Volunteer Vacations
Every spring-summer WTA hosts week-long work parties called Volunteer Vacations. Volunteers from all over Washington and sometimes, all over the country, join with WTA for a week of volunteer trail maintenance in premiere backcountry locations throughout Washington State.
Volunteer Vacations
Give us a week. We'll make it great.
- Click the photo to check out pictures from the 2007 Volunteer Vacations! Arlo Smith took this photo of last year's crew at Hart Lake.
Looking for a rewarding, challenging and fun vacation? Every spring-summer WTA hosts week-long work parties called Volunteer Vacations. Volunteers from all over Washington and sometimes, all over the country, join with WTA for a week of volunteer trail maintenance in premiere backcountry locations throughout Washington State.
For only $150 ($125 for WTA members) we will provide you with a week of fine cooking, fun folks and fantastic entertainment. Most likely you'll have such a great time that you'll want to join us for another trip later in the season. If you do, we'll give you an even better deal - only $75 for your second and any subsequent trips after that. Because of the popularity of these trips, full payment is due within two weeks of signing up for a trip. Please read through the procedures for submitting application and payment in the Volunteer Vacation FAQs.
What's the catch?
Well, we do a little trail work during the day. We might be rebuilding some tread, installing drainage structures, brushing and lopping or logging-out with crosscut saw. In the morning and in the evening we take turns doing in-camp chores like helping the cook, washing dishes and pumping water. But there will be plenty of time left over to sleep, eat and relax – and all those other "vacationy"-type things. Our menu can accommodate most hearty appetites and dietary needs. See our full listing of Frequently Asked Questions for more information on applying, payment, the menu and typical schedule.
2008 Volunteer Vacation Schedule
Note: You must be 18 years old or older to join one of our Volunteer
Vacations. We also have
a schedule of Volunteer Vacations for Youth.
* Difficulty Levels - see below
** Family Vacation welcomes children 10 - 14 years old with at least one parent
Datesdifficulty levels* |
Location(click location to learn
|
SpacesRemaining |
|---|---|---|
| August 2 - 9 Car Camp |
Cape Disappointment Southwest Washington |
FULL! |
| August 2 - 9 Easy |
South Fork Skokomish Hood Canal |
2 |
| August 9 - 16 Strenuous |
PCT at Dishpan Gap Skykomish |
4 |
| August 16 - 23 Difficult |
Buck Creek Wenatchee River |
FULL! |
| August 23 - 30 Strenuous |
PCT at Waptus Lake Cle Elum |
3 |
| August 30 - Sept. 6 Strenuous |
PCT at Waptus Lake Cle Elum |
3 |
| September 6 - 13 Moderate |
Hidden Lakes Methow Valley |
FULL! |
| September 6 - 13 Car Camp |
Heather Meadows Mount Baker |
FULL! |
| September 13 - 20 Easy |
Mid Fork Snoqualmie at Goldmyer Snoqualmie / North Bend |
1 |
| September 20 - 27 Car Camp |
Cape Horn Columbia River Gorge Nat'l Scenic Area |
1 |
| September 27 - Oct 4 Car Camp |
Lake Wenatchee Wenatchee River |
1 |
*Difficulty Rating System
Trips range from easy front country (where we camp near the trailhead) to strenuous backpacks to remote locations. We do our best to provide trips that accommodate all types of abilities. If you can't tell from the trip descriptions below, call the office and we'll help get you set up with the trip that makes the most sense for you.
Car Camp – We will stay at a campsite close to the trail head.
Easy – A 1-3 mile hike to camp with little elevation gain.
Moderate – A 3-5 mile hike to camp with 500-1,000 feet elevation gain.
Difficult – A 5-8 mile hike to camp with 1,000-2,000 feet elevation gain.
Strenuous – A 4+ mile hike to camp with 2,000+ elevation gain.
