Iller Creek Conservation Area WTA Project
Dedicated Trail Volunteers came together in October with direction by Washington Trails Association to tame the trails
in the Iller Creek Conservation Area. More trail work will be scheduled in the Spring. To get involved sign up for our email list or check Washington Trails Association Website for future Work Parties.
Iller Creek Conservation Area could be the poster child for trail work. Most of the trails are on steep terrain and water and vehicles have caused deep ruts. Hiking or riding is straight uphill/downhill in many places and can be slippery and icy in Winter. Still this is a beautiful area and lots of folks tackle those tough trails to get to the top of the ridge for the view over the Palouse and the Big Rocks or Rocks of Sharon.
Trail work involves careful planning (Thank you Washington Trails Association!). Design includes making the grade easier with switchbacks, making turns wide enough for mountain bikes, planning for good views and avoiding areas that will be washed out. WTA leaders flag the new trail route. Volunteers dig out drainage ditches that are easy to walk or ride through but will carry water off the trail, remove brush, dig out roots, block off old trail routes and smooth out the newly created trails.
The completed sections of trail take the climb gently up the steep slope in switchbacks.
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