Service Project - Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF
詳細
*** RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP***
This project is the second of two consecutive weeks in Washington state. The first week is at Olympic National Park. You are welcome to do one or both.
We will be based at Swift Creek Campground, in overflow space reserved for our group. No hookups, and no charge for camping on days off.
Swift Creek Campground is tucked into a mixed-conifer forest at the edge of Baker Lake, halfway up the lake's eastern shore. On a clear day, Mt. Baker dominates the skyline — a perpetually snow-capped active volcano rising to 10,781 feet, mantled with glaciers.
GPS coordinates:
- 48.72855° N
- −121.65745° W
The campground has a small beach, a boat ramp, a 20-slip dock, potable water, and vault toilets. Swimming, kayaking, fishing, and hiking are all steps from your tent.
Wildlife in the area includes black bears, mountain goats, and bald eagles — and August is prime time for the Baker Lake sockeye salmon run, one of the most spectacular in the North Cascades. On days off, North Cascades National Park is within easy reach.
The work will be a combination of basic carpentry, trail brushing, and trail tread work — rebuilding multiple trails, bridges, and boardwalks, many of which run along the Baker Lake Trail on the eastern shore of the lake. There are photos attached illustrating the type of rehabilitation that is needed.
We will have to ride in Jon Boats to get to our worksite. No Lifeguard on Duty.
In 1843 a small eruption of Mt. Baker caused a forest fire, and you can still see the burned snags of virgin cedar trees that once dominated the area.
A small number of participants will need to be comfortable operating a Jon boat. Anyone operating or riding in the Jon boat will be required to wear a personal flotation device at all times. Washington state law.
Dinner Duty
We keep dinner simple: every team cooks one night only. The cooking team brings and prepares dinner, handles dish patrol, and washes the pots and pans — then enjoys the other evenings free.
Geologist's hammers are the one tool I ask everyone to bring. They are endlessly useful.
No experience necessary for most tasks. If you have carpentry skills, please mention them when you RSVP.
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To Sign Up
- RSVP on Meetup — The event may show as full, but sign up anyway! There is usually plenty of turnover.
- Wait for approval from Trip Leaders, who may reach out for more details. Volunteering in a rugged wilderness area takes real preparation, and we want to make sure this trip is the right fit for you.
- Send your contact info — name, cell number, and email address — to [stanpeyton@gmail.com](mailto:stanpeyton@gmail.com).
- Complete the Medical Form at https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021 and email it to [stanpeyton@gmail.com](mailto:stanpeyton@gmail.com), or mail it to the address below.
- Read the Participation Agreement and complete Page 1 at https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020, then email or mail it as well.
- Mail forms to: Stan Peyton 8408 Hanbridge Lane Austin, TX 78736
⚠️ Important: Paperwork must be received within ten days of signing up, or you will be removed from the trip. Please only sign up if you are serious about attending.
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What to Bring
Camping Essentials
- Tent and sleeping gear
- Sleeping pad or kneeling pad
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Earplugs
Food & Kitchen
- All breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for the trip
- Dinner ingredients for the night your team cooks
- Plate, bowl, and silverware
- Dish towel
- Containers for leftovers
- Water bottle
Work Gear
- Work gloves
- Long pants
- Hat
- Geologist's hammer (yes, really!)
- Trail tools, if you already own them
Health & Safety
- Personal prescriptions and first aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Tweezers