Volunteer Vacations 2009

Volunteer Vacations

Give us a week. We'll make it great.

Click the photo to check out pictures from the 2008 Volunteer Vacations! Photo by Arlo Smith.

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 in the same year. Because of the popularity of these trips, full payment and application is due within two weeks of signing up for a trip, or you will lose you place on the roster. Please read through the procedures for submitting application and payment in the Volunteer Vacation FAQs.

What's the catch?

Click on the map to view the 2009 Volunteer Vacation locations!

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" 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.

2009 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

Please call the office to be added to a waitlist for trips that are indicated as full or that already have an active waitlist.

*Hike Difficulty Rating System

This rating system is based on the hike to/from the base camp. This does not indicate the difficulty of the actual project. Trips range from easy front country (where we camp near the trailhead) to strenuous backpacks to remote locations. 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 and/or 500-1,000 feet elevation gain.
Difficult – A 5-8+ mile hike to camp and/or  1,000-2,000 feet elevation gain.
Strenuous – A 4+ mile hike to camp with 2,000+ elevation gain.