Are you ready for a new mission that combines giving back to the community with outdoor experience in the backcountry of the Cascades in southwest Oregon? It will be a 3-day trip to the Umpqua National Forest for some intensive trail maintenance to support safe hiking for recreationists. It is an extraordinary location with breathtaking views and turquoise lakes. The Umpqua National Forest is within the ancestral homelands of Native people of the Umpqua, Southern Molalla, Yoncalla, and Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians who have called this forest home since before Mt. Mazama erupted to form Crater Lake 7,000 years ago. The importance of this land to these peoples continues to this day. The Umpqua National Forest offers a bountiful landscape with gurgling streams, rivers, and mountain lakes.

And now Source One Serenity, in collaboration with the National Forest Foundation and Forest Service, has the opportunity to serve in this magnificent location and assist with trail maintenance. This work has a meaningful goal to prevent lost recreationists—one hiker was lost in the area for 17 days in 2021 but luckily found alive by Search and Rescue teams and brought to safety.

The project will last from September 2nd to September 4th, 2022. You can arrive any time on Friday the 2nd of September between 1 pm to 6 pm. We'll be staying at the Twin Lakes dispersed site and the hike-in is 1.25 miles, so you will need to backpack in all your necessities. Work will take place on the 3rd of September starting at 7 am and will include a full day of trail clearing, tread work, brushing, and repairing the bridge. There will be work for different abilities, and kids age 7+ are welcome. Otherwise, no other age restrictions. On the 4th of September, you can spend the day exploring this location and can depart anytime. During this project, you will reap the benefits of the healing power of nature with awe-inspiring views while connecting with the local community of rural Douglas County, Oregon who will be there to lead the work. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and since spots are limited, signing up asap would be the best option. This one is going to be awesome!

If you have any questions, please contact Elena Lininger by email at elena@sourceoneserenity.org or phone 541-580-5655.

What you need to bring

Tent, camping, and sleeping gear

BYO gloves

Water and water filters (there is only a spring and a lake to get water)

Food and snacks

What you need to wear

Hiking boots (closed-toed shoes), the whole area is on uneven terrain

Long pants

T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts

We'll provide helmets, but if you have your own, please bring it as well

Masks are optional.

Pre-registration is required as spots are limited. Upon confirmation, you will receive directions and opportunities for carpooling.