WTA host trail work party at Mitchell Peak - Oct. 9,10,11

[Ryan Ojerio]

Hi Hikers,

Washington Trails Association (WTA) is partnering with the CASEE Center for Agriculture, Science and Environmental Education to restore a section of the Mitchell Peak Trail. Students will be working there Friday and Saturday and I'm hoping to recruit folks from the public to join in for one or more of those days. Plus our leader is available to host volunteers who are available to work Sunday.

Althought the northern (shorter) access to Mitchell Peak remains closed we will be able to drive in that way and car camp near the saddle just east of Mount Mitchell. Our goal is to brush out the trail so that people can find it again between Black Hole Falls and the summit. The southern hike along the North Siouxon Creek will remain the only way the public can access the trail - but at least it will be maintained.

Hello Eryn,

could you post this link on the DNR website? We're hosting a 3 day trail work party in partnership with the CASEE school from Battle Ground. The students plan to work on Friday and Saturday, I've left Sunday on as an option for anyone from the public who would like to make a weekend out of it.

Here is the link for info and to RSVP

http://bit.ly/1IYkkVd

Note that you can join for one, two or three days. We hope you'll consider car camping on the logging landing with us on Saturday and staying Sunday too!

- Thanks, Ryan

[Eric Peterson]

Wondering how the WTA worked out a deal to be able to drive through that closed gate and car camp?

I guess that news is somewhat encouraging...

[Ryan Ojerio]

Yes, we got permission from the powers that be up in DNR HQ. Since they have administrative privileges, we can access the trail for trail work. (we had originally planned to backpack in the long way.) Unfortunately, I haven't heard of any change in heart on the part of the land owner to provide access through the norther TH.

This work party will really only benefit the hard souls who take the much longer route up the North Siouxon Creek; but I've heard reports of people doing that and finding the trail nearly lost in some sections between Black Hole Falls and Mitchell Peak.

[Eric Peterson]

Ryan, this is great news!

Although I've not hiked anything on that trail system, I'd sure like to someday and having it brushed out is all the more incentive to get in there!

Thanks much to all who are helping out on this project!

[miah66]

Ryan, this is great news!

Although I've not hiked anything on that trail system, I'd sure like to someday and having it brushed out is all the more incentive to get in there!

Thanks much to all who are helping out on this project!

EP, I think an exploratory adventure is definitely called for post-brush. Whaddya say?

[miah66]

Ryan, just curious, how will those that want to meet up with the work party later in the weekend access the property?

[Ryan Ojerio]

We would coordinate a rendezvous to have them escorted in by the crew leader or DNR staff