Backcountry Response Teams
Backcountry Response Teams (BCRTs)
- A 3-person crew visits Dumbell Lake as part of BCRT in 2007
Because many of WTA's one-day and weekend work parties are only able to address the first few miles of trail, there is a need to have extended 3-4 day work parties to address maintenance needs of trails that head further into the backcountry.
WTA's Backcountry Response Teams (BCRTs), trail crews consisting of 4 - 12 people, are a means to do this. Intended for experienced backcountry hikers, trips will require each individual to carry his or her own provisions for the duration, as well as have the ability to camp without supervision.
These trips will follow WTA's work party guidelines and will be led by a WTA crew leader. Due to the more arduous nature of these work parties, BCRT volunteers must be in good physical condition and will be expected to be equipped and able to carry all gear required for an overnight stay including:
- tent
- sleeping bag
- cooking gear
- food for the entire trip
Volunteers will also be asked to carry heavy work tools which may include loppers, pulaskis, shovels, grub hoes and crosscut saws. We encourage you to share some general gear with others in the group (stoves, cookware, etc), and we can try to facilitate this consolidation of equipment via e-mail and at the trailhead.
Before you sign up:
Read through our FAQs for our Backcountry Response Teams
2008 BCRT Schedule
Colchuck Lake Trail: Aug 1 - 4
This trip is made possible by the Spring Trail Trust
- Colchuck Lake with Dragontail Peak in the background
Spaces Remaining: FULL!
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Location: Wenatchee River Ranger District
Distance: 4.5 miles to camp
Elevation Gain: 2,130' to camp
Maps: Green Trails Maps #177 Chiwaukum Mnts; #209 Mount Stuart
Description:
The hike begins on the Stuart Lake trail #1599 and climbs gently as it enters the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. At 2½ miles you'll arrive at the junction with Colchuck Lake Trail #1599.1. Cross Mountaineers Creek on a fine log foot-bridge built some time ago by WTA. The trail passes among a boulder field following the creek and soon returns to open forest with just enough shade to protect you from melting on a hot summer day as it climbs up through switchbacks lined with granite. You'll gain another 1000' elevation over the next 2 miles before the trail reaches the lake at its northwestern shore. The project will include rock work, tread work and brushing on the section of trail below Colchuck Lake.
The Brothers: Aug 8 - 10
Spaces Remaining: 3
- The Brothers - Lower Lena Lake
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Location: Olympic National Forest
Distance: 3 miles to Lower Lena
Elevation Gain: 1,125'
Maps: USGS Mount Washington; Green Trails - The Brothers #168
Description:
Olympic Peninsula near Hamma Hamma Recreation Area north of Hoodsport. Forested second growth to old growth forest, alpine meadows and two beautiful lakes; The Brothers trail begins at the end of Lena Lake trail and provides access to popular climbing routes to The Brothers. We'll camp and work near Lower Lena Lake, clearing the Valley of the Men and maybe some tread work if there is time.
Island Lake: Aug 29 - Sept 1
Spaces Remaining: FULL!
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Location:Alpine LakesWilderness
Distance: 5 miles to camp
Elevation Gain: 1,600'
Maps: Green Trails Bandera #206
Description: Nestled on the north side of Bandera Mountain is beautiful Island Lake our campsite for this trip. It is reached using the Talapus Lake trail (1039), Pratt Lake trail (1007) and Mt. Defiance trail (1009). Surrounding lakes include Rainbow, Blazer, Mason, Little Mason and Kulla Kulla, making this area a showcase of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The work will focus on the realignment of the Island Lake access trail to avoid several boggy areas and enhance resource protection.
Six Ridge: Sept 11 - 14
Spaces Remaining: 6
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Location: Olympic National Park
Distance: 6 miles to camp at the intersection of the North Fork Skokomish and Six Ridge
trails
Elevation Gain: 600' to camp
Maps: Green Trails Mt. Steel - #167
Description: The Six Ridge trail is a rugged trail that traverses from the North Fork to the South Fork of the Skokomish River. It is known for its solitude, meadows and grand mountain vistas. The trip begins with a relatively easy 6 mile hike along the North Fork of the Skokomish River to camp located at the intersection with the Six Ridge trail. The trail climbs steadily to the ridge crest and follows it for eight miles. The crew will be primarily logging out this eastern end of the trail.
Goat Lake - Elliot Creek: Sept 12 - 15
- Goat lake looking to foggy peak range in the back ground.
Spaces Remaining: FULL!
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Location: Henry M. Jackson Wilderness, Darrington Ranger District
Distance: 5 miles to camp
Elevation Gain: 1,300'
Maps: Green Trails Maps: Sloan Peak #111
Description: The route to Goat Lake starts as two separate trails, one an old wagon road, traversing the north side of Elliot Creek. At a little over three miles the trails join together and continue 1½ miles to the lake. Goat Lake is nestled below Foggy, Cadet and Monte Cristo Peaks and has an impressive waterfall tumbling to the shoreline. We will set up camp at the lake and work the section of trail back towards the intersection. The work will concentrate on backlog maintenance and will include repairing tread damage, improving drainage and brushing.
Constance Pass: Sept 19 - 22
Spaces Remaining: 7
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Location: Olympic National Park
Distance: 6.2 miles to Boulder Camp
Elevation Gain: 2,400' to camp
Maps: Green Trails – Tyler Peak #136
Description: The Constance Pass trail contours below Warrior Peak and Mount Constance as it ascends 3.5 miles from Boulder Camp to Home Lake and then Constance Pass. The work will consist of general trail maintenance including logout, brushing, tread work and drainage on this beautiful and remote trail in the Olympic National Park high country.
