Overview
Lots of hard work done - and more trail building to do! The Blues Crew has made a great start in repairing the 2020 flood-damaged North Fork Umatilla River Trail #3083 to restore wilderness access - and we’re now far enough up trail to establish a camping spot near Coyote Creek and ask folks to backpack in and camp near the work. Since the work site is 3+ miles up trail, this next section will take hardy souls to hike in as day-trippers, or backpackers willing to bring in their own food and gear. So, Monday - Thursday, June 14, 15, 16, and 17 we’ll be working on the section above Coyote Creek. After June 17th we’ll decide how much more work is needed to fully reopen this trail and schedule more work as needed.
Good news is that we have some limited mule support - so our spike camp will include a water filter and abundant water storage, a shade/rain tarp, and dish-washing setup, plus a table for your stove. And the mules will pack in the heavy tread tools and saws!
The work site is accessed via FS Road 32 which is currently closed to public access. Registered Blues Crew volunteers can also elect to camp at the Umatilla Forks Campground which is currently closed for general use. No group meal service is planned. Pit toilets are available at the campground. Cell service is not available in the North Fork Umatilla River Canyon.
Volunteers commuting from Walla Walla to the work site will meet at the USFS Walla Walla Ranger District office at 1415 West Rose Street at 07:45 to carpool or caravan. Volunteers traveling from other communities should make arrangements with the project leader to meet near the Corporation Guard Station where Road 32 is closed to public access.
Check out these trails here:
North Fork Umatilla River Trail #3083: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7056120/north-fork-umatilla-river-trail-3083
PLEASE NOTE** This work will be done in/near the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness, wilderness restrictions may apply. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5428929
We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary.
COVID precautions require that volunteers self-certify on the day of the event that they are well, provide and wear a face mask during the group safety briefing if unvaccinated, provide their own transportation to and from the work site, and follow other health and safety practices as outlined during the pre-event safety briefing. Carpooling may be an option following CDC &/or USFS guidelines.
Work to accomplish
Sawyers will clear downfall using crosscut saws
Major treadwork and rebuilding of washed-out trails
Water diversion and management
Brushing and clearing trails
Note
Pets are not to accompany volunteers on a Blues Crew work party due to work safety concerns.
Volunteers should bring water-shoes/sandals for crossing Coyote Creek which is running high with spring runoff.
Planning Information - Get ready for a great day outside!
Exertion Level: Moderate to strenuous
Schedule:
07:45 am – Meet at USFS parking lot on Rose Street in Walla Walla for initial orientation and paperwork. Wearing a mask will be required.
8:00 am – Depart for Umatilla Forks/Corporation Trailhead
9:15 am – Arrive Trailhead. Safety briefing, tool distribution and team assignments.
Noon – Bring your own lunch
3:30 pm – Work complete. Refreshments. Debrief. Return to Walla Walla
What to wear: You cannot participate if you do not dress appropriately
Boots – no sneakers or sandals
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirt
Gloves
Eye protection (glasses, sun glasses)
Gaiters (recommended)
Ticks can be present: DEET or Picaridin for self, permethrin for clothes
A hard hat will be provided by BMLT. For safety reasons, shorts and sneakers are not allowed.
What to bring:
A cloth face mask to wear if indicated
Lunch and snacks
Water bottle(s) - it is recommended that volunteers carry 2 liters of water if temperatures exceed 80 degrees.
Water shoes/sandals for creek crossing
Rain jacket and pants
A pack to carry your personal gear
A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!
Firearms and weapons are not allowed.
Blues Crew Supplied:
Safety gear
First aid kit
Hard hat
Tools
Blues Crew Lead(s): There will be 2-3 Trail Crew Leaders each day.
What it Takes to Do This Work Party:
No experience is necessary—just bring a great attitude for working with a team! Blues Crew leadership will provide training and tools as needed.
Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 7 hours on uneven terrain.
Recommended for ages 18 and older due to COVID precautions.