Join the BMLT Blues Crew, Greater Hells Canyon Council & the Northwest Youth Corps to renovate the Corporation Buck Tie Trail.
Get ready for an outdoor adventure that combines nature, trail stewardship, and the joy of giving back! We're seeking motivated individuals with a love for the outdoors to volunteer for several days of trail work planned on the Corporation Buck Tie Trail to completely renovate the access, tread, and connections.
Together with our partners at Greater Hells Canyon Council, the BMLT Blues Crew will host the Northwest Youth Corps for daily work parties Monday, April 15 - Friday April 19. Volunteers can elect to join the Northwest Youth Corps Young Adult Team for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days as we renovate this lovely trail segment that connects the Lick Creek and NF Umatilla north river-canyon trails to the south river-canyon trails (Nine Mile, Buck Creek, Lake Creek, and Buck Mountain). If we finish the Tie Trail, we’ll work up the Nine Mile Trail!
Volunteers may camp overnight at the Umatilla Forks Campground. Bring your tent and gear, your own food, warm layers, a musical instrument and a lawn chair. We’ll set up a group camp with a simple kitchen and a couple of pop-up canopies. Camp host will make sure there’s potable water and morning coffee!
Be a part of this exciting volunteer opportunity! We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference. No experience is necessary.
Please note: Cell service is not available in the North Fork Umatilla River Canyon.
TRAIL INFO:
The Corporation Buck Tie Trail is east of Mission above the Umatilla River. It is in the Umatilla National Forest and adjacent to the North Fork Umatilla River Wilderness. The Umatilla Forks Campground is nearby. This short segment connects the Buck Creek #3073 and Nine Mile #3072 trails with the North Fork Umatilla River #3083 Trailhead. This work party is a 90-minute drive from Walla Walla.
Trip Details:
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🌲 Repairing and updating the trail conditions after a winter season.
🌲 Brushing and trail tread repair
🌲 Certified sawyers will guide volunteers in removing any obstructing logs and trees. -
Tolerance for hard work and backcountry conditions.
No specific trail work experience is necessary—bring a great attitude for working with a team!
BMLT Blues Crew leaders and USFS partners will provide training and tools as needed
Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 7 hours
Recommended for ages 18 and older or youth with parent in attendance
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All volunteers will meet at 8:00 AM at the Umatilla Forks Campground to be directed to the day’s worksite from there. Please call project leads to inquire about carpool opportunities if you are coming up for day work only.
Each day, we will debrief at 3 pm, so commuters can expect to return to Walla Walla by 5 pm.
Project Leads: Linda Herbert (509) 386-2454 Barbara Hetrick (509) 301-1372
Schedule:6:00 am - 8:00 am Commuters depart Walla Walla - call in advance to arrange for carpool
8:00 a.m. Daily Project Meeting at Umatilla Forks Campground - Tailgate Safety
8:30 - 11:30 am - Morning Work Party
11:30 a.m. Lunch
12:00 - 3:00 pm. Afternoon work party
3:00 p.m. - Debrief & celebration
3:30 p.m. - Commuters return home -
All volunteers will meet at 8:00 AM at the Umatilla Forks Campground to be directed to the day’s worksite from there. Please call project leads to inquire about carpool opportunities if you are coming up for day work only.
Each day, we will debrief at 3 pm, so commuters can expect to return to Walla Walla by 5 pm.
Project Leads: Linda Herbert (509) 386-2454 Barbara Hetrick (509) 301-1372
If you’re willing to drive, please arrive with a full gas tank. Also, please be prepared to share gas costs with your volunteer driver on the return trip (bring cash.)
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✅ Boots – no sneakers or sandals during work hours
✅ Long pants and long-sleeved shirt
✅ Rain gear /layers for warmth
✅ Work gloves and eye protection (glasses, sunglasses)
✅ Ticks can be present: bring DEET for self, Permethrin for clothes
✅ Gaiters can be very useful
*** BMLT Blues Crew Supplied: Safety gear, first aid kit, hard hat, tools
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✅ Lightweight day pack
✅ Water bottle - suggest 64 ounces of water
✅ Warm clothing for wet/cold weather
✅ Lunch & snacks
✅ Medications / Personal care items / sunscreens
✅ Campers: Tent, sleeping bag/pad, all gear and food -
⚠️ This is a moderately strenuous work party.
⚠️ Pets are not to accompany volunteers due to work safety concerns.
⚠️ We’re currently following CDC guidelines for all BMLT sponsored events. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell.
⚠️ BMLT Blues Crew practices Leave No Trace™ principles. -
For more information, contact us at blues-crew@bmlt.org or Barbara Hetrick at 509-301-1372.
Contact info: Project Leads: Linda Herbert (509) 386-2454 Barbara Hetrick (509) 301-1372
Presented in partnership with the Umatilla National Forest, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
