Beautiful, Remote and Rugged Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail w/ Experienced Naturalist (Backpacking), WA

Join this backpacking trip in the Pasayten Wilderness, one of the most beloved backpacking destinations in all of Washington state! You’ll experience some of the most beautiful, remote and rugged terrain in the Pacific Northwest while enjoying sweeping views of mountain valleys, wildflower meadows, and starry skies. Your, crew leader, Seher, is a experienced naturalist/interpretive park ranger and will share a wealth of knowledge about constellations, wildflowers, geology, and more!

Volunteers will get the opportunity to build small stone and wood structures for water management (checks, bars and drains), as well as re-establish the walking surface where it has been overgrown through removing brush and moving soil to rebuild tread. Each day is designed so that there is a comfortable mix of hiking and engaging with 2-3 trail maintenance tasks, to give volunteers variety throughout the day and diversify the skills they receive training in.

On day one, volunteers will hike to our first camping site approximately 5 miles in. Once arrived at campy volunteers will receive an orientation to the trail tasks of brushing, treading, and building checks, and do some work if time allows.

On day two, volunteers will hike another 5 miles to your next camp. This will be base camp for Days 3, 4, and 5, with 2 days of work and one vacation day. On work days, you’ll perform more intensive tread and and structure building tasks. The higher basecamp will also provide a great jumping off point for exploring the backcountry.

On day 5, you’ll will hike 5 miles back to the first camp site, and on day 6, you’ll complete your return to the trailhead with a final 5 miles and perform some trailhead work.

STOCK SUPPORT: Hikers will ONLY need to carry their backpacking gear and food for hiking on Day 1 and Day 2 until you reach the main basecamp. Tools and food for days 3-7 will be packed in via stock volunteers. While at the main basecamp volunteers will have light brushing tools in their pack like loppers and hand saws.

LOANER GEAR: Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own backpacking equipment that they know and love. However, we have loaner gear available. PNTA can provide gas canisters for personal camp stoves (ex, jetboil type stoves) so that volunteers do not need to worry about transporting those.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

Avg. Temperature:

Typical weather for this area during this season has highs of around 75–80°F and lows of 45–50°F. Mid-July in the eastern Cascades of Washington is warm and mostly dry, with only isolated showers or thunderstorms.

Land Acknowledgment:

AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Wenatchi. Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla, and Yakama people past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded these islands and mountain landscapes for countless generations, and those who continue this stewardship today. This acknowledgement is one step in our ongoing commitment to uplift Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to learn about, support, and stand in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples whose lands we live, work, and recreate on.