Photo: Daniel Sharp
The lower-elevation sections of the Oregon Timber Trail on the Fremont National Recreation Trail (FNRT #160) are some of the earliest to open each year—and some of the most in need of attention. Winter storms, heavy downfall, and fast-growing ceanothus brush regularly choke the trail corridor, making travel difficult for riders, hikers, and equestrians. These conditions can leave long stretches nearly impassable and force detours that diminish the backcountry experience.
This event is the first of many Free the Fremont events, the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance’s multi-year effort to restore access, repair wildfire damage, and reopen the Fremont Tier for all non-motorized users. With limited federal funding and extensive deferred maintenance, volunteer labor is essential to this work.
That’s where you come in!
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 - Everyone is encouraged to arrive Thursday evening.
We will camp close to the worksite at a Fremont NF campground—exact details will follow.
Friday – Trail Work: 9am–4pm
Saturday – Trail Work: 9am–4pm
Sunday – Trail Work: 9am–4pm
Monday (Half Day) – Trail Work: 9am–12pm, then optional group ride
Join us for the whole weekend or whichever days you can. Bring your bike—after we wrap up Monday, we’ll celebrate with a group ride on the freshly cleared trail.
GETTING THERE - The lower Fremont Tier is remote yet accessible (it is the Frontier!):
~6.5 hours from Portland
~3.5 hours from Bend
Directions to camp and key trailhead locations will be sent prior to the event.
Fuel up in Lakeview, Paisley, LaPine, or Silver Lake before heading out—services are limited.
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 Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 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 - Tent, sleeping bag, pad, extra toilet paper, lots of water, dishes, and a camp chair. 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. 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.
THANK YOU
This stewardship weekend is an essential part of Free the Fremont, our long-term commitment to reopening and revitalizing one of Oregon’s most spectacular backcountry corridors. Together, we’ll improve access, protect public lands, and keep this remote landscape alive for the next generation of trail users.
This is going to be a fun event working, camping, and riding in the Timber Trail’s most intriguing tier. On behalf of the Oregon Timber Trail Alliance and the Fremont–Winema National Forest, thank you for being part of this important work. We can’t wait to see you out there.