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Backpacking among Oregon's Glacial Lakes and Wild and Scenic Rivers, Eagle Cap Wilderness, OR

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ORGANIZATION: American Hiking Society

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Join American Hiking Society for a week of building & maintaining trails in exciting locations across the country. Volunteer Vacations foster public land stewardship and provide volunteers the opportunity to give back to the trails they love, meet new people, and have a great time doing it! Crews consist of 6-15 volunteers accompanied by a crew leader. Volunteer Vacations involve backpacking or day hiking and accommodations vary from primitive campsites to bunkhouses or cabins. Tools and supervision are provided by the host agency or organization. Experience nature up close. Travel to new destinations. Meet other outdoor enthusiasts. Take a vacation that nourishes your body & your spirit. Get Out. Give Back.

Project Specifics:

Join this popular backcountry backpacking project in the stunning Eagle Cap Wilderness!

The Eagle Cap Wilderness lies in the heart of the Wallowa Mountains in northeastern Oregon on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.

Volunteers on the 2025 Eagle Cap Wilderness Volunteer Vacation will perform trail maintenance on the West Fork Wallowa trail. This is a heavily-used access trail to the Lakes Basin Management Area which includes destinations such as Ice Lake, Mirror Lake, and Glacier Lake. Work may include: clearing brush from the trail using loppers and pruning saws, clearing fallen trees using hand saws and/or crosscut saws, and maintaining or installing drainage structures using shovels, picks, Pulaskis, and other hand tools.

Hiking/Access

Volunteers will backpack into basecamp which is approximately 5 miles from the trailhead with about 1500 feet of elevation gain.

Area and Attractions

The spectacular Eagle Cap Wilderness takes in most of the high country in the remote Wallowa Mountains of Northeast Oregon. The largest wilderness area in the state. The Eagle Cap encompasses over 350,000 acres of breathtaking mountain scenery. There are 52 glacial lakes, 4 wild and scenic rivers, and over 500 miles of trail in this rugged area. Volunteers will have plenty of time to relax, soak in the views and explore the surrounding area on this backcountry trip!

Accommodations Description

The base camp for this project will be in a backcountry setting. Volunteers will carry all personal camping gear, while group gear and food will be transported via pack stock. Volunteers should be prepared for a backpacking-like experience with a few extra amenities in the camp kitchen such as coolers, roll-up tables, and a four-burner propane stove. Volunteers will practice "Leave No Trace" camping skills by using cat holes or a temporary latrine to dispose of human waste. The Forest Service will provide water filters to collect potable water for cooking and drinking. Volunteers need to bring their own tent and personal camping gear; sheets, bedding or sleeping bag; and personal cup, bowl, mug, and eating utensils.

Trip Cost: $425 per person

Find More Information & Register Here: https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/eagle-cap-wilderness-or-volunteer-vacations-2025/

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About American Hiking Society

Location:

8403 Colesville Rd,Suite 1100, Silver Spring, MD 20910, US

Mission Statement

As the national voice for America's hikers, American Hiking Society promotes and protects foot trails and the hiking experience.

Description

Our nation’s trails need your help! Join American Hiking Society for a week of building & maintaining trails in exciting & diverse locations across the country.

Volunteer Vacations foster public land stewardship and provide volunteers the opportunity to give back to the trails they love, meet new people, and have a great time doing it!

Crews consist of 6-15 volunteers accompanied by a crew leader. Trips involve backpacking or day hiking and accommodations vary from primitive campsites to bunkhouses or cabins. Tools and supervision are provided by the host agency or organization.

Take a vacation that nourishes your body & your spirit.

Get Out. Give Back.

CAUSE AREAS

Environment
Environment

WHEN

Sat Aug 16, 2025 - Sat Aug 23, 2025

WHERE

88401 Oregon 82Enterprise, OR 97828

(45.42405,-117.30215)
 

SKILLS

  • Outdoor Recreation

GOOD FOR

  • People 55+

REQUIREMENTS

N/A

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