In 2020, Cascade Volunteers was chosen by the Hood-Willamette Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) to receive federal funding to repair winter shelters and maintain Nordic trail systems in the Middle Fork Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest. The goal of this project is to improve existing infrastructure in the Willamette Pass Winter Recreation Area and encourage community stewardship of our Nordic trails. Project funding covers include replacement of cedar shakes on the roofs of 3 winter shelters (Westview, Bechtel, and Fuji) and trail marker surveying/installation across 70 miles of Nordic trails.
Shelter repairs and trail surveying will be carried out by CV’s Winter Trails Volunteers. These volunteers maintain approximately 70 miles of snowshoe and cross-country ski trails in the WNF, including 6 warming shelters and 1 fire lookout. Each Winter Trails Volunteer adopts either a trail or shelter. Adopted shelters are stocked with firewood each fall and monitored for needed improvements and safety throughout the winter. Adopted trails are surveyed for downed branches/trees and missing/damaged trail markers. Volunteers have worked hand-in-hand with Forest Service staff to maintain this winter recreation area since 2007.
If you would like to join our Winter Trails Volunteers or support this project, please email Program Coordinator Lyndell Wilken at lyndellwilken@gmail.com.
Fall 2020
Summer 2021
Summer 2022
Fall 2020
In October 2020, Winter Trails Volunteer Charles Couture set out to replace the south-facing roof of the Fuji Shelter. This shelter was constructed in 1987, and the roof had never been replaced. Since the shelter sits at altitude in the direct south sun, the shakes had some serious weathering. It was definitely time for replacement.
Over 4 days, Charlie replaced 14 bundles worth of high quality cedar shakes and removed approximately 40 lbs. of rat detritus — all while wearing a harness and adhering to covid-19 protocols! A huge thank you to Charlie for his service to our National Forest!
Summer 2021
Westview Shelter needs shakes replaced on the South-facing section of the roof. Volunteer workers will remove damaged shakes, replace the roofing, and clean removed shakes for use as kindling in the shelters next winter. It is estimated that Westview Shelter needs 20 bundles of cedar shakes installed. Volunteer labor will be 20+ hours.
If you are interested in volunteering, email Charlie at ccouture@msn.com.
Summer 2022
Bechtel Shelter needs some structure work (to be completed by the USFS) followed by a roof replacement. Volunteer workers will remove damaged shakes, replace the roofing, and clean removed shakes for use as kindling in the shelters next winter. It is estimated that Bechtel Shelter needs 45 bundles of cedar shakes installed. Volunteer labor will be 42+ hours.
If you are interested in volunteering, email Charlie at ccouture@msn.com.
