Photo: Daniel Sharp
The southernmost 50 miles of the Oregon Timber Trail are challenging. This high elevation route follows the crest of the Warner Mountains, climbing to 8200 feet at Crane Mountain. It’s a remote area where the trail doesn’t get much use, so following it can be difficult. Many dying trees have fallen over the trail, making sections nearly impassible and forcing riders to lift their bikes over hundreds of logs. This year the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance will partner with the Fremont-Winema National Forest to restore these 50 miles of trail. The Forest Service will fund two work parties as long as we contribute at least 720 hours of volunteer labor. That’s where you come in. OTTA volunteers will donate their muscle and skill to improve trails May 24-26 and again July 5-7.
NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED - All volunteers are welcome! We invite volunteers of all skill levels - especially chainsaw operators who have a B or C certification. We’ll teach you how to work safely as we remove logs and improve trail tread. We’ll provide all needed tools, except chainsaws. All chainsaw operators must have a current A, B, or C Forest Service certification.
SCHEDULE -We'll be based at the rustic Warner Canyon Ski Hill lodge starting Thursday evening. We’ll work Friday, Saturday, and the first half of Sunday. Bring your bike and stick around for the second half of Sunday for a group ride to try out the trail we just cleared. Come for any or all of the time. The Fremont Highlanders Ski Club is generously allowing us to use the ski lodge at no charge. One of their stipulations is: “No live animals will be allowed on the premises (Excluding service animals).”
Friday, May 24 - Trail work: 9am - 4pm
Saturday, May 25 - Trail work: 9am - 4pm
Sunday, May 26 - Trail work: 9am - 4pm, Finish up trail work/group ride
GETTING THERE - The ski lodge is 9 miles northeast of Lakeview just off Highway 140, a six-hour drive from Portland, and three hours from Bend.
LOGISTICS - May and June weather can vary greatly in the Warner Mountains. It could be cold and wet, or hot and dry. Most likely temperatures will be pleasant, with chilly mornings and warm afternoons. There should be no shortage of mosquitos. We suggest you fill your gas tank in Paisley or Lakeview before you arrive at camp. Tent spots for camping and parking spots to sleep in your rig will be available next to the lodge.
MEALS - Breakfasts and dinner on Friday and Saturday will be provided. Please bring what you need for lunch and snacks on the trail. Please bring your own reusable plate, bowl, silverware, and drinking vessel.
YOU SHOULD BRING - During the work day, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required to work on public lands; this includes a hard hat (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. Blister treatment is a great idea too. If you have an e-bike, consider bringing it as getting tools to where they're needed can 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 - Nighttime temperatures can be freezing and daytime temps can be hot with no shade or cold, windy, and wet with no shelter. Bring extra warm layers and outerwear just in case.
This is going to be a fun event working and riding in the Timber Trail’s most intriguing tier. 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 Fremont-Winema National Forest, a huge thanks goes out to everyone lending a hand at this stewardship event.