Celebrate National Trails Day! Join the BMLT Blues Crew for a trail work party on the Grouse Mountain Trail #3081 and Lick Creek Trail #3070.

The Grouse Mountain and Lick Creek Trail offer spectacular views in the Umatilla National Forest North Fork Umatilla River Wilderness. It runs approximately 4.0 miles from the Zig Zag Trailhead to Corporation in the lower canyon. Our crews work annually in this area to keep trails clear and available for the community. Volunteer with us to improve the upper section of the trail with brush work, tread repair, and removal of downed logs. Our BMLT Blues Crew sawyers will guide volunteers on tree and log removal using crosscut saws.

Be a part of this exciting volunteer opportunity! We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference. No experience is necessary. Access additional trail information here.

Trip Details:

• Volunteer work to accomplish:

  🌲 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.

• What it takes to do this work party:

  • Tolerance for hard work and backcountry conditions.

  • 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 6 hours

  • Recommended for ages 18 and older

• Trip schedule:

  Volunteers from outside Walla Walla should meet directly at the Zig Zag trailhead.
  
  June 3rd:

  7:45 a.m. Meet at USFS Umatilla Walla Walla Ranger District office on Rose Street, Walla Walla. We will carpool/caravan from there.

  8:00 a.m. Depart for Zig Zag Trailhead

  9:00 am - Arrive at trail head. Orientation, equipment distribution, safety briefing.

  10:00 a.m. Begin trail work.

  12:00 p.m. Lunch

  3:30 p.m. - Debrief, beverages
  
  5:00 p.m. - Return home

• Meeting location:

  Volunteers from outside Walla Walla should meet directly at the Zig Zag Springs Trailhead.

  Walla Walla area volunteers: Meet at USFS Umatilla Walla Walla Ranger District office on Rose Street in Walla Walla at 7:45 am. We will carpool/caravan from there.

  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.)

• What to bring:

  ✅ Lightweight day pack

  ✅ Water bottle - suggest 64 ounces of water for June days

  ✅ Warm clothing for wet/cold weather

  ✅ Lunch & snacks

  ✅ Medications

• What to wear:

  ✅ 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

• Trip notes:

  ⚠️ 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.

• Contact information:

  For more information, contact us at blues-crew@bmlt.org or katy@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136.

Presented in partnership with the Umatilla National Forest, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture