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Blues Crew Work Party: North Fork Umatilla River Trails #3083


  • Walla Walla Ranger District 1415 West Rose Street Walla Walla, WA, 99362 United States (map)

This will be the fourth Blues Crew work party on this trail.  A lower trailhead effort in late April and two work parties in July clearing the upper Coyote Ridge trail.  The goal of the weekend effort is to complete the clearing of the final segment of the trail.

 NOTE:  We are planning several options for volunteers this weekend:

  • Option#1:  An overnight camp out Saturday night at campsite on the North Fork trail about 4 miles from the lower trail head.  This requires you to backpack to the camp.
  • Option #2:  Overnight at the trailhead - Umatilla Forks Campground.
  • Option #3:  Saturday only day experience to join the overnight crew as time allows.
  • A separate Sunday work party is scheduled for Sunday, see our web site.

What to Expect

We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary.

Hiking Information

Low to moderate. 

Schedule

Saturday, August 4

  • 7:45 AM: Be ready to sign in and meet the crew at the Umatilla National Forest Office. 
  • 8:00 AM: Depart for trailhead by carpool. 
  • 9:15 AM: Gather for a safety briefing, then hike to the project site.  
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch on the trail
  • 1 - 4:00 PM: Trail work, set up camp
  • 2 pm: Day crew will return to trailhead to return to Walla Walla or trailhead camping.
  • 4:00 PM: Overnight – Enjoy a shared evening on the trail

Sunday, August 5

  • 7:00 AM: Breakfast, break camp
  • 8:00 AM: Trail work
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch on the trail
  • 2:30 PM: Gather at the trailhead.  Refreshments will be shared and day’s efforts reviewed
  • 3:30 PM: Return to Walla Walla
  • 4:00 PM: Arrive Umatilla National Forest Office. Sign out. 

For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.

Planning Information

Get ready for a great day outside!

Blues Crew Leads                  Greg Brown and Nathan Viavant

USFS Lead                              Kiyoshi Fujishin and Trail Crew Supervisor

 PLEASE NOTE** This work will be done in the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness, wilderness restrictions apply.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5428929

What it Takes to Do This Work Party

  • No experience is necessary—just bring a great attitude for working with a team! USFS provides the training and tools you need
  • Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours on uneven terrain
  • Recommended for ages 10 and older; under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and a parental consent form must be signed for anyone under 18

What to Wear

  • Boots - no sneakers or sandals
  • Long pants 
  • Leather gloves
  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Eye protection recommended (glasses, sunglasses or safety glasses)

A hard hat will be provided by BMLT. For safety reasons, shorts and sneakers are not allowed.

What to Bring

  • Lunch and plenty of water
  • Rain jacket and pants
  • Extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather
  • A pack to carry your personal gear
  • A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!

Firearms and weapons are not allowed.

USFS Supplied Gear             

  • Hard hat
  • Tools
  • Safety gear
  • First aide kit

More Information

  • Contact us at blues-crew@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136

NOTE:  TOTAL PARTICIPANTS IS LIMITED TO 20 ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS. WILDERNESS RULES LIMIT THE SIZE. 

Earlier Event: August 7
Nature Kids: Geology Rocks!
Later Event: August 11
Sustainable Vineyards