Volunteer
The Pacific Northwest Trail connects people and communities from the Pacific Ocean to the Rocky Mountains. Volunteers like you make lasting contributions to the enhancement of America’s newest National Scenic Trail. Just one day of service at a volunteer trail work party can make a big difference and is a fun way to give back to the trails we love!
What is a PNTA volunteer work party?
Our volunteer trail work parties are trail maintenance and construction projects on the Pacific Northwest Trail system. Whether you have only a few hours to contribute or you would like join us for a few days in the backcountry, we offer many ways to get involved. We currently host volunteer trail work parties in six regions along the PNT, the Olympic Peninsula, Puget Sound, North Cascades, Pasayten Wilderness, Okanogan and Northeast Washington. Visit our events calendar to find an event near you.
Trail Work Parties
Trail work parties offer something for nearly anyone who is interested in trail stewardship. Many are ideal for beginning volunteers who are looking to help out for a few days or only a few hours. Many projects are in frontcountry work sites and provide opportunities to camp out on the trail or in frontcountry campgrounds nearby.
Backcountry Trips
These overnight trail work parties provide opportunities for backcountry camping on the trail for one or more nights. Volunteers will need backpacking skills and equipment, and be able to hike long distances to help us service hard-to-reach parts of the trail in more remote backcountry areas.
Drop-in Work Parties
Drop-in work parties give experienced volunteers an opportunity to work alongside PNTA Performance Trail Crews on intermediate or difficult projects. These work parties are usually time-flexible for volunteers, who can arrange to join our crews for the day, or for a multi-day adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Experience Needed?
For most trail work parties, no experience is necessary. PNTA crew leaders provide all of the training needed to work safely and to have fun. We also provide all of the tools and personal protective equipment needed. Review our list of work parties to find a project that will work best for you.
What Gets Done?
- Brush Out: Pruning back brushy plants and shrubs from the trail
- Tread Work: Preserving the surface of the trail so that it drains well
- Log Out: Cutting and removing trees that have fallen across the trail
- Construction: Building rock walls, kiosks, steps and boardwalks
- Conservation: Revegetating damaged areas, pulling invasive weeds
