National Trails Day - Portage Pass

Volunteers should plan on arriving to the entrance to the Whittier tunnel slightly before 8:30am, in order to make the 8:30 tunnel. Once on the other side of the tunnel we will meet at the Portage Pass Trailhead for a safety briefing, tool usage, outline of the project, and signing of relevant forms. From there we’ll start hiking up the trail, working as we go. Primary tread work includes removing rocks from the trail, re-shaping and potentially installing new drains, and perhaps installing several rock check steps on the south side of the pass. Brushing will involve loppers and small saws, knocking the alders and small vegetation back. We’ll plan to meet back at the trailhead at 3:30pm for a debrief and tool collection, which will give us ample time to make the 4:00pm tunnel back to Portage.

What to bring: Rain gear, sturdy work/hiking boots, snacks, water, sunscreen, long work pants, and work gloves and safety glasses if you have them (if you don't have gloves/safety glasses they will be provided for the day). 

What NOT to bring: Alcohol, drugs, children, pets, and firearms.

Notes: Portage Pass Trail is an easy to moderate hiking trail, but it does rise 600 feet or so to the pass (about 1 mile). Conditions could well be rainy and mud will likely be present on the trail. No experience is necessary, but volunteers should have a minimum ability to hike and work for about 7 hours during potentially inclement conditions. Volunteers under the age of 18 will need parental consent on an individual volunteer form.