Join the BMLT Blues Crew for a mule-supported multi-day trail work party in the amazing North Fork John Day Wilderness - River Trail #3022.

If you love wilderness where you hardly see a soul and backpack-style camping suits you, this is the work party for you! BMLT Blues Crew returns to the North Fork John Day Wilderness to help improve the trails.

Ukiah Ranger District Trail Lead Tyler Hancock will be directing BMLT Blues Crew volunteers in the construction of a short section (~15 feet) of turnpike in a muddy, marshy portion of the trail. Work will include digging drainage features, installing wood features of the turnpike, and working with packers/using local material for filling the turnpike. In addition, there are long sections of trail needing major brushing, and other small drainage features to be installed on parts of trail near the campsite.

Attendance is limited by wilderness rules to only 12 individuals. Participants must be able to hike 3.5 miles to our remote campsite and carry a daypack including rain gear, lunch, water and hand tools. The stock team/equines will bring in minimalist camping gear, food, and heavy tools and supplies.

Trip Details:

• Volunteer work to accomplish:

  🌲 Construction of a short section (15 feet) of turnpike in a muddy, marshy portion of the trail.

  🌲 Digging drainage features, installing wood features of
  turnpike, and working with packers/using local material for filing turnpike.

  🌲 Installation of small drainage features.

• What it takes to do this work party:

  • Tolerance for hard work and backcountry conditions.

  • Backpacking camping gear and attire; water filtration is required.

  • No specific trail work experience is necessary—bring a great attitude for working with a team!

  • USFS partners will provide training and tools as needed

  • Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 8 hours

  • Recommended for ages 18 and older

• Trip notes:

  ⚠️ There could be a shared meal option if participants choose to join together to share menus and supplies, although no camp tender/cook is available for this trip.

  ⚠️ This is a 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.

• Meeting location:

  North Fork John Day Wilderness, North Fork John Day Campground. Distance from Walla Walla, 140 miles, approximately 2.5-hour drive. Volunteers will be responsible for transportation to North Fork John Day Campground on their own (carpool) then hike into the wilderness campsite. Pack string will carry in limited personal gear and food.

  The remote campsite will be about a 3.5-mile hike from the NFJD campground/trailhead. The site is near the river and close to the turnpike worksite. There is a stream crossing at about mile 1.5 that may be difficult in early summer so bring your water shoes!

• 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

  ✅ Warm clothing for wet/cold weather

  ✅ All meals and cooking equipment if not participating in group meals

  ✅ Snacks

  ✅ Sleeping Bag

  ✅ Tent

  ✅ Medications

  ✅ Personal care items such as toilet paper

• Contact information:

  At this time, no Blues Crew trip leaders are assigned. Question? Call Barbara Hetrick at (509) 301-1372 or e-mail Blues-Crew@bmlt.org

• Trip schedule:

  Schedule TBD. More information will be provided after registration.

Presented in partnership with the North Fork John Day Ranger District of the Umatilla National Forest, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.