Bean Creek Basin Trail

Flowers anyone?

Do you want to really make a difference for wild places? Then come help WTA move this trail out of the meadow and onto a slope to protect the ecosystem of this beautiful meadow near Mount Stuart. At this tucked-away camp in a basin surrounded by shooting star flowers (and also regular shooting stars), you will accomplish some critical work in a magical setting.

Easy 2.5 mile hike.

Currently the trail to Bean Creek Basin goes right through a Shooting Star choked meadow. That's no good. We are going to be building a new bit of trail to get people out of the beautiful meadow.

The Okonagon-Wenatchee National Forest extends southward from the North Cascades National Park to Mt Adams. It is bordered on the west by the crest of the Cascade Range and on the east by the Columbia Plateau. In the south the terrain is gentler with peaks in the range of 6-7,000 feet while in the north the peaks are more spectacular with summits in excess of 9,000 feet. The Forest contains two volcanoes, Glacier Peak and Mt. Adams. Lake Chelan, an immense glacier carved lake in the northern part of the Forest is surrounded by the Glacier Peak Wilderness and the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness. In the south the William O. Douglas Wilderness is adjacent to Mt. Adams. The Forest is distinguished from its western neighbor, the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, by a drier climate. The timber is ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and larch. In fact the true crest of the Cascades may be the western limit of the alpine larch. The trail system is extensive with over 3,000 miles. Early trails were the result of exploration, prospecting, and cattle and sheep grazing. The bulk of the trail system was built in the 1920's and 30's for fire lookouts and protection. Most of these trails were built for rapid access at the expense of the environment. The population east of the Cascade Crest is much smaller than that of Puget Sound. Puget Sounders, however, are here in considerable number and many of trails that begin on highways connecting to Puget Sound are heavily used. The Wenatchee does however offer many backcountry primitive experiences. The Teanaway is a particularly popular area for hikers, as it affords spectacular views of Mount Stuart and Ingalls Peak. There is a series of trails that interconnect, providing access to the entire ridge that parallels Ingalls Creek.

This is one of our Volunteer Vacations. There is $235 fee ($195 for WTA members). You will be required to fill out an application form including your outdoors experience and medical history before we can allow you to join the trip.

This is a week-long work party. You must be 18 years or older to attend. Participants must be able to attend all days. Late arrivals and early departures are not allowed.