Volunteer Day | Washington Trails Association

OVERVIEW

Get ready for a great day outside! Join us on Saturday, August 26th as we volunteer with the Washington Trails Association (WTA) clearing the Sunrise Mine/ Headlee Pass trails, clearing access for community members. 

We will finish clearing any remaining down trees and start the annual maintenance of the trails including cleaning culverts and drain ditches, doing tread repair, and cutting back brush as needed on the Sunrise Mine trail up to Headlee Pass. As a bonus, all volunteers will earn a Northwest Forest Pass! No experience is necessary. WTA provides the training and tools you need. This is an 18+ event.

Concerned about transportation or passes for parking? Carpooling may be available. When you register you will be asked if you need a ride, are willing to drive, or either. Day passes will be provided to all drivers.

NOTE: In addition to RSVPing here on the YPCommunities event page, you will need to register on the WTA's site

ABOUT THE AREA

Our hike is expected to be 3-5 miles roundtrip over hilly and sometimes steep terrain.

The Sunrise Mine Trail 707 begins in second-growth forest and almost immediately begins a quick series of creek crossings, first by way of a log bridge, then over a snaking tree root, and finally by whatever means available over a more insistent stream. This last crossing is the south fork of the Stillaguamish River, Usually a tame trickle, it can pose a serious obstacle when runoff is high. Improvised log bridges are strung up and washed away on a semi-annual basis. Check conditions (and your own comfort level); proceed accordingly.

Fun Fact: The Stillaguamish River name is the sole trace you'll encounter of the original residents of the area, the people forced to make way for homesteads, logging, and mines: the stuləgʷábš or The People of the River (which makes this final body of water “The People of the River” River).

CAMPING INFORMATION

Want to turn your volunteering into a camping trip? Camping is available for this event. Please contact the North Puget Sound Field Coordinator, Brandon Tigner at Brandon@WTA.org or volunteer@wta.org for more information.

Please Note: If you camp you will have to return from the trail and turn in your equipment before camping.

ABOUT WASHINGTON TRAILS ASSOCIATION (WTA)

Washington Trails Association mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands. They believe that exploring nature is good for people’s hearts, minds and bodies, and that hiking is a powerful way for everyone to connect with Washington’s natural wonders. That people will protect the places they love to hike, from local parks to remote wilderness. And that it is vitally important for everyone to have the opportunity to access the outdoors, and are committed to reducing barriers to hiking trails and lands.