Photo: Dylan VanWeelden
June 8-10
Little Cultus Lake
Deschutes National Forest
The Oregon Timber Trail Alliance has committed to maintaining a figure-8 loop of trails that connect the Cascade Lakes area outside of Bend to Waldo Lake and Fuji Mountain. Fast flowing trails through ponderosa forests and over ancient volcanic flows. Brisk dips in your choice of lakes and work clearing downed trees as well as repairing trail tread and water crossings.
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The Deschutes National Forest has many volunteer organizations working to maintain trails but trails on the outskirts tend to see a little less love. The Lemish Charlton Loop is one such area. The OTTA did extensive brushing last season and this season will continue that work as well as branch into more erosion control, treadwork, and water crossings.
NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED - That's right, we just need a smile, a pair of gloves, and a good attitude from you. Our goals for this 3-day event will be focused primarily on mitigating eroded trail tread and clearing undergrowth along trail edges. If you're interested in boosting your trail building skills check out our trails skills course on April 28-29.
SCHEDULE - We'll set up base camp on Thursday evening, and plan on beginning work after breakfast on Friday morning. Expect to put in a solid 8 hours of trail work on Friday and Saturday. Sunday will be a partial day—leaving some time for a group ride after an early lunch.
Friday, June 8th
Trail work: 9am - 5pm
Group meal: 6pm
Saturday, June 9th
Trail work: 9am - 5pm
Group meal: 6pm
Sunday, June 10th
Trail work: 9am - 11:30am
Group ride: 12:30pm - 3:30pm
GETTING THERE - The roads to base camp will be passable by all passenger vehicles. There is NO cell reception so carry paper maps. It's about a 4 hour drive from Portland. We will be camped near Little Cultus Lake and will update this post with more info on base camp location soon.
LOGISTICS - We're camping high in the Oregon cascades in late spring. Weather will may be hot during the day or it may be cold and raining. Mosquitos are almost a guarantee. There is no cell service. There is no potable water.
Our partners at Base Camp Brewing and Stumptown Coffee have generously supplied us with coffee and beer. Nearest fuel and services are 45mins away in Crescent, Oregon.
MEALS - The Oregon Timber Trail Alliance has committed to rewarding our hard working volunteers with breakfasts and dinners for most of the weekend. We will provide dinner on Friday and Saturday and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. You are responsible for other meals and lunches each day.
YOU SHOULD BRING - Tent, sleeping bag, pad, extra toilet paper, lots of water, cooking gear, food, and a camp chair. During the work day Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required to work on public lands; this includes a 6-point suspension helmet (some loaners provided), eye protection, gloves, long pants, long sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes/boots. Bring a pack, with water, snacks, mosquito repellant, and sunscreen each day as well. If you have a large pack or BOB trailer, consider bringing it as the trails are steep and rugged and getting tools to where they're needed will be a challenge. And don't forget your bike riding gear—we'll make sure there's some time to ride if you're not too exhausted at the end of the day.
WEATHER - Temperatures can be very hot during the day. Manage your body temp by taking frequent shade breaks, hydrating, and keeping your skin covered. A shirt or bandana soaked in water does wonders. Conditions could also be quite cold and wet. Keep an eye on the forecast and prepare accordingly.
This is going to be a fun event working, camping, and riding through some high-cascade trails. We're excited and grateful that you're spending a valuable summer weekend giving back to our public lands. On behalf of the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance and the Deschutes National Forest a huge thanks goes out to everyone lending a hand at this stewardship event.
A huge thanks to our partners for making this event possible:
Photo: Dylan VanWeelden