page.

Pinnacle Lake Trail

July 15, 16, 17

Pinnacle Lake is the perfect spot to take a refreshing dip after a day of trail work. Photo by Whidbey Walker.

Join WTA as we replace a puncheon bridge on this popular trail. Enjoy a short approach to Bear Lake as you work in the shadows of Alaskan cedar. Once the puncheon project is complete, we'll move on, doing tread restoration and drainage improvement on the trail leading up to Pinnacle Lake, surrounded by heather fields and glacier-polished rock.

>> Sign up for one or more of these dates on our volunteer page.

Independence Lake - North Lake Trail

July 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31

A hiker eyes what's around the corner on a sunny Independence Lake Trail. Photo by Janice Van Cleve.

Because this is a great trail for beginning hikers and small children, it's especially important that the Independence - North Lake Trail be in the best shape possible. We'll be repairing winter damage, including tread repair, drainage, brushing, rock work and maybe even logging some fallen trees out!

>> Sign up for one or more of these dates on our volunteer page.

Camp with us at Mount Rainier National Park

It's hard to leave Mount Rainier after a long day of hiking, not to mention after a long day of trail work! Take the opportunity to make a weekend of it by staying at a campground near the trailhead where we'll meet in the morning.

Free camping is available to volunteers, but be sure to let us know at least a week before the day you'll be joining us. You can indicate in the comments when you sign up if you are planning to stay the night.

We'll be working on the iconic Wonderland Trail out of Longmire until mid-July, and once that project is done, we'll tackle maintenance on other trails out of Longmire. So join us for work in one of Washington's most treasured locations, and afterwards, kick back in camp and enjoy your surroundings.

Wonderland Trail - Longmire

June 27, 28, 29 & July 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13

Longmire Trails

July 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27

>> Sign up for one or more of these dates on our volunteer page.