“Ever since I began to create this project in 1970, I have felt strongly that the Pacific Northwest Trail’s greatest asset is its people… in a vast project such as this, grassroots volunteers are absolutely crucial.”
Volunteer Trail Work Opportunities
Our volunteer work parties are trail maintenance and construction projects that let passionate volunteers get involved with the upkeep of the trail.
Volunteer trail stewards, from beginners to experts, work alongside PNTA crew leaders and help us make the most of the short season on the Pacific Northwest Trail.
Other Ways to Get Involved
There are many ways that you can show your love for the PNT that do not involve trail work. Volunteers also help out at PNTA events, photographers share their images, and others help the Association with fundraising, advocacy and administrative activities.
Volunteer at our next event
Help share the story of the PNT
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.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteer trail stewards, like you, share a passion for the Pacific Northwest Trail. Over the last four decades, this special pathway has changed and enriched many lives through meaningful service experiences and unforgettable Crown – to – Coast adventures. Our trail community makes it all possible.
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
How to Apply
Find a Volunteer Work Party
Search our events calendar for opportunities to work on the PNT.
Fill Out a Volunteer App
Sign up to get emails about upcoming events or to apply to volunteer.
Reserve Your Spot
Space may be limited, fill out a volunteer agreement and apply for a work party, today.
Have Questions?
Read our list of frequently asked questions or contact us.
Contact Us
Other Ways to Get Involved
Event Volunteers
There are many ways that anyone can help us make our next event a success! If you are a photographer, event planner, caterer or server, please fill out a volunteer form and we’ll contact you about opportunities that match your interests. If you have first-hand experience exploring the Pacific Northwest Trail, our trail community would love to hear about it. Please contact us about giving a presentation at our next event.
High quality photos donated by PNT users can help support our mission. Photo by 2015 thru-hiker, Alex Maier.
Creative Volunteers
Tap your creative skills to help us share stories from our trail community. Photographers can help us capture the fun at our next PNTA presentation or event. And those with first-hand experience on the trail can help tell tales from their adventures by submitting guest blog posts or by giving presentations at PNTA events.
Clerical Volunteers
If you have office or other professional skills, contact us about opportunities to help out at our Sedro-Woolley office. Digitizing historical documents or performing stewardship tasks could be great ways for you to get involved.
Photo Donors
Help us share the beauty and adventure found on the Pacific Northwest Trail. You can donate your high-quality photos to the PNTA at any time, and our photo release form allows photographers to specify Creative Commons licenses and attribution rights for their images.
PNTA Members
Traveling or working at a volunteer event isn’t practical for everyone in our trail community. For some, becoming a member is the most convenient way to get involved. Our members’ gifts help make our work possible by supporting volunteer events and other important programs at PNTA.
Contact Us