Join the BMLT Blues Crew for a trail work party on Ninemile Trail #3072 in the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness.

Join us for an outdoor adventure that combines nature, conservation, and the joy of giving back! We're seeking motivated individuals with a love for the great outdoors to volunteer for our upcoming trail work party on the Ninemile Trail.

Nestled in the Umatilla National Forest and North Fork Umatilla Wilderness, this 7-mile trail offers a remarkable journey through awe-inspiring landscapes. The Ninemile Trail starts adjacent to the Buck Creek trailhead and climbs out of the steep canyon for the first 2 miles. Our dedicated BMLT Blues Crew volunteers work every year to keep this trail accessible for all ages. This year, we’ll focus on revitalizing the lower section of the trail, including brush removal and trail tread repair to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

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
  
  🌲 Trail has already been logged for the 2023 trail season

• 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 14 and older. Participants under the age of 18 need a signed parent consent form

• Trip schedule:

  Volunteers from outside Walla Walla should meet directly at the Buck Creek/Ninemile Trailhead.
  
  Walla Walla Region Volutneers:
  June 11th:

  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 Ninemile/Buck Creek Trailhead

  9:30 am - Arrive at trail head. Orientation, equipment distribution, safety briefing.

  10:00 a.m. Begin trail work.

  12:00 p.m. Lunch

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

• Meeting location:

  Volunteers from outside Walla Walla: Meet directly at the Buck Creek/Ninemile 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. Also, please be prepared to share gas costs with your volunteer driver on the return trip (bring cash.)

• 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

• 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

• Trip notes:

  ⚠️ 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.

• Contact information:

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

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