Sawyers at Work: Trail Maintenance on the PNT
Sawyers at Work: Trail Maintenance on the PNT
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Learn more about the trail crews of the PNW and how Sawyer Products keep them hydrated and comfortable in the backcountry.
Read more about the projectWhen I caught Trevor Ellston and Anthony Woelke returning from the Pacific Northwest Trail with shovels and saws to the office from their last hitch out of the 2025 season, I asked Anthony what the hardest part of his season was.
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I expected to hear something along the lines of, “the long days,” or “the lack of service,” or “the toll it takes on your body.” Instead, he said this:
“The hardest part of being on a trail crew is grappling with how little public knowledge there is about how important it is that trail work gets funded. The number one thing that hikers comment on is ‘Oh wow, now that we see you guys doing it — I can see that’s a lot of work.’ No service, my body hurting and being muddy are all perks of the job.”
.png)
Anthony had just returned from an eight day long hitch in the Pasayten Wilderness with his crew, consisting of Trevor Ellston, Marla Davidson and Spencer Hoyt.
This season, the performance trail crews cleared 2,627 logs from the trail.
Imagine how much more difficult using the trail would be if you had to climb over or crawl under each one!
.png)
“I wanted to work somewhere where I could see tangible results for my effort. I used to work for a software company and everything I did never felt like enough,” Trevor said. “With work on a trail crew — you can see the logs disappear; you can see the tread improve; you can see the impact of brushing. Especially this year, everyone is thankful to see a trail crew. They’re all very grateful."
"It feels nice because you’re helping them and they always say 'Thank you so much.' My answer is 'Thank you for enjoying the trails.' It’s a reciprocal sort of thing. I get to spend days working hard, sweating and laughing with my crew, my community, making a physical difference and it gives me some employment in the process.”
.png)
The Pacific Northwest Trail Association relies on these crews to perform over 80% of its trail maintenance on the Pacific Northwest Trail. The PNTA Performance Trail Crews are funded through a mix of federal grants and private contributions.
Due to federal funding cuts, the PNTA was only able to send out five performance trail crews instead of the usual seven or eight — but crews still packed a punch this season.
.png)
On this last hitch, the Pasayten Crew partnered with the Methow Valley Ranger District and Mark Homeyer, an accomplished sawyer and a committed volunteer who helped out the trail crew.
“When you give back to the trail, you feel more connected to the trail,” Mark reflected on his trail experience. “You understand it better and it becomes more rewarding.
It was especially rewarding after thru-hiking the Arizona Trail and connecting with a lot of people who worked for the National Forests and the National Parks, as well as wildland fire fighters. After hearing their stories, and witnessing all the government cuts to their work, it reinforced my desire to get out and give back.”
As the sun beat down in the Pasayten Wilderness, the hardy crew managed to clear 499 logs in a single hitch! Trail crews increase accessibility to the outdoors — for trail users and workers alike.
“All kinds of people use these trails: from hikers to horsemen and professionals needed for emergency response” Trevor said, “They depend on those trails. A clear trail is important for recreation, safety and to enjoy the beauty of the land. We’re the ones who become the stewards of the Pacific Northwest Trail and actually get to make that happen.”
.png)
Performance Trail Crews are an in-house conservation corps program of the PNTA.
In recognition of the fact that not everyone is on the same footing when it comes to accessing the wild,this program breaks down traditional barriers to inclusion by providing full time wages, all food and transportation for the summer, and valuable training and certifications that are essential for careers in public land management.
The PNTA also provides essential gear for trail crews, including Sawyer’s water filters, sunscreen, bug spray and permethrin to lessen environmental risks that trail crew members might encounter in the backcountry.
.png)
Our Trail Crews need your support to ensure the needs of the trail are met. This past year, federal funding shortages meant fewer crews working despite the overwhelming need. Your donation and generosity keeps our crew members doing the work they love - and keeps the Pacific Northwest Trail safe and accessible.
Click here to make a one-time or recurring gift to the Pacific Northwest Trail Association!
When I caught Trevor Ellston and Anthony Woelke returning from the Pacific Northwest Trail with shovels and saws to the office from their last hitch out of the 2025 season, I asked Anthony what the hardest part of his season was.
I expected to hear something along the lines of, “the long days,” or “the lack of service,” or “the toll it takes on your body.” Instead, he said this:
“The hardest part of being on a trail crew is grappling with how little public knowledge there is about how important it is that trail work gets funded. The number one thing that hikers comment on is ‘Oh wow, now that we see you guys doing it — I can see that’s a lot of work.’ No service, my body hurting and being muddy are all perks of the job.”
Anthony had just returned from an eight day long hitch in the Pasayten Wilderness with his crew, consisting of Trevor Ellston, Marla Davidson and Spencer Hoyt.
This season, the performance trail crews cleared 2,627 logs from the trail.
Imagine how much more difficult using the trail would be if you had to climb over or crawl under each one!
“I wanted to work somewhere where I could see tangible results for my effort. I used to work for a software company and everything I did never felt like enough,” Trevor said. “With work on a trail crew — you can see the logs disappear; you can see the tread improve; you can see the impact of brushing. Especially this year, everyone is thankful to see a trail crew. They’re all very grateful."
"It feels nice because you’re helping them and they always say 'Thank you so much.' My answer is 'Thank you for enjoying the trails.' It’s a reciprocal sort of thing. I get to spend days working hard, sweating and laughing with my crew, my community, making a physical difference and it gives me some employment in the process.”
The Pacific Northwest Trail Association relies on these crews to perform over 80% of its trail maintenance on the Pacific Northwest Trail. The PNTA Performance Trail Crews are funded through a mix of federal grants and private contributions.
Due to federal funding cuts, the PNTA was only able to send out five performance trail crews instead of the usual seven or eight — but crews still packed a punch this season.
On this last hitch, the Pasayten Crew partnered with the Methow Valley Ranger District and Mark Homeyer, an accomplished sawyer and a committed volunteer who helped out the trail crew.
“When you give back to the trail, you feel more connected to the trail,” Mark reflected on his trail experience. “You understand it better and it becomes more rewarding.
It was especially rewarding after thru-hiking the Arizona Trail and connecting with a lot of people who worked for the National Forests and the National Parks, as well as wildland fire fighters. After hearing their stories, and witnessing all the government cuts to their work, it reinforced my desire to get out and give back.”
As the sun beat down in the Pasayten Wilderness, the hardy crew managed to clear 499 logs in a single hitch! Trail crews increase accessibility to the outdoors — for trail users and workers alike.
“All kinds of people use these trails: from hikers to horsemen and professionals needed for emergency response” Trevor said, “They depend on those trails. A clear trail is important for recreation, safety and to enjoy the beauty of the land. We’re the ones who become the stewards of the Pacific Northwest Trail and actually get to make that happen.”
Performance Trail Crews are an in-house conservation corps program of the PNTA.
In recognition of the fact that not everyone is on the same footing when it comes to accessing the wild,this program breaks down traditional barriers to inclusion by providing full time wages, all food and transportation for the summer, and valuable training and certifications that are essential for careers in public land management.
The PNTA also provides essential gear for trail crews, including Sawyer’s water filters, sunscreen, bug spray and permethrin to lessen environmental risks that trail crew members might encounter in the backcountry.
Our Trail Crews need your support to ensure the needs of the trail are met. This past year, federal funding shortages meant fewer crews working despite the overwhelming need. Your donation and generosity keeps our crew members doing the work they love - and keeps the Pacific Northwest Trail safe and accessible.
Click here to make a one-time or recurring gift to the Pacific Northwest Trail Association!
When I caught Trevor Ellston and Anthony Woelke returning from the Pacific Northwest Trail with shovels and saws to the office from their last hitch out of the 2025 season, I asked Anthony what the hardest part of his season was.
I expected to hear something along the lines of, “the long days,” or “the lack of service,” or “the toll it takes on your body.” Instead, he said this:
“The hardest part of being on a trail crew is grappling with how little public knowledge there is about how important it is that trail work gets funded. The number one thing that hikers comment on is ‘Oh wow, now that we see you guys doing it — I can see that’s a lot of work.’ No service, my body hurting and being muddy are all perks of the job.”
Anthony had just returned from an eight day long hitch in the Pasayten Wilderness with his crew, consisting of Trevor Ellston, Marla Davidson and Spencer Hoyt.
This season, the performance trail crews cleared 2,627 logs from the trail.
Imagine how much more difficult using the trail would be if you had to climb over or crawl under each one!
“I wanted to work somewhere where I could see tangible results for my effort. I used to work for a software company and everything I did never felt like enough,” Trevor said. “With work on a trail crew — you can see the logs disappear; you can see the tread improve; you can see the impact of brushing. Especially this year, everyone is thankful to see a trail crew. They’re all very grateful."
"It feels nice because you’re helping them and they always say 'Thank you so much.' My answer is 'Thank you for enjoying the trails.' It’s a reciprocal sort of thing. I get to spend days working hard, sweating and laughing with my crew, my community, making a physical difference and it gives me some employment in the process.”
The Pacific Northwest Trail Association relies on these crews to perform over 80% of its trail maintenance on the Pacific Northwest Trail. The PNTA Performance Trail Crews are funded through a mix of federal grants and private contributions.
Due to federal funding cuts, the PNTA was only able to send out five performance trail crews instead of the usual seven or eight — but crews still packed a punch this season.
On this last hitch, the Pasayten Crew partnered with the Methow Valley Ranger District and Mark Homeyer, an accomplished sawyer and a committed volunteer who helped out the trail crew.
“When you give back to the trail, you feel more connected to the trail,” Mark reflected on his trail experience. “You understand it better and it becomes more rewarding.
It was especially rewarding after thru-hiking the Arizona Trail and connecting with a lot of people who worked for the National Forests and the National Parks, as well as wildland fire fighters. After hearing their stories, and witnessing all the government cuts to their work, it reinforced my desire to get out and give back.”
As the sun beat down in the Pasayten Wilderness, the hardy crew managed to clear 499 logs in a single hitch! Trail crews increase accessibility to the outdoors — for trail users and workers alike.
“All kinds of people use these trails: from hikers to horsemen and professionals needed for emergency response” Trevor said, “They depend on those trails. A clear trail is important for recreation, safety and to enjoy the beauty of the land. We’re the ones who become the stewards of the Pacific Northwest Trail and actually get to make that happen.”
Performance Trail Crews are an in-house conservation corps program of the PNTA.
In recognition of the fact that not everyone is on the same footing when it comes to accessing the wild,this program breaks down traditional barriers to inclusion by providing full time wages, all food and transportation for the summer, and valuable training and certifications that are essential for careers in public land management.
The PNTA also provides essential gear for trail crews, including Sawyer’s water filters, sunscreen, bug spray and permethrin to lessen environmental risks that trail crew members might encounter in the backcountry.
Our Trail Crews need your support to ensure the needs of the trail are met. This past year, federal funding shortages meant fewer crews working despite the overwhelming need. Your donation and generosity keeps our crew members doing the work they love - and keeps the Pacific Northwest Trail safe and accessible.
Click here to make a one-time or recurring gift to the Pacific Northwest Trail Association!
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