Pacific Northwest Island Leisure & Exploration, WA
May 10, 2026 - May 16, 2026
Trip Navigation
***Special Promotion*** All trip participants will receive a Fjällräven Kånken R backpack (valued at $100) generously donated by our good friends at Fjällräven. Made from recycled materials and ready for adventure!
A weeklong adventure on San Juan Island, a beloved paradise off the North West edge of Washington State. During the Spring, April – May, San Juan Island is filled with abundant wildflowers like shooting stars, camas, chocolate lilies, sea blush, and starry cerastium. The island is well-known for its resident population of Orca who can be seen semi-frequently from shore.
Volunteers will help maintain one of the most beloved trails on San Juan Island! Work includes trimming, mowing, pruning, and hedging overgrown vegetation, and grubbing out larger plants from the trail corridor. There will also be some sections of treadwork to help maintain the trail’s outslope and drainages. Volunteers will cover between 5 – 8 miles of trail over the duration of the project.
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 roughly 60–65°F and lows of 45–50°F. Mid-May in the San Juan Islands is cool and breezy with a mix of sun and low clouds, and light rain or drizzle still possible.
Sample Schedule:
Day 1: Arrival
Typically meet in the afternoon for check in, introductions, orientation, and camp setup. (Time/place TBD)
Day 2: Work Day
Enjoy a hearty breakfast, pack lunches, and be on the trail between 8 AM and 9 AM
Lunch and plenty of other breaks will be included.
Wrap up the work day in the late afternoon and head back to camp and enjoy a few hours of daylight for free time.
Reconvene at a chosen time for dinner.
After dinner has been cleaned up, evenings offer plenty of time to relax, sit around the campfire and get to know your fellow crew members, or enjoy more free time.
Day 3: Work Day
Day 4: Rest Day (Specific Day on Trip Will Be Confirmed By Host)
Your choice! Explore the area, take a recreational hike, tour local attractions, or hang out at camp. Group excursions can be planned or set-out on your own.
Day 5: Work Day
Day 6: Work Day
Day 7: Departure
Break down camp, say goodbyes, and travel home. Please note: This schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Any updates will be communicated to the group.
Land Acknowledgment:
AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Lhaq’temish (Lummi), Samish, and Tulalip 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.
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