Join the BMLT Blues Crew for a trail work party on North Fork Umatilla River Trail #3083!

Get ready for an outdoor adventure that combines nature, trail stewardship, and the joy of giving back! The BMLT Blues Crew partners with the Umatilla National Forest to open up many of our favorite trails, including the North Fork Umatilla River Trail.

The trail runs along the North Fork of the Umatilla River for about 5 miles where it joins Coyote Ridge Trail. It is very scenic, with areas of moderately dense forest as well as more exposed areas, steep side slopes, and rocky outcrops. During this work party, volunteers will focus on brushing and repairing the tread after the winter season. Blues Crew Sawyers have already removed logs from across the trail up to the Coyote Creek bridge.

Be a part of this exciting volunteer opportunity! We’ll have fun, work hard, and make a difference! No experience is necessary. Cell service is not consistently available along the North Fork of the Umatilla River, please plan accordingly. 

Check out more information about the trail.

Questions? Get in touch with us at bmlt@bmlt.org.

Trip Details:

• Volunteer work to accomplish:

  🌲 Brushing

  🌲 Tread work

• 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.

  • Recommended for ages 16 and older

• Meeting location:

  Volunteers from outside Walla Walla may choose to meet directly at the Trailhead of Trail #3083.  

  Walla Walla area volunteers: Meet at USFS Umatilla Walla Walla Ranger District office on Rose Street in Walla Walla at 7:30 am. We will carpool/caravan from there. 

  If you are 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:  

  Saturday, May 23

  7:30 am: Meet at USFS Umatilla Walla Walla Ranger District office on Rose Street, Walla Walla. We will carpool/caravan from there.

  7:45 am: Depart for North Fork of the Umatilla River Trailhead.

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

  10:00 am: Begin trail work.

  12:00 pm: Lunch - bring your own

  12:45 pm: Back to work!

  3:30 pm: Debrief, beverages, return tools

  5:30 pm: Return home

• What to wear:

  ✅ Boots – no sneakers or sandals during work hours

  ✅ Long pants and long-sleeved shirt

  ✅ Rain gear / layers for warmth

  ✅ Work gloves and eye protection (glasses, sunglasses)

  ✅ Ticks can be present: bring DEET for self, Permethrin for clothes

  ✅ Gaiters can be very useful.

  *** BMLT Blues Crew Supplied: Safety gear, first aid kit, hard hat, tools

• What to bring:

  ✅  Small day pack

  ✅ Extra clothes or warm clothing for wet/cold weather

  ✅ Lunch

  ✅ Snacks

  ✅ Water bottle - we suggest 64 ounces of water

  ✅ 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 bmlt@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 bmlt@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136.

Presented in partnership with United States Forest Service.