The Traildusters chapter was founded in 1950 before the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington (BCHW) was formed. At that time we were called the Alderwood Manor Youth Riding Club and one of our members participated in founding the state organization. We are now one of 35 chapters that make up the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington (BCHW.) Our state organization is one of many that makeup the Backcountry Horsemen of America (BCHA), which was formed from the BCHW membership.

The main goal of Traildusters is protection of our priceless backcountry and preservation of our rights to use stock for recreation on public lands. We strive to achieve this goal by working closely with the US Forest Service as volunteers for trail maintenance and by becoming involved in legislative issues. Throughout the year we schedule three main types of activities: rides, work parties, and potlucks and socials.

RIDES. Our rides range from lowland conditioning trails, such as the Pilchuck Tree Farm, to higher elevation rides in eastern Washington. Some of our rides are appropriate for good, young riders and/or green horses, while others may be too difficult or lengthy for inexperienced or unconditioned riders and horses. Rides generally last anywhere from three to eight hours, however some have lasted ten hours or more as you never know when a problem may come up out on the trail. We generally camp at the trailhead with ride out at 9:00 or 10:00 am, and often a potluck dinner at 6:00.

WORK PARTIES. Our USFS liaisons coordinate trail or trailhead maintenance projects with the Darrington and Skykomish Ranger Districts. Several work parties each year give members the opportunity to do everything from building a turnpike to clearing brush. We generally camp at the trailhead, and the potluck dinner makes this a fun event.

POTLUCKS AND SOCIALS. During the fall and winter months, Traildusters get together at members' homes for potlucks/socials and sometimes, if the weather's good, a day ride. During the summer we schedule a 'play day' with riding games at a member's home, and in December we have a holiday dinner and dance.

For more information about what we do and how we do it, take a look at the New Member Brochure.