There are over 300 miles of trails in the Greenway on the west side of Snoqualmie Pass alone.  The trails are used by hundreds of thousands of feet each year, but unfortunately they are years behind on their maintenance.

Many of the trails in the Greenway corridor were not designed for the amount of use they are getting.  Trails are becoming wider and multiple routes are forming as hikers squeeze past each other.  This causes the edges of the trails to erode and damages the natural areas along the path.

Volunteers come to the rescue by improving trail drainage, reducing erosion, cutting back overgrown brush, and hardening the trail surface.  Trail work projects are sometimes very strenuous but if you come prepared you're likely to enjoy the workout and have a great time.  Volunteers age 14 and up at any level of experience are welcome.

Take a look below to see what's happening this year.  Check out the current events calendar to see the dates for specific projects.  Trail projects are not only fun and rewarding, but they're a great workout as well!  Come learn more about the natural treasures that abound right here in our backyard.  We hope you come join us for an exciting project this year!

Projects

 

Twin Falls Trail:  A short section of this popular trail was washed out by the November flooding of 2006.  Volunteers constructed a new segment of trail to replace what was lost.  2008 will see continued maintenance of this popular trail to keep it accessible for all. 

Tiger Mountain: Volunteers have cleaned debris from ditches, removed mud from bridges, and cut back overgrown brush on dozens of miles of trails on this mountain.  This year, we'll focus on the Big Tree / Swamp trails.  These walks provide an interpretive experience on the Tradition Plateau.  Considerable use over the years has caused much deterioration of the boardwalks along the trail.  We'll need lots of volunteers to help reroute the trail to get it onto more stable ground.

Squak Mountain: Last year volunteers built a raised trail structure called turnpike to help horses and hikers better navigate the soggier sections of the trails.  In 2008 lots of additional maintenance work is needed to cut back overgrown brush, clear ditches of debris and do other tasks to keep Squak Mountain's trails safe and durable.  Volunteers, along with Greenway crew members, will be responsible for the rehabilitation of the majority of Washington State Parks' 12-mile trail network.  Volunteer work will be focused on the Equestrian Loop Trail.

Rattlesnake Mountain:  In 2007, volunteers helped prepare the new trailhead for a grand opening.  Since 2003, volunteers have been working rebuilding the 11-mile route from Rattlesnake Lake to the scenic Ledge, and along the Rattlesnake Ridge to Snoqualmie Point.  Young people with the Mountain Works program also camped atop the mountain for several summers to work on this trail.  We'll return to the trail this year for some general upkeep to ensure that it stays stable and safe.

Mt. Si: Volunteers rebuilt or improved nearly every part of this famous trail.  They built boardwalk in the Snag Flats area, graveled, added rock steps and widened the trail to allow the many users to pass without damaging the surrounding natural area.  2008 projects will focus on general maintenance.

Little Si:  In years past, volunteers hauled gravel from the parking lot up the trail to re-surface  the path to a popular climbing destination.  This year, volunteers will assist with a more involved project, as we plan to renovate the whole 2.1 mile trail that has been worn down over the past decade.

Granite Mountain: This popular trail leads quickly to the top of Granite Mountain in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area.  In 2008, we will be reconstructing the trail, so as to prepare it for heightened use in the coming years.  This type of work calls for adult volunteers in tip-top physical shape, as the work consists of hiking long distances and carrying heavy building materials.