Photo: Leslie Kehmeier
July 6-8, 2018
Olallie Lake, OR
Mount Hood National Forest
This event is the fourth of our Stewardship Campouts in 2018. Expect to work hard in a stunning landscape, drink good beer and coffee, jump in cold lakes, and ride through some amazing backcountry forests and alpine meadows.
REGISTRATION CLOSED, SORRY!
The Olallie Lakes area is off the Cascading Rivers scenic bikeway nestled near Mount Jefferson. It's peppered with small lakes and mountain views, and also a network of trails that hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians all share. The fragile sub-alpine soils and high-use have degraded the trails in certain areas and we aim to rehabilitate the trails so they are more enjoyable by everyone. Work hard, jump in any number of lakes to cool off, and ride some trails that few have ridden.
Updates to this page will be posted on May 1, June 1st, and July 1st. Those of you on the sign-up list will also receive an email detailing specifics of the work event.
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, July 6th
Trail work: 9am - 5pm
Group meal: 6pm
Saturday, July 7th
Trail work: 9am - 5pm
Group meal: 6pm
Sunday, July 8th
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 2.5 hour drive from Portland. We will be camped at the Olallie Lake Guard Station. Driving directions are here.
LOGISTICS - We're camping high in Oregon cascades in early summer. Weather will likely be hot and mosquitos an almost 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 1.5 hours away in Detroit, 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 - Expect temperatures to be very hot. Manage your body temp by taking frequent shade breaks, hydrating, and keeping your skin covered. A shirt or bandana soaked in water does wonders.
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 Mount Hood 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: Gabriel Amadeus