We set up basecamp at Jungle Hill Horse Campground off Highway 20, the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway in the Colville National Forest. It was a beautiful crisp fall weekend, with temps dropping into the 30’s at night and the bluest of blue skies during the day. 

Friday morning, Trail Builders hit the trails for maintenance work. Kacy went up Jungle Hill, Paul and Erich did Kettle Crest from Sherman Pass to Wapaloosie, clearing downed trees so they are now fully passable.

Friday afternoon, a group of us went out to Taylor Ridge, riding and clearing 15-20 lodgepole trees as we worked our way to the top of Upper Taylor Ridge. Upper Taylor Ridge is now fully passable and prime for fall riding (or hiking, or horseback riding!). Friday night we gathered around the campfire for hot bowls of chili and an outdoor movie screening of Girl, Huck Yeah! and Pedaldriven.

Saturday, we got right to it for a full day of trail maintenance on Wapaloosie trail, which eventually intersects with the Kettle Crest trail Jungle Hill to Old Stage section. There were 15 of us with tools in hand spread out across Wapaloosie.

We built 10-15 new drainages, which prevent erosion and improve long-term sustainability of the trail by directing water to flow off the trail. We also did some brushing to open up the width of the trail for riders – now safe and wide enough for both bikes and horses. Erich Zimmerman said, “this is the best this trail has looked in years,” thanks to all the volunteers putting in the work that day!

Right after that we squeezed in a short group ride on the Sherman Pass section of the beautiful Kettle Crest trail, which the trail builders had previously logged out and brushed so it was running great. Then we cozied up for another evening of hanging by the campfire, enjoying hot food and good company. 

Sunday, more riding with our new and old friends! We are so grateful to every one who came out to this beautiful, remote part of the state. We did so much for these legendary backcountry backcountry trails that otherwise do not have dedicated maintenance scheduled, so it’s important we keep coming back. And we will. Huge thanks to Mic McLane for making this event happen, from the planning to the cooking, the trail safety to the group rides.

Stay tuned for next year! 

This drainage is pup-approved.

Melinda Dupree, East Chapter President and Statewide Board Secretary, brushing Wapaloosie trail

Mic McLane, Trails Program Manager (Eastern WA), demonstrating tool safety before heading out on Wapaloosie trail

The top of the Upper Taylor Ridge trail

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Photos by Vivika Stamolis, Marketing Director