Katie’s Crew Log: Three Days up the West Boulder
Editor’s Note: Take a peek into Crew Leader Katie Kelly’s firsthand experience co-leading a volunteer trail crew up the West Boulder during ABWF’s first multi-day volunteer stewardship trip of the season. During this trip, Katie and her co-leader, Crew Leader Finn Bentler, led eight intrepid volunteers through a handful of trail projects from clearing overgrown brush to rebuilding eroded trail tread. These important volunteer efforts keep your favorite wilderness trails in good working order, making them easier and safer to enjoy season after season.
If you are interested in seeing where else we are leading trips this year — or want to join us yourself — check out our Trail Projects page here. Can’t make it out on a volunteer adventure but still want to support this important stewardship work? A donation to ABWF is a great place to start!
Katie’s Crew Log | West Boulder | Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness | June 11-14
Thursday 6/11/2026
We arrived at the West Boulder Campground 45 minutes early, and our intrepid regulars Geoff and Tyler were already present. We quickly went to work setting up our basecamp and our personal campsites.
After everyone set up camp and lunched on our premade turkey pesto sandwiches, we grabbed some loppers and handsaws and headed up the Davis Creek Trail. Finn led this project last summer and the Yellowstone Ranger District is keen on us continuing work on the Davis Creek and Lost Lake Trails with our crews as a multi-year project.
We cut back brush with a particular focus on hawthorne that lined the trail corridor. One of our volunteers, Stephanie, works with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP). I mused about whether any predators may have used hawthorne as a tool to corner prey. On the flip side, Stephanie saw the hawthorne patch as a good hideout for prey. I enjoy these are the small conversations sprinkled throughout the work.
After returning to camp, Matt, Molly, and their toddler May arrived in time for white chicken chili and homemade guacamole. Matt and Molly take turns volunteering and taking care of May and it worked well. I took pride in seeing May's little hands Hulk-green with guac as approval of that night's meal.
Friday 6/12/2026
We prepared spinach mushroom egg scramble for breakfast Friday and hit the trails for a big day. We brushed the trail corridor (four feet on either side of the trail), cutting doghair-thick regen lodgepole and shrubs from start to finish on Lost Lake Trail. We pushed to Lost Lake and took a break to enjoy the views.
On our hike back to camp, Jenasea, Molly, Stephanie and I chatted. At one point, Jenasea remarked, "This is a unique event. It's not just a one-day volunteer event, but by spending three days together, you really get to build relationships with the volunteers."
Saturday 6/13/2026
By Saturday, we had our full crew of volunteers: Geoff, Tyler, Stephanie, Vince, Matt, Molly, Jenasea, and John. With this amount of hands, it was time to do some treadwork! Finn selected areas on Lost Lake to rebuild the tread that had been lost over time as soil eroded and built up on the trail. It was tough work, but the overcast sky provided cool working conditions and the fruits of our labor were apparent.
We feasted on brats with charred onions and sauteed squash. Bacon and cheddar sausages? Yes, please!
I tried my hand at Dutch Oven peach cobbler and it went well for a first attempt. Everyone gathered around the fire ring to watch the rotation of the pot and counter-rotation of the lid. Again, I count this dessert as a victory due to May the Toddler's enthusiastic endorsement. After she and Molly finished their shared portion, May kept reaching at the (now empty) Dutch Oven as if to say, "More, please!" Full and tired, energy fading like that of the embers in the fire ring, people gradually wandered back to their tents.
Sunday 6/14/2026
Sunday morning, we grabbed a quick breakfast of toasted bagels and cream cheese and set out for one last bout of treadwork. After a good effort and a lunch break, we headed back to camp to wrap up and pack up. I couldn't believe our first project was already finished. As I waved goodbye to the last volunteer leaving the campground, I took a moment for gratitude. I am thankful for our amazing volunteers, Forest Service personnel, and supportive staff that help make this magic happen.
I can't wait to get back out there, once more.
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Final Reflections: Finding and Embracing Quiet in the Wilderness
As we hiked to Lost Lake trail one rainy morning, each of us plodded along quietly. There was some chatter at the beginning of the hike, but eventually we each fell into our own rhythm and hiked quietly. I reckon one part fatigue from the two previous days of work; one part coffee not kicked in yet. I don't think one person minded the quiet time.
I often go into the wilderness to find that quiet. Working with crosscuts has given me a new appreciation for it, too: I can hear the bite, the rhythm, and the ring of the crosscut; the cracking fibers of the log; the breath of my saw partner. As a hiker, I've come up to a crosscut team on trail and realized I couldn't hear them sawing until I was much closer. If it were a chainsaw, I would've heard that whine from a mile away.
I miss using a chainsaw, sometimes. So much power with the squeeze of a few fingers on a throttle. To use a crosscut in the wilderness is to embrace and perpetuate the quiet that the wilderness provides. I'm happy to help preserve that same peace for all who come out to enjoy our wilderness. A piece/peace of quiet to take home with them.