SEQUIM — Volunteers are being called to Sequim Bay State Park and the Dosewallips River this month and next to work on hiking trails that need maintenance.
The trails are among the 100 or so seeing maintenance this year through the Washington Trails Association, a nonprofit group that organizes trail work volunteers and advocates for hiking opportunities in the state.
There is also a guided hike of Lena Lake Trail scheduled for Aug. 20.
The work done each year by the 1,500 to 2,000 volunteers who turn out is critical to keeping trails safe and open, said association development coordinator Lace Thornberg.
“It’s absolutely essential,” she said.
“In many places, trails would not be seeing maintenance right now” without volunteer work.
The Forest Service doesn’t have the personnel to maintain all the trails across the state, she said.
“It’s really a question of timing. You can’t just maintain a trail once every 10 years,” she said.
“Trees fall. Rivers take new channels. Brush, in the west Cascades and the Olympics, is probably your biggest enemy.”
Trail to waterfront
In Sequim Bay State Park, workers will continue establishing a three-quarters of a mile trail to the Strait of Juan de Fuca waterfront.
At the Dosewallips River, the work involves improving a trail that was scratched out by hikers and horse riders following a collapse of a road by the river.
Volunteers must sign up for a specific work party date by going to www.wta.org or calling 206-625-1367.
Directions and meeting times will be provided to those who register.
Upcoming work dates on the Olympic Peninsula are:
* Sequim Bay State Park on Aug. 16 and 30, and Sept. 13 and 27.
* Dosewallips River on Aug. 20-21 and Sept. 17-18.
Participants must wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and sturdy hiking boots or shoes. They must also bring enough water for the day and a lunch, and insect repellent and sunscreen are recommended.