Trip Overview
Join BMLT Blues Crew for a multi-day trail work party on the lower section of the North Fork Umatilla Trail #3083.
Located in the Umatilla National Forest and North Fork Umatilla Wilderness, the trail runs 9 miles following the North Fork of the Umatilla River before ascending to the upper trailhead near Tollgate. During the work party, our crews will focus on a section of the trail with early season conditions that are wet and muddy. We will also work on an adjacent trail called the “Connector” to repair the tread and clear thick brush. Our team annually works on this trail to keep it clear and accessible for all ages.
This will be a multi-day event with the option for trailhead camping at the Umatilla Forks Campground. Can't make it all three days? We have registration available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday only.
Be a part of this exciting volunteer opportunity! We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference. No experience is necessary.
Volunteer work to accomplish:
Placement of rock in the wet section of trail
Tread work
Brush removal
Cutting and removal of downed timber
General cleanup
What it takes to do this work party
No experience is necessary—bring a great attitude for working with a team! Blues Crew leaders will provide training and tools as needed.
Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours on uneven terrain.
Recommended for ages 14 and older; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a signed parental consent form
Trip Notes:
Learn more about the trail here.
Pets are not to accompany volunteers on a BMLT Blues Crew work party due to work safety concerns.
There is NO cell service in the area.
Schedule:
FRIDAY | JUNE 10
Volunteers from outside Walla Walla should go directly to the NF Umatilla Trailhead.
7:45 am - Meet at USFS Umatilla Walla Walla Ranger District office on Rose Street, Walla Walla. We will carpool/caravan from there.
8:00 am - Depart for North Fork Umatilla River trailhead.
9:30 am - Arrive at trailhead. Orientation, equipment distribution, safety briefing. Begin trail work.
Noon - lunch
4:00 pm - Debrief & celebration beverages; Overnight folks: head to campgrounds. Day folks: return home
Schedule:
SATURDAY | JUNE 11
Volunteers should go directly to the NF Umatilla Trailhead.
9:30 am - Arrive at trailhead. Orientation, equipment distribution, safety briefing. Begin trail work.
Noon - lunch
4:00 pm - Debrief & celebration beverages; Overnight folks: head to campgrounds. Day folks: return home
Schedule:
SUNDAY | JUNE 12
Volunteers should go directly to the NF Umatilla Trailhead.
9:30 am - Arrive at trailhead. Orientation, equipment distribution, safety briefing. Begin trail work.
Noon - lunch
4:00 pm - Debrief & celebration beverages; Overnight folks: head to campgrounds. Day folks: return home
5:00 pm - Return to Walla Walla or home
What to bring:
Lightweight day pack
Water bottle
Warm clothing for wet/cold weather
Lunch/snacks
Overnight Campers:
Tent or trailer
Sleeping gear
All meals
What to wear:
Boots – no sneakers or sandals
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
Blues Crew Supplied: Safety gear, first aid kit, hard hat, tools
For more information, contact us at blues-crew@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136. Please reach out to us if financial assistance is needed.
BMLT Blues Crew activities take place on the ancestral lands of the Cayuse, Walla Walla, Umatilla, and Nez Perce. We honor their stewardship of these lands in the past, present, and future.