Join the BMLT Blues Crew for a six day trail work party on the Granite Creek Trail #3016 in the North Fork John Day Wilderness.
The quiet North Fork John Day Wilderness beckons hikers and fishers to explore along the free-flowing river inspiring its name. Our crews have worked in this area for the past two seasons, returning again for a third year to the Granite Creek #3016 Trail. Volunteer with us to improve several bridges and restore full access along the little-known connector Silver Hill #3033 Trail, which is currently impassable due to tree fall and tread failures. We will also clear, brush, and improve the North Fork John Day River #3022 and Silver Butte #3025 Trails.
The human visitors to this special corner of Oregon are few and far between, so come out for this unique experience in a remote stretch of wilderness with a fun community. Be a part of this exciting volunteer opportunity! We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference. No experience is necessary.
➜ TAKE NOTE:
BACKPACKING REQUIREMENTS
Attendance is limited by wilderness rules to only 12 individuals. Participants must be able to hike nearly 4 miles to our remote campsite and carry a daypack including rain gear, lunch, water, and hand tools.
The volunteer work party will be supported by the Umatilla National Forest equine pack string and led by USFS Wilderness Ranger Holly Henriksen. The equines will bring minimalist camping gear, food, heavy tools, and supplies. While hiking has very little elevation change, the distances can be challenging, so get in shape!
BMLT Blues Crew Leaders Larry Wachtel and Tim Sampson will direct the bridge repair and sawyer teams and Linda Herbert and Jeff Bonafilia will lead the tread teams.
Trip Details:
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🌲 Repair four wilderness footbridges, replace treads and handrails using largely harvested native materials and hand tools, and improve bridge ramps.
🌲 Reopen the 0.7 mile connector Silver Hill #3033 Trail by logging and brushing out the trail corridor and reworking the tread.
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Tolerance for hard work and backcountry conditions.
Backpacking camping gear and attire.
No specific trail work experience is necessary—bring a great attitude for working with a team!
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 8 hours
Recommended for ages 18 and older
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Sunday July 9th
7:20 a.m. Arrive at Yellowhawk Street for check-in
7:30 a.m. Depart for Granite Creek trailhead
10:30 a.m. Arrive at Granite Creek trailhead - meet the pack string
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Load the pack string, eat sack lunches
12:30 p.m. Hike into campsite, set up camp
3:00 p.m. Team project and safety meeting
Monday July 10 - Thursday July 14th
7:00 a.m. Coffee & Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Trailwork
12:00 p.m. Sack lunch
4:00 p.m. Work party debrief
6:00 p.m. Group Dinner
Friday, July 14th
7:00 a.m. Coffee & Breakfast - Break Camp, pack camp for equine string
9:00 a.m. Trailwork
12:00 p.m. Sack lunch
1:00 p.m. Work party debrief, depart for trailhead
4:00 p.m. Unpack string, load vehicle
5:30 p.m. Depart for Walla Walla
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Please arrive at 395 Yellowhawk Street, Walla Walla at 07:20 on Sunday, July 9th to carpool to the trailhead.
If you’re willing to drive, please arrive with a full gas tank. Please be prepared to share gas costs with your volunteer driver on the return trip (bring cash.)
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✅ Lightweight day pack
✅ Water bottle - suggest 64 ounces of water for July days
✅ Warm clothing for wet/cold weather
✅ First day lunch, even if participating in group meals
✅ All meals and cooking equipment if not participating in group meals
✅ Snacks
✅ Sleeping bag
✅ Tent
✅ Medications
✅ Personal care items such as toilet paper
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✅ Boots – no sneakers or sandals during work hours
✅ Long pants and long-sleeved shirt
✅ Rain gear
✅ Work gloves and eye protection (glasses, sunglasses)
✅ Ticks can be present: bring DEET for self, Permethrin for clothes
*** BMLT Blues Crew Supplied: Safety gear, first aid kit, hard hat, tools
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Shared group meals are a ticketing option, please select carefully. (Group Meals Add-on Ticket: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners $100)
Menus will be ‘backpacker style’ and cannot accommodate all possible food preferences.
Meals will require minimal preparation, and kitchen duties will be shared in rotation.
Attendees may choose to bring their own food and cooking equipment and ‘opt out’ of the shared meal plan.
A large water filter and reservoir will serve the group.
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⚠️ 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. -
For more information, contact us at katy@bmlt.org or blues-crew@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136.
Presented in partnership with the North Fork John Day Ranger District of the Umatilla National Forest, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
