North Fork Smith River 3 day BCST – Central Coast

Crew Leader: Noelle

Max Size of Crew: 12

Hike Distance: 9 mile(s) over 3 days

Elevation Gain: 800 feet (mostly descent)

Hike Intensity: High

Work Intensity: High

Work Type: Tread work and brushing

This project will require strong hiking abilities, and will include completing work while moving an overnight pack. Please consider your personal fitness level before signing up. If you have any questions, or are unsure if this the right trip for you, please reach out!

Project Information:

We will spend three days (two nights) brushing and fixing the tread (surface of the trail) along this 8 mile trail. Day 1 we will start at Kentucky Falls and work as we go cutting heavy brush and fixing tread. We will hike up to 3 miles to our first camp spot. Day 2 we will continue moving down trail, brushing and working on tread, focusing on a major landslide. We will hike up to 2.5 miles to our second camp. Day 3 we will continue our brushing and tread wokr and hike the last 3 miles to the trailhead.

Hiking information:

We will hike from the Kentucky Falls Trailhead down river to the North Fork Smith Trailhead. This trail is 8.5 miles in total with up to 800 feet of elevation change, mostly downhill desecent. We will hike 3 miles the first day, 2.5 miles on day 2 and just under 3 miles on day 3. The trail is a moderate descent at the start and then meanders through creek drainages,with a strenuous uphill ascent before camp 2. We will stop frequently to cut brush and fix tread. There is some shade on the trail, and moving a pack along as you work can be quite strenuous.

You should plan to participate in this trail party for its entirety. For safety reasons, please do not arrive late or expect to be able to leave early.

Camping Details:

This is a self-supported trip! Please make sure to bring adequate food and water filtration, as well as tent, sleeping bag, and any other equipment you may need for 2 nights in the backcountry. If you need to borrow some gear (sleeping bag, water filter, backpack, etc) please let me know asap! noelle.windesheim@trailkeepersoforegon.org

Event details:

Detailed event information, including directions to the meeting location, will be provided to registrants via email 48 hours prior to the event. If you’re volunteering for the first time, read this blog by a volunteer to know what to expect at your first trail party.

What to bring:

• Plenty of water AND filtration
• Food for 3 days – 3 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, plus snacks
• Work gloves if you have them (loaner gloves available)
• Any medications or emergency supplies you may need
• Sunscreen + insect repellent
• A pack to bring all of this with you on trail
• TKO provides all tools and personal protective equipment (hard hats, gloves, glasses)
• Need gear? TKO has clothes, boots, camping gear, and more available for loan. Reach out to volunteers@trailkeepersoforegon.org to let us know how we can help!

What to wear:

• Boots (Please wear something sturdy that will protect your toes from sharp tools. Tennis shoes are not recommended. Open-toed shoes will not be allowed.)
• Long sleeved shirts and pants
• Rain gear, insulating layers, sun protection, etc. as appropriate for the weather

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: TKO recognizes that the trails we work on travel through the traditional lands of many Indigenous tribes and communities. We are the most recent in a long line of stewards to this land, and it is our responsibility to do so with humility and respect. We are grateful to these tribes and their descendants for being the original and continuing stewards of these spaces, and encourage everyone to go beyond a land acknowledgment by supporting Indigenous communities and organizations in your area.

ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS: TKO seeks to make our events inclusive of people of all backgrounds and abilities. If you would like to discuss potential accommodations to allow for your participation in this event, please click here to complete a short Google survey. TKO staff will then contact you to discuss options. Please note: available accommodations will vary by event and typically need to be requested a minimum of two weeks in advance. If you have any questions, reach out to us by clicking Contact near the bottom of this page.

EQUITY & INCLUSION: TKO seeks to make Oregon’s trails a place where people can go to connect with nature & one another. Not everyone feels safe or welcome in the outdoors due to issues like racism, bias, and hate. We commit to being part of the solution to this problem and to enact change. Conduct, speech, or expressions that target any individual or group will not be tolerated by TKO.

PERSONAL SAFETY: Your physical and emotional safety is our number one priority. If a person’s actions or comments make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you may: interrupt directly, tell a crew leader, and/or inform TKO staff via the post-event survey.

While TKO no longer requires masking/vaccination for our events, we do support those who choose to mask for their own safety. We ask participants to respect the health of folks who wear masks by distancing or wearing a mask while in close proximity.