Smith Creek Labor Day ride and work party

What better way to celebrate Labor Day weekend than volunteering some time to do some needed trail work?  The Forest Service would like us to concentrate our work efforts on the Smith Creek Trail, Mount St Helens.  This work party is being spearheaded by two Bike Gallery employees, Darrin Joos and David Anderson. 

There are several drainage issues that need to be addressed on the Lower Smith Creek trail that will be worked on on Sunday, in addition to some tread and brushing out work.  We will be riding our bikes from the lower Smith Creek trailhead.  There will be opportunities to ride the Smith Creek trail after the work party.  For a map of the area go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ujelang/4862941587/sizes/o/in/photostream/

 On Labor Day Monday David and James Ceccorulli will be returning to do some tread and brushout work on the upper Smith Creek Trail.  they will also be riding their bikes from the lower trailhead.

We will provide tools, unless you have loppers or shovels.  Please advise if tools are needed so we can secure tools for everyone.

Car poolers should leave Portland by 7A since it will take about two hours to drive to the lower Smith Creek Trailhead.  Darrin and David will meet everyone at the trailhead.  You should meet up with Darrin and David at the lower trailhead by 09:30 on Sunday.

Dress according to the weather forecast.  Remember to wear your bike helmet and gloves.  Bring plenty of water and food.  First Aid kits should also be included in your pack.  Please advise if any questions: ujelang at gmail dot com.

Driving east thru Cougar you will automatically transition from Highway 503 Spur to Forest Road 90 at the Cowlitz/Skamania County Line.  A short distance above Swift Reservoir Viewpoint/Dam you will turn left on Forest Road 83 following signs to Lava Canyon and snow parks.  Before reaching Lava Canyon, and the Lahar Viewpoint, on Road 83 you will turn right on Road 8322.  A short distance later you will turn left at an unmarked intersection down to the lower Smith Creek Trailhead.  I hope to have a NWTA sign at that intersection.  The gravel road down to the Smith Creek trailhead is in good enough condition for smaller vehicles, but go slow, there can be large potholes!