On the distant and rugged Prince of Wales Island, American Mountaineering Society volunteers got here collectively for per week of path stewardship, exploration, and connection. Surrounded by the huge fantastic thing about the Tongass Nationwide Forest — America’s largest temperate rainforest—the crew labored to revive the beloved Sunnahae Path, which climbs excessive above the coastal city of Craig. Identified for its steep grade and beautiful views, the path is a favourite amongst locals and was in want of care to make sure secure entry for years to come back.
Every day started on the Harris River Campground, nestled between Craig and Hollis, the place campsites lined a salmon-filled river and mountains loomed within the distance. After hours of bodily path work, volunteers returned to evenings stuffed with laughter, shared meals, and quiet moments by the campfire. The simplicity of these moments — swapping tales, roasting s’mores, and listening to the sounds of the forest—grew to become a significant a part of the expertise.
A spotlight of the journey was the guided tour of El Capitan Cave, the most important of greater than 500 caves on the island. Volunteers hiked by way of towering old-growth forest and ducked into slender passages, studying from Forest Service guides in regards to the cave’s geology, fossils, and distinctive subterranean ecosystem. It was a journey into deep time—an awe-inspiring distinction to the work executed above floor.
Whereas path restoration was the guts of the week, the lasting impression got here from the relationships constructed alongside the best way. What started as a bunch of strangers shortly grew right into a supportive crew — introduced collectively by shared work, shared meals, and shared marvel. As one volunteer put it, “There’s one thing particular about arriving not figuring out anybody and leaving with a bunch that looks like mates.”
What drew many to this journey might have been the attract of Alaska’s wild, untamed magnificence — however they left with one thing far deeper than simply unbelievable views. By means of shared effort, laughter, and quiet moments within the forest, volunteers walked away with lasting connections, a renewed sense of objective, and the sort of reminiscences that may solely be made when folks come collectively to take care of the land — and one another.
