Join The Evergreen Cowlitz-Naches Chapter alongside the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy for two day trails education event! Attend one or both days!
The Cowlitz-Naches Chapter Trail School is a two-day, hands-on volunteer training focused on trail maintenance and construction. Each morning begins with classroom sessions covering key trail-building concepts, followed by afternoon fieldwork at Konnowac Pass.
Attendees can join for one or both days — no prior experience is needed.
While there is a strong focus on mountain bike-specific trail techniques, these skills apply to all kinds of outdoor stewardship. The Trail School is open to everyone who loves trails, whether you're a mountain biker, hiker, equestrian, or trail runner, there is something for everyone.
Participants will walk away with the confidence and know-how to contribute meaningfully to local trail projects. Plus, free food and drinks will be provided!
Location
Day 1:
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- Classroom: Yakima Greenway Visitor Center - 111 S 18th St, Yakima, 98901, parking is availible directly in front of the building
- Field: Konnowac Pass trails through a private landowner's entrance. This google pin (https://maps.app.goo.gl/jNUAMybx7FyAoypS6) marks the turnoff that leads to our parking area. Google maps will go about this far, from there just drive up the dirt road a short distance.
Day 2:
Same Location
Schedule
Day one
Day one will be our core course, Trail School 101 (it is not required to attend day two).
This course introduces the fundamentals of how trails function on the landscape, how they change over time, and how volunteers help maintain them. Participants will learn how water, soil, and trail design influence trail conditions and how common maintenance practices help keep trails safe, durable, and enjoyable.
This course is designed for all user groups, not just mountain bikes. Trail School is designed to help volunteers become more knowledgeable trail stewards by understanding the “why” behind the work we do on the trail. The course will be a combination of classroom and field time performing work.
- 9am - sign in, introductions, plan for the day
- 9:30am - Begin classroom slideshow presentation
- 11:30am - Lunch
- 12:00pm - Head over to the trailhead
- 12:15pm - Tool and safety talk
- 3pm - End
Day two
Day two will continue to build on the core skills learned in day one, with more of a focus on more basic/technical trail skills.
- 9am - sign in, introductions, plan for the day
- 9:30am - Begin classroom slideshow presentation
- 11:30am - Lunch
- 12:00pm - Head over to the trailhead
- 12:15pm - Tool and safety talk
- 3pm - End
What to bring?
- An eagerness to learn!
- Appropriate clothing and layers for the weather
- Closed toed shoes or boots comfortable for hiking
- Work gloves
- Water and snacks for the day
- Bring your bike and gear to ride afterwards and test your work!
Lunch will be provided (Pizza)