Volunteer Vacations
Give us a week. We'll make it great.

Looking for a fun and challenging vacation? Every summer WTA hosts several week-long work parties called Volunteer Vacations. Volunteers from all over the country join with WTA for a week of volunteer trail maintenance in premiere backcountry locations throughout Washington State. For only $150 ($125 for WTA members) we will provide you with a week of fine cooking, fun folks and fantastic entertainment. Most likely you'll have such a great time that you'll want to join us for another trip later in the season. If you do, we'll give you an even better deal - only $75 for your second and any subsequent trips after that.

Trips range from easy car camps to strenuous backpacks in to remote locations. We do our best to provide trips that accommodate all types of abilities. If you can't tell from the trip descriptions below, call the office and we'll help get you set up with the best trip that makes the most sense for you.

Note: You must be 18 years old or older to join one of our Volunteer Vacations. We also have a schedule of Volunteer Vacations for Youth.

More questions? More answers at Volunteer Vacation FAQs

Week
Difficulty*
Location
(click to learn more or signup)
Spaces
Left
Mar 27-Apr 03 Hoh Rainforest Trail  
Car camp  Olympic National ParkFull
Apr 17-Apr 24 Chelan Lakeshore Trail at Moore Point  
Car camp  Chelan Ranger District2
Apr 24-May 01 Chelan Lakeshore Trail at Moore Point  
Car camp  Chelan Ranger DistrictFull
May 08-May 15 Chelan Lakeshore Trail at Prince Creek  
Easy  Chelan Ranger District2
May 22-May 29 Cape Disappointment  
Car camp  North Head Trail- Cape Disappointment State ParkFull
May 29-Jun 05 Carbon River  
Easy  Rainier National Park1
Jun 05-Jun 12 Carbon River  
Easy  Rainier National Park8
Jun 05-Jun 12 Sawtooth Ridge Trails Logout  
Car camp  Methow Valley Ranger DistrictFull
Jun 12-Jun 19 Sawtooth Ridge Trails  
Car camp  Methow Valley Ranger District3
Jun 12-Jun 19 Mill Butte Trail - Little Pend Oreille  
Car camp  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service7
Jun 26-Jul 03 Holden Village  
Car camp  Chelan Ranger DistrictFull
Jul 03-Jul 10 Teanaway area Logout  
Car camp  Cle Elum Ranger DistrictFull
Jul 10-Jul 17 Eightmile Lake Trail  
Moderate  Wenatchee River Ranger District2
Jul 10-Jul 17 Trails around Holden Lake  
Difficult  Chelan Ranger District3
Jul 17-Jul 24 Glacier Basin Trail at Mount Rainier  
Car camp  Mount Rainier National Park2
Jul 17-Jul 24 PCT at Josephine Lake  
Moderate  Leavenworth Ranger District5
Jul 24-Jul 31 Buck Creek  
Difficult  Wenatchee River Ranger District8
Jul 31-Aug 07 South Fork Skokomish Trail  
Easy  Hood Canal Ranger District3
Aug 07-Aug 14 Salmo-Priest Loop Trail  
Moderate  Sullivan Lake District9
Aug 07-Aug 14 Boundary Trail Logout  
Strenuous  Methow Valley Ranger DistrictFull
Aug 14-Aug 21 Short Horn Trail  
Moderate  Mt Adams Ranger DistrictFull
Aug 21-Aug 28 Vanson Ridge Trails  
Difficult  Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument8
Aug 21-Aug 28 Icicle Ridge Trail  
Strenuous  Wenatchee River Ranger District8
Aug 28-Sep 04 Icicle Ridge Trail  
Strenuous  Wenatchee River Ranger District10
Aug 28-Sep 04 East Crater Trail  
Easy  Mt Adams Ranger District1
Sep 04-Sep 11 Mazama Camp  
Moderate  Mount Baker Ranger District7
Sep 04-Sep 11 Billy Goat Trail  
Moderate  Methow Valley Ranger District5
Sep 11-Sep 18 Thorp Lake Trail  
Moderate  Cle Elum Ranger District9
Sep 18-Sep 25 Pete Lake  
Moderate  Cle Elum Ranger District7

What's the catch? Well, we do a little trail work during the day. We might be rebuilding some tread, installing drainage structures, brushing and lopping or logging-out with a two-man crosscut saw. In the morning and in the evening we take turns doing in-camp chores like helping the cook, washing dishes and pumping water. But there will be plenty of time left over to sleep, eat and relax – and all those other "vacationy"-type things. Our menu can accommodate most hearty appetites and dietary needs.

Who looks after the details of the trip so you don't have to? WTA has hand-selected and trained skilled and fun Chief Crew Leaders to guide your group into the backcountry and provide direction on your projects. You will be in good hands, and good humor, with Steve and Tim. You will also most likely have one or two (or several) trained WTA Assistant Crew Leaders with you on your trips.

*Our Difficulty Rating System
  Car camp – We will stay at a campsite close to the trail head.
  Easy – A 1-3 mile hike to camp with little elevation gain.
  Moderate – A 3-5 mile hike to camp with 500-1,000 feet elevation gain.
  Difficult – A 5-8 mile hike to camp with 1,000-2,000 feet elevation gain.
  Strenuous – A 4+ mile hike to camp with 2,000+ elevation gain.

In one amazing week
experience ...

Fresh air

Fine dining

Great Views

Exercise

New Friends

Team Work

... and entertainment