Overview
The Monument Rock Wilderness is located on the eastern edge of the Malheur National Forest and is shared with the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. It is an interesting landscape, and the primary trail maintained by the Malheur National Forest is the Little Malheur Trail. The north-south portion is 7.3 miles long, and the east-west portion is another 2.5 miles that was once an old road bed. Fires devastated the area around 2002, then again in 2012.
This trail has not been maintained in many years and downed logs and ceanothus shrub growth have nearly erased portions of the trail. There are also drainage crossing/bridge needs, old barbed wire segments warranting removal, missing trailhead signs, and other issues. This multi-day work party will begin salvaging this trail.
The northern trailhead has a small campground nearby (Elk Flat Spring) with a pit toilet, a few tables, and a few fire rings. It is not a maintained developed recreation site, but it is popular with hunters in the fall. Starting from this end will require trail scraping, brushing, and log cutting. The south end has a few dispersed campsites in the vicinity of the trailhead, but no developed camping amenities. This section has less trees and brush, but will require some barbed wire removal, improvement of a log bridge, improvement of the parking area, and basic tread maintenance.
We will be celebrating National Public Lands Day on Saturday September 26th.
Work to accomplish
Begin salvaging old trail
Tread work
Log cutting
Brushing
Bridge and parking lot improvement
Notes
This is a multi-day work party. We will be camping at an undeveloped dispersed location. A pit toilet is available. Bring tent, sleeping gear, clothing and food for the weekend. Because this area has been burned multiple times over there is little shade, but there should be water available in the area.
Pets are not to accompany volunteers on a Blues Crew work party due to work safety concerns.
Planning Information
Exertion Level: Moderate.
Schedule: NOTE: This is a multi-day trip and work party. For those coming from the Walla Walla area, plan to carpool as noted below. For those coming from the John Day area, meet at the campground at 8 AM each day. Additional details will be emailed the week prior to the event.
Friday, September 25
Walla Walla crew:
Noon – Meet at USFS parking lot on Rose Street in Walla Walla
12:15 pm – Depart for John Day, Oregon
4:00 pm – Arrive at Campground
- Set up camp
- Connect with local teams
John Day crew:
3:30 pm carpool – meet in front of the Madden Building at 116 NW Bridge Street
4:15 pm – arrive at Campground
If you plan to drive yourself, meet at the Campground any time after 4 pm
Saturday, September 26
9:00 am - 3:00 pm Work party activities
5 pm – 7 pm – Evening activities National Public Lands Day
Sunday, September 27
9:00 am - 3:00 pm Work party activities
5 pm – 7 pm – Evening activities
Monday, September 28
9:00 am - 12:00 pm Work party activities
Walla Walla crew:
12:00 noon – Lunch then depart for Walla Walla
4:00 pm – Arrive Walla Walla
What to wear: You cannot participate if you do not dress appropriately
A cloth face mask must be worn whenever physical distancing is not possible
Boots – no sneakers or sandals
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirt
Gloves
Eye protection (glasses, sun glasses)
Ticks can be present - bring DEET for self and Permethrin for clothes
A hard hat will be provided by BMLT. For safety reasons, shorts and sneakers are not allowed.
What to bring:
Tent
Food for the multi-day event
Light weight pack
Pillow and sleeping bag
Water bottle
Rain jacket and pants
Extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather
Personal necessities (toothbrush, towel, medications)
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
USFS Supplied:
Tools
Blues Crew Lead: Greg Brown, 509-386-7864
USFS Leads: Kevin Green, Jared Bowman
What it Takes to Do This Work Party:
No experience is necessary—just bring a great attitude for working with a team! Blues Crew leaders and USFS staff will provide training and tools as needed.
Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours each day on uneven terrain.
Adults 18 years and older only may attend this work party.
