Take in the beauty of Horseshoe Prairie’s changing colors and join us for a day of trail care on Saturday, October 18!
Horseshoe Prairie is a beautiful high-country recreation area that has recently been expanded with brand-new trails and connector routes. Before they can be fully enjoyed, we need to make sure they’re safe, accessible, and well-marked. We began this process in September, and we need your help to continue the work!
Our main task for the day will be widening the Elk Tracks trail. This trail is groomed for skiers, snowshoers, and fat bikers all winter long. Keeping the trail wide enough for our groomers is vital to the trail system. It’s an important job, and we promise to have fun doing it!
Horseshoe Prairie is a gem in the Blue Mountains, offering sweeping views, abundant wildlife, and year-round recreation. Your work will ensure that this area remains a destination for generations to come. We’ll provide the tools and guidance you need—just bring your gloves, sturdy shoes, lunch, and a readiness to pitch in. We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference. No experience is necessary!
Check out more information about the trail here.
Questions? Get in touch with Craig Piefer at craig@bmlt.org.
Trip Details:
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🌲 Limbing up trees up to 12 feet high
🌲 Remove small trees
🌲 Marking trail in appropriate places
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🌲 Tolerance for hard work and backcountry conditions.
🌲 No specific thinning 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 6 hours
🌲 Be able to hike 2 to 3 miles on rocky terrain and climb 150ft while carrying necessary tools
🌲 Recommended for ages 14 and older
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Please arrive at USFS Ranger District Office parking lot at 1415 W Rose Street, Walla Walla at 8am Saturday 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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Saturday, October 18
8:00 am: Arrive at Walla Walla Ranger Station
8:10 am: Arrange carpool and head up to Tollgate
9:15 am: Arrive at Horseshoe Prairie
9:20 am: Stretch and safety talk
9:35 am: Set out to create out new connector
12:00 pm: Break for Lunch
12:40 pm: Back at it!
3:30 pm: Shut down work for the day
3:50 pm: Everyone back to the vehicle they came up in and head out
5:00 pm: Arrive back at Walla Walla Ranger Station
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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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✅ Daypack backpack
✅ Lunch
✅ Water bottle - suggest 64 ounces of water
✅ Warm clothing for wet/cold weather
✅ Trail snacks
✅ Personal care items
Blues Crew practices Leave No Trace™ principles -- please bring what you need to comply.
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⚠️ Pets are not to accompany volunteers due to work safety concerns.
⚠️ Please fill out the liability waiver and email to craig@bmlt.org or print and bring with you to the work party!⚠️ Please stay home if you are feeling unwell.
⚠️ BMLT Blues Crew practices Leave No Trace™ principles.⚠️ Is this your first volunteer trail work party? Check out this short video on ‘What to Expect and How to Stay Safe’
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For more information, contact us at craig@bmlt.org or blues-crew@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136.
Presented in partnership with United States Forest Service.
