Volunteers Rally to Restore Hagg Lake’s Washed-Out Trail

Written by Dan Werle

On Saturday, January 11th, 13 volunteers and one park ranger continued work on a re-routed section of trail on the northeast side of the Hagg Lake Trail loop. Despite weather predictions calling for a zero percent chance of precipitation, occasional raindrops were felt throughout the day, as is customary for January Coast Range conditions. After completing a safety talk and caravaning to the work site, two crews, headed up by Nancy Stone and Addison Wardwell, split off and focused on continuing bench work on the north side of the section and building two switchbacks and two associated crib walls on the east side of the section. 

Mid-way through the work day, the groups convened in an effort to transport roughly 3 yards of gravel down a steep (45-degree) embankment. Initial efforts to construct and utilize a geotextile fabric slide were, um, sub-optimal; thus, the tried-and-true bucket brigade was re-created and implemented.

The crew working with Nancy on the bench work finished, and shifted focus to re-naturalization of the new outslopedtread, between the two switchbacks, and behind the upper switchback crib wall. Addison’s crew continued work onremoving heavy, thick muck from the upper and lower segments of the top switchback, filling in aggregate for the upper crib wall, and beginning construction on the lower switchback wall. 

By day’s end, the crews had completed the bench work, began the re-naturalization process, and made significant, measurable progress on creation of the switchbacks and lower wall. With biceps bulging, ab muscles tightening, and nearly everyone ready for a nap, we headed back to the gathering site for drinks and snacks, provided by Nancy Stone and Hopworks Brewery.

The next planned work day at Hagg Lake will be on Sunday, January 19th, when the Trail Sustainability Institute will be hosting a Complex Drain Issues session focused on repairing a severely damaged section of trail between Osprey Point and Wall Creek 1 on the northern tip of the loop. 

If you’re interested in learning more about trail care opportunities at Hagg Lake, you’re welcome to contact Dan Werle at danwerle@gmail.com.