From Campgrounds to Sea Kayaks- Cleveland National Forest Volunteer Vacation 2026
There is something transformative about spending a week in the heart of a National Forest. Last week our first Volunteer Vacation of the season took place with a dedicated crew of volunteers heading to the Palomar Ranger District in the Cleveland National Forest just outside San Diego to prove that "giving back" is the ultimate way to get outdoors.
Working at Palomar Mountain and staying near the iconic San Diego River Gorge Trail in Ramona, California, our team took on the vital task of preparing this beloved landscape for the busy spring and summer seasons.
More Than Just a Place: Protecting Our Public Lands
The San Diego River Gorge isn’t just any trail—it’s the gateway to the breathtaking Cedar Creek Falls, where an 80-foot waterfall carves through an exposed canyon into a shimmering pool below. To protect this backcountry and expand recreation access, our volunteers:
- Amplifying Our Impact: At Palomar Mountain, our crew’s efficiency was a game-changer. Our hosts shared that our volunteers completed two months' worth of work in just the first two days. With only two staff members available for these duties, the team provided the "people power" necessary to tackle projects that might have otherwise taken an entire season.
- Opened the Doors to Adventure: Restored and prepped local trails and campgrounds, ensuring that every visitor who arrives this summer finds a campsite that is clean, safe, and welcoming.
Meaningful Work in a World-Class Setting
The true magic of a Volunteer Vacation lies in the balance of service and scenery. Our crew found immense satisfaction in collaborating directly with the U.S. Forest Service, knowing their labor was expanding public access to the great outdoors.
While the work was real, the setting felt like a dream. Between the rewarding physical tasks and the comfort of our basecamp facilities, it was a powerful reminder that you don't have to sacrifice comfort to make a significant impact on nature.
Building a Community That Lasts 
The most enduring part of these trips isn't the fences we build, but the friendships we forge. For many on our crew, these vacations have become a tradition of connection. One of our volunteers, a dedicated teacher, just completed her fourth trip alongside a close friend she met on a previous Volunteer Vacation!
By sharing a vision of environmental stewardship, our volunteers aren't just improving trails—they are building a lifelong community. For our educators on the trail, these experiences serve as a masterclass they bring back to their classrooms, inspiring the next generation of students to become the future protectors of our wild places.
Adventure Beyond the Trail
It wasn’t all work, though! To celebrate their progress, the team headed to the coast to kayak the famous La Jolla sea caves and took a step back in time with a visit to the historic mountain town of Julian where you haven’t lived until you’ve had a slice of the famous apple pie!
Your Turn to Make an Impact
The Cleveland National Forest and San Diego River Gorge are standing a little taller today thanks to this crew. Are you ready to trade the routine for the remarkable? Whether you’re looking to meet your new best friend or simply want to leave a legacy on the land, your spot on the next crew is waiting.