Slate Creek: Not lost, but not quite found

By Rebecca Viets

Have you ever wondered what happens when a trail goes over a decade without any maintenance? I was quickly acquainted with the answer to that question on a recent backcountry trip to Slate Creek as I wiggled into an awkward position on the dusty ground, gripping a crosscut saw with my gloved hands.

While many factors influence how fast a trail falls into disrepair, the climate, impact of wildfires and remote nature of the Slate Creek Trail meant that our crew of seven had our work cut out for us. Over the course of four days we would remove over 300 logs from less than one mile of trail and cut back countless amounts of brush where the path was no longer visible. With a trail already so far gone, it begs the question: Why reopen it at all?

One step, one saw and one log at a time. Photo by trip reporter RichP

A Commitment to Finding Lost Trails

• Learn more about our work
• - Trails for Everyone
• - The Trail Next Door
• - Trails Rebooted

In 2017, Washington Trails Association launched our Lost Trails Found campaign, which aims to put trails at risk of disappearing back onto the map. It’s our commitment to keeping Washington’s stunning backcountry accessible for generations to come. Slate Creek is exactly the type of trail we’re hoping to bring back from the brink: it’s not just beautiful, but it also serves as a connector to trails with stunning views of the Selkirk Mountains. 

Slate Creek falls within the 43,348 acre Salmo-Priest Wilderness, about two hours north of Spokane. It’s a short distance from the small town of Metaline Falls, where Highway 31 parallels the deep blue Pend Oreille River. What surprised me the most as I drove to the trailhead was the thickness and vibrancy of the vegetation. I wasn’t aware that this region is an inland temperate rainforest supporting Douglas fir, larches and cedar trees. It also makes a desirable home for many wildlife species including elk, bears (both black and grizzly), deer, moose and even wolves. 

Trail maintenance can be tough but rewarding. Photo courtesy of crew leader Holly Weiler and WTA volunteers

I also learned that the Slate Creek Trail at one time provided an alternative route to reaching Crowell Ridge, one of the most scenic trails in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness. It can currently be reached by two other trailheads, but both have their limitations. Access via Bear Pasture trailhead is restricted to May 15 – August 15 due to seasonal road closures. Alternatively, approaching via the Sullivan Mountain trailhead requires a high clearance vehicle (and an abundance of patience) due to poor road conditions. If we’re able to fully clear the Slate Creek Trail, it will help make the region’s trail system more accessible to more people.

I couldn’t wait to hit the trail to experience this beautiful forest and start tackling the years of deferred maintenance. I don’t think I was quite ready though for how sore my arms would be by the end of the trip.

It’s All About Teamwork

Thanks to the hard work of one of WTA’s professional Lost Trails Found crews earlier in the summer — where they removed 275 logs from 2.4 miles of trail over seven days — the first part of the hike into our campsite was smooth going. There was a creek to cross, some steep uphill sections, areas of thicker brush and a few logs to remove, but I was appreciative of the Lost Trails Found crew’s work. Their contributions made it easier for us to get to camp, clear logs for our tents and prepare for the days of hard work ahead of us.

Trail not maintained — for now. Photo courtesy of a trip report by trip reporter and professional Lost Trails Found crewmember Bailieshea

I was continuously impressed by the excitement, dedication and patience of our group over the next three days. There was so much experience between our crew leader, Holly, and the other volunteers, that I felt confident and comfortable as they guided me through using both the crosscut and folding saws. One memory that stands out to me from the trip was the moment we finally pushed a large log — which required nearly an hour of cutting to remove — off the trail. The experience helped me gain a whole new perspective on trail maintenance. 

Working in a section of trail impacted by the 2015 South Fork Slate Trail Fire was another memorable experience. It was like playing the biggest game of pick-up sticks that you’ve ever seen. We removed the tangle of dead branches and debris, cutting out logs and removing thickly overgrown willow trees to identify where the trail had once existed. Saving a trail from disappearing into the forest is rewarding work — especially alongside cheerful and welcoming teammates. My arms were aching, but spending the days with others who care about trails and the outdoors made it all worthwhile.

Before and after WTA backcountry crews. Photos by Rebecca Viets

A Work in Progress

The work was exciting, but slow. In one day, we cleared maybe half a mile of trail. The next day was even less. Heaps of downed logs across the trail and thick vegetation made progress challenging.

Backcountry trips like these aren't just great for rehabilitating trails — they're also great for connecting with WTA staff and other like-minded volunteers. Photo courtesy of crew leader Holly Weiler and WTA volunteers

Eventually, we hope to help open the entirety of the Slate Creek Trail, but as expected, we weren’t able to on this trip. If you do decide to visit the Slate Creek Trail, beware: hikers should still expect to hit a wall of unpassable trees about a mile from where Slate Creek Trail connects to the North Fork Sullivan Creek trail that will bring you to incredible views from Crowell Ridge. This hitch was a good reminder that trail work takes time (and sometimes, many seasons), but it’s worth the effort. Experiences like these offer opportunities to enjoy Washington’s unique and breathtaking landscapes. 

Our work on Slate Creek Trail is far from finished, but ultimately it will help connect trails in the region and create alternative access points to exploring this beautiful part of the state. It’s just one of many trails across the state that our Lost Trails Found campaign is helping revamp to meet the growing demand for outdoor recreation. 

If you’re looking to get involved, keep an eye out for when we launch next year’s Backcountry Response Team trips. Or, check out our volunteer calendar today — we host work parties year round and truly couldn’t do this work without the support of our volunteers.