VOC trips are organized by members like yourself, not professional guides. The trips go into wilderness areas where assistance is unavailable and unexpected events can occur. You could be seriously injured or die. You are responsible for your own actions. Please use caution.
[WORKHIKE] Harrison Trail Restoration · Fri. May. 30th, 2025 - Tue. Jun. 3rd, 2025
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Start: Friday, May. 30th, 5:00 am
End: Tuesday, Jun. 3rd, 11:00 pm
Pre-trip meeting: Wednesday, May. 21st, 6:30 pm
Pre-trip meeting location: Clubroom
Description:
Help restore a legendary VOC trail!
Our goal on this workhike is to begin restoring the Harrison Hut Trail. This trail was built by VOCers between 2007 and 2012 through much sweat and ingenuity. Recently, it has fallen into disrepair as the area has been off-limits due to logging. Now it's time to restore the trail. Our work will allow generations of future VOCers to continue enjoying Julian Harrison Hut.
There is lots of work to be done so we will stay in the area for 3-4 nights. The tentative plan is to go up May 30 and come back June 3. If these dates do not work for you, but similar ones might, sign up as interested but note in the comments which dates you would prefer. It does not make sense to go for only 1-2 nights, however, so if you are only free on weekends, this workhike is not for you. (It is not possible to arrive late or leave early as our permit requires us to travel in convoy.)
We will be camping in tents at various spots on the road and/or trail. Previous camping experience is desirable but not strictly required for very enthusiastic people. We will probably not actually go to Harrison Hut on this trip.
The pre-trip meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30 pm in the VOC Clubroom (in the Nest). At the meeting, we'll discuss who's going, trip logistics, and the work to be done.
There is a risk of landslides along the road that increases after heavy rain. We'll keep an eye on the forecast and cancel the trip if lots of precipitation is expected. There is also a significant population of grizzlies living in the area, so we'll practice bear awareness and safety.
If you have any questions about anything, feel free email or text me! You can find my contact info by clicking my name at the top of this page.
Someone else could potentially take over leading this trip if they want. If you're interested contact me.
Map: [CalTopo] Weather: [MeteoBlue]
PC: Joseph Chiao
Work to be done
Key tasks:
- Use hedge trimmers, axes, and shovels to clear alder that's blocking the road, so future workhikes can drive to the trailhead.
- Decide on the optimal trail route (where it's not already evident). Put up lots of flagging so the chosen route is very obvious. This should make future workhikes much smoother.
As time allows:
- Use hedge trimmers, loppers, and pruners to trim branches blocking the trail.
- Use a chainsaw to cut logs blocking the trail.
- In wet areas, place logs or sticks to step on.
- Use a shovel to cut steps in steep cutblocks.
- Flag and note GPS coordinates for locations requiring more difficult chainsaw work or brush removal.
We will not do brush-clearing on this trip out of concern for bird nesting. We will flag and note GPS coordinates for locations requiring bursh-clearing so that we can do it on a future workhike after the nesting season is done.
Helpful skills
We will be especially glad to have you if you know how to use a chainsaw, or have experience with any of the tasks above! With that said, no prior skills are necessary.
Requirements for drivers
4WD vehicles are preferred but not absolutely essential. Evos will not work though.
The VOC will pay for gas provided you follow this system:
- Fill up with gas the night before the trip. Keep the receipt.
- Fill up with gas as soon as you get back from the trip. Keep the receipt.
- Email scans of both receipts to the VOC Treasurer and tell them what email/phone you use for e-transfer.
The VOC does not pay for flat tires, accidental damage, car washes, etc.
Gear
Some items, marked with a *, can be borrowed from the VOC during gear hours in exchange for a cash deposit
Everyone should bring:
backcountry travel gear...
- sun screen
- proper backpack*
- headlamp + extra batteries (we will use our headlamps a lot, so maybe bring extra extra batteries)
- sun glasses
- whistle (many backpacks have one built in to the chest clip)
clothing... don't wear cotton!
- sturdy waterproof hiking boots*
- gatiers*
- long underwear (top and bottom) - will keep you warm at night
- midlayer
- warm jacket (fleece or down)
- waterproof jacket
- waterproof pants
- toque (hat)
- gloves
- non-cotton ski/hiking socks
- something to keep your neck warm: balaclava / buff / neck tube
for eating and drinking...
- food (4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, snacks—see [food suggestions](https://www.ubc-voc.com/wiki/Food_Weights) on the Wiki)
- 3L (at least) water
- eating utensils and bowl
- pot, if you're doing anything more complicated than boiling water
sleeping...
- sleeping bag (≈-10°C)
- sleeping pad*
hygiene...
- toilet paper
- toothbrush and toothpaste
Optional gear that might make you happy:
- water treatment tablets or filter
- pocket knife
- lip balm
- hand warmers
- electrolyte powder
- fleece pants
- additional warm clothing
We will need some people to bring this stuff—bring it if you have it:
- backpacking tent
- stove with fuel
- lighter or waterproof matches
- satellite communication device (InReach)
- first aid kit
- pocket knife
- emergency shelter (emergency bivy, large heavy duty plastic bag + alu blanket, or similar)
- backup flashlight (in case your headlamp goes AWOL)
Final reminder
I am not a guide, certified or otherwise, and neither is anyone else on the trip. Everyone is ultimately responsible for themself and their own safety.
Posted: 2025-03-18 12:25:43
Last modified: 2025-03-29 13:47:44