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San Juan Island Cady Mountain Preserve, WA – Volunteer Vacation 2024

March 21 @ 5:00 pm - March 27 @ 10:00 am

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Support new trail development while being surrounded by wildflower meadows, stream corridors, Douglas-fir savannas, wetlands, and diverse ecological communities! Cady Mountain Preserve, the 142-acre preserve extension that expands upon multiple square miles of uninterrupted territory, where deep-forest species can thrive, is located in the middle of San Juan Island.

Situated in the northern reaches of Washington State’s Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands are a uniquely beautiful archipelago of over 450 islands, rocks, and pinnacles. Trail development at Cady Mountain Preserve, located in the heart of the San Juan Islands, has been made possible by new land acquisitions. The acquisition brings the total acreage to just under 500 while also abutting an additional 2000+ acres of private forestland and the English Camp unit of San Juan Island National Historical Park. 

On this project, volunteers will help construct a portion of a new trail system which will ultimately add an additional 5 – 7 miles of trails, expanding on the existing broad network on adjacent land and providing opportunity to experience old growth trees and sweeping vistas of San Juan Island and nearby islands and islets. The exact trail segment for AHS will be determined in the weeks preceding the trip. Some hiking will be required from the trailhead to the project site and may be up to 3 miles in length depending on the segment. A hike in and out should be completed or a roughed-in trail that may require some effort to walk along uneven ground. Volunteers will drive or carpool to the project site. Depending on segment and camp location, drive to site will be 3 – 8 miles in length. The drive will likely be on a paved road but there is a possibility for moderately steep gravel roads depending on trail segment. 

During this trip, San Juan Island’s average high temperature is 52°, and average low temperature is 39°.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla, Semiahmoo, S’Klallam, Á,LEṈENEȻ ȽTE (W̱SÁNEĆ), Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group, Lhaq’temish (Lummi), Samish, and dxʷlilap (Tulalip) peoples past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations, their deep and sacred connection to these lands, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live, work and recreate.

Click here for a PDF of trip details.

Host

San Juan County Conservation Land Bank

Accommodations

Car Camping Tent Sites

Hiking/Access

Volunteers will drive or carpool themselves to the project site. Depending on segment and camp location, drive to site will be 3 - 8 miles in length. The drive will likely be on a paved road but there is a possibility for moderately steep gravel roads depending on trail segment. Some hiking will be required from the trailhead to the project site and may be up to 3 miles in length depending on the segment.

Project Rating

Difficult

Minimum Volunteer Age

16

Maximum Group Size

12

Area and Attractions

Nestled in the heart of the Salish Sea, the San Juan Islands are very old mountain tops shaped by glacial activity about 12,000 years ago, and are often considered the gem of Washington State. The San Juan Islands National Monument encompasses approximately 1000 acres across the Salish Sea and includes over 75 sites of headlands, rocks, and islands. The Pacific Ocean's maritime air moderates the climate year-round and the islands support one of the most varied wildlife populations and variety of habitats in the Northwest. Explore the San Juan Island National Historical Park which features several historic sites, including the English Camp and the American Camp, which played a key role in the Pig War between the United States and Great Britain in the 19th century. Visit the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park with over 150 sculptures by artists from around the world. Enjoy spending time in Friday Harbor, a main hub of the island, or visit an alpaca farm, a winery with regular events, beautiful parks and beaches, lively restaurants, farms and lighthouses.

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will be provided car camping tent sites. Flush toilets are available during the trip and showers will be provided at the end of the trip. Volunteers will need to bring their own tent and personal camping gear, bedding, towels, and toiletries.

Travel

Friday Harbor Airport in Friday Harbor, Washington is the closest airport, but volunteers may find better options from Seattle- Tacoma International Airport in Seattle, Washington. Volunteers will need to take a ferry from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal in Anacortes, WA to San Juan Island. The Seattle airport is about 2 hours from the Anacortes ferry terminal, so shuttles or rental cars are required. Volunteers are responsible for making ferry reservations, which are required for all passenger vehicles. Walk-on passengers do not need ferry reservations. Airport pick up and drop off is not available for volunteers, however carpooling and rideshare can be arranged upon confirmation of the trip.

Location

San Juan Island Cady Mountain Preserve
350 Court Street Box 6, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 United States + Google Map
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