VOC trips are organized by members like yourself, not professional guides. The trips go into wilderness areas where assistance is unavailable and unexpected events can occur. You could be seriously injured or die. You are responsible for your own actions. Please use caution.
[WORKHIKE] Harrison Trail Restoration · Fri. May. 30th, 2025 - Tue. Jun. 3rd, 2025
Warning: This is an old trip - it already happened
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Start: Friday, May. 30th, 5:00 am
End: Tuesday, Jun. 3rd, 11:00 pm
Pre-trip meeting: Wednesday, May. 28th, 5:00 pm
Pre-trip meeting location: Clubroom
Description:
Help restore a legendary VOC trail!
Our goal on this workhike is to begin restoring the Harrison Hut Trail. This trail was built on the territory of Lil'wat Nation by VOCers between 2007 and 2014 through much sweat and ingenuity. Recently, it has fallen into disrepair as the area has been off-limits due to logging. Now it's time to restore the trail. Our work will allow generations of future VOCers to continue enjoying Julian Harrison Hut. (We will probably not actually go to Harrison Hut on this trip.)
There is lots of work to be done so we will stay in the area for four nights. The plan is to go up early in the morning on May 30 and come back June 3. If the weather looks really bad we could delay slightly—that decision would be made at the pre-trip meeting. It is not possible for individual cars to arrive late or leave early as our permit requires us to travel in convoy.
The pre-trip meeting will be Wednesday, May 28 at 5 pm in the VOC Clubroom (in the Nest). At the meeting, we'll discuss who's going, trip logistics, and the work to be done.
We will be camping in tents at various spots on the road and/or trail. Previous backcountry camping experience is not required. We will provide centrally-planned shared meals on this trip, but you can also bring your own food if you prefer. More details about the meals will be provided at the pre-trip meeting.
There is a risk of landslides along the road that increases after heavy rain. We'll keep an eye on the forecast and cancel the trip if lots of precipitation is expected. There is also a significant population of grizzlies living in the area, so we'll practice bear awareness and safety.
If you have any questions about anything, feel free email or text me! You can find my contact info by clicking my name at the top of this page.
Map: [CalTopo] Weather: [MeteoBlue] VOC trailbuilding guide: [Wiki]
PC: Joseph Chiao
Work to be done
- Use brush saw to clear alder that's blocking the road, so future workhikes can drive to the trailhead.
- Decide on the optimal trail route (where it's not already evident). Put up lots of flagging so the chosen route is very obvious.
- Use pruners to trim branches blocking the trail.
- Use a chainsaw to cut logs blocking the trail.
- In wet areas, place logs or sticks to step on.
- Use a shovel to cut small steps in steep cutblocks.
- Flag and note GPS coordinates for locations requiring more difficult chainsaw work or brush removal.
We will not do brush-clearing on this trip out of concern for bird nesting. We will flag and note GPS coordinates for locations requiring bursh-clearing so that we can do it on a future workhike after the nesting season is done.
Helpful skills
We will be especially glad to have you if you know how to use a chainsaw, or have experience with any of the tasks above! With that said, no prior skills are necessary.
Requirements for drivers
4WD vehicles are preferred but not absolutely essential. Evos will not work though.
The VOC will pay for gas provided you follow this system:
- Fill up with gas the night before the trip. Keep the receipt.
- Fill up with gas as soon as you get back from the trip. Keep the receipt.
- Email scans of both receipts to the VOC Treasurer and tell them what email/phone you use for e-transfer.
The VOC does not pay for flat tires, accidental damage, car washes, etc.
Gear
Some items, marked with a *, can be borrowed from the VOC during gear hours in exchange for a cash deposit
Everyone should bring:
backcountry travel gear...
- proper backpack*
- headlamp + extra batteries (we will use our headlamps a lot, so maybe bring extra extra batteries)
- sun glasses
- whistle (many backpacks have one built in to the chest clip)
clothing... don't wear cotton!
- sturdy waterproof hiking boots*
- long underwear (top and bottom) - will keep you warm at night
- warm jacket (fleece or puffy)
- waterproof jacket
- waterproof pants
- toque (hat)
- gloves
- non-cotton shirt
- non-cotton pants
- non-cotton hiking socks
- something to keep your neck warm: balaclava / buff / neck tube
for eating and drinking...
- 2L (at least) water
- eating utensils and bowl
sleeping...
- sleeping bag (≈ -5 °C)
- sleeping pad*
hygiene...
- toilet paper
- toothbrush and toothpaste
Optional gear that might make you happy:
- water treatment tablets or filter
- work gloves (if you don't bring your own, you can borrow the group's gloves)
- extra snacks (to complement the food that will be provided)
- meals (if you don't want to join the shared food)
- gaiters*
- pocket knife
- lip balm
- hand warmers
- fleece pants
- additional warm clothing
- backup flashlight (in case your headlamp goes AWOL)
We will need some people to bring this stuff—bring it if you have it:
- backpacking tent
- stove with fuel (preferrably we will use white gas stoves)
- huge pot for cooking shared meals
- lighter or waterproof matches
- satellite communication device (InReach)
- first aid kit
- camp soap (preferrably biodegradable)
Final reminder
I am not a guide, certified or otherwise, and neither is anyone else on the trip. Everyone is ultimately responsible for themself and their own safety.
Posted: 2025-03-18 12:25:43
Last modified: 2025-05-27 17:58:56