June 21-23
Oakridge, OR
Willamette National Forest
For our stewardship commitment in the Willamette Tier, we return to iconic Bunchgrass Ridge. Sunny meadows, giant stands of old growth forest, and lots of hard work await us there.
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Bunchgrass Ridge trail follows an inspiring and majestic series of high ridges descending from the summit of Mt. Fuji all the way to the city limits of Oakridge. It's a hard ride in that direction even with the stunning elevation loss, and because of its remoteness and difficulty often does not receive the level of maintenance it deserves. Read about last year's Bunchgrass Stewardship Campout here.
NO TRAILWORK 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 Backcountry Builder Course on April 27-28.
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 21st
Trail work: 9am - 5pm
Group meal: 6pm
Saturday, June 22nd
Trail work: 9am - 5pm
Group meal: 6pm
Sunday, June 23rd
Trail work: 9am - 11:30am
Group ride: 12:30pm - 3:30pm
GETTING THERE - Our parking/staging area will be near near the top of Little Bunchgrass. From 58 and the stop light in Oakridge at Ray’s & the Mercantile, turn to go across the bridge into 1st St (main street in Oakridge where the Brewers Union and other businesses are located) and stay on that until it turns into Salmon Creek Road. Continue past Salmon Creek Falls campground. Shortly after you pass the campground, turn right onto NF-2408. Continue to stay on NF-2408 for 10 miles. You should soon see other vehicles parked on the roadside. Driving directions from Oakridge are here. There is no cell service so please carry paper maps with you or download directions prior to leaving town.
LOGISTICS - We're camping high in the Oregon Cascades in early summer. Weather will may be hot during the day or it may be cold and raining. Mosquitos are an almost guarantee. There is no guarantee of cell service. There is no potable water other than what we bring.
The Oregon Timber Trail Alliance and our partners will be supplying us with coffee and beer. Nearest fuel and services are 30 minutes away in Oakridge, 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 your own plate/bowl/silverware and other meals and lunches each day.
YOU SHOULD BRING - Tent, sleeping bag, pad, extra toilet paper, lots of water, cooking gear, and lunches. 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. If you have a saw helmet with mesh face shield, please bring it as they can come in very handy when brushing. Bring a pack, with water, snacks, mosquito repellent, 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. We will be camping approximately 3 miles away from the work zone and need to transport tools along the trail. 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 and shade is hard to come by on the ridge top. Manage your body temp by taking frequent 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 the days prior 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 Willamette National Forest a huge thanks goes out to everyone lending a hand at this stewardship event.