Join the BMLT Blues Crew for a 4-day, 3-night backcountry trail work party on the North Fork Umatilla Trail and Coyote Creek!

Last year volunteers built a new bridge across Coyote Creek up the North Fork Umatilla Trail. The completion of this project requires a reroute to connect the new crossing to the old trail. The work will include building a new turnpike to elevate the trail, clearing brush, and building new tread. Volunteers will also remove and camouflage the old trail we plan to replace. If time permits, we will head up the trail to clear treefall from the winter. All work will be done inside of wilderness areas, so power tools are not permitted.

Be a part of this exciting volunteer opportunity, especially when public lands need it most! If you can make it the entire trip, GREAT. If you can only do one day, please indicate that when you sign up and reach out to craig@bmlt.org to coordinate. We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference. No experience is necessary.

Check out more information about the trail

Questions? Get in touch with Craig Piefer at craig@bmlt.org.

Trip Details:

• Volunteer work to accomplish:

  🌲 Brush and widen several areas

  🌲 Remove any fallen trees

  🌲 Rebuild tread where the trail has washed out

  🌲 Building turnpike

  🌲 Tripping logs for turnpike creation

• 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! 

  • 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 5 hours

  • Be able to hike 4 miles on rocky terrain and climb 450ft while carrying all personal gear and food for 4 days and 3 nights.

  • Recommended for ages 16 and older

• Meeting location:

  Please arrive at USFS Ranger District Office parking lot at 1415 W Rose Street, Walla Walla at 2pm Sunday 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.)

• Schedule:

  Schedule:  

  Sunday

  2:00 p.m. Arrive at USFS Ranger District Office for check-in

  2:05 p.m. Depart for NF Umatilla Trail

  3:30 p.m. Arrive at NF Umatilla Trailhead

  3:35 p.m. Unload gear and begin hiking up trail, tools will already be up at work site

  5:30 p.m. Arrive at “Boy Scout Camp” and setup camp

  6:00 p.m. Take a look at project and collaborate on plan and tactics 

  6:30 p.m. Dinner, Campfire

  Monday & Tuesday

  7:30 a.m. Wake up, Breakfast

  8:30 a.m. Stretch and safety talk

  9:00 a.m. Let the work begin

  12:00 p.m. Break for Lunch

  1:00 p.m. Back at it

  3:30 p.m. Shut down work for the day

  5:30 p.m. Arrive at “Boy Scout Camp” and setup camp

  6:00 p.m. Take a look at project and collaborate on plan and tactics 

  6:30 p.m. Dinner, Campfire

  Wednesday

  7:00 a.m. Wake up, Breakfast

  8:00 a.m. Stretch and safety talk

  8:30 a.m. Wrap up project

  10:00 a.m. Pack up and clean up camp

  10:30 a.m. Begin Hike out

  12:30 p.m. Lunch waiting for us at trailhead

  1:30 p.m. Load up and drive back to Walla Walla

  3:00 p.m. Arrive at USFS Ranger District Office

• 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:

  ✅ Multi day backpack

  ✅ Tent

  ✅ Sleeping bag

  ✅ Sleeping pad

  ✅ Food and food prep for 3 dinners, 3 breakfasts and 2 lunches

  ✅ 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.

• Trip notes:

  ⚠️ 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’

• Contact information:

  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.