Project Name: Harrison Lake Project (Formally the Canyon Creek – Long Canyon Project Updated 7/15/25)
Project Dates: September 5-7
Volunteers will spend two nights camping at Harrison Lake in the beautiful Selkirks to re-build two puncheons on the upper Harrison Lake Trail. This trail is known for its incredible views of the Seven Sisters Range, rugged rock formations, and fishing in the lake. We’ll backpack in the 2.5 miles from the trailhead, and set up our base camp in the alpine lake basin surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Selkirks!
What’s a puncheon? You’ve probably seen them (and appreciated keeping your feet dry) on trails in boggy or seasonally wet areas. They are bridge-like structures that allow hikers and animals to cross wet areas safely, and without widening or damaging the trail tread.
More information can be found on All Trails and more photos and information on these blogs here and here!
Project information is subject to change. Crew leaders will communicate via email. Failure to respond to your crew leader may result in being dropped from the project. See our FAQs, reach out to your crew leader, or contact ITA staff at trails@idahotrailsassociation.org if you have questions.
Trail: Harrison Lake Trail #217
Itinerary: This is a three-day project, meeting at Harrison Lake trailhead in the morning on Friday and backpacking to the lake. Returning to the trailhead Sunday. Crew leaders will specify the meeting time and place in their pre-trip emails.
Food Provided by ITA: No
Crew Leader: Tom Dabrowski
Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: 1 hour 10 Minutes from Sandpoint.
Trail Map: Click for trail map with elevation profile
Refundable deposit: $25
Why do I need to pay a deposit? We’ve had trouble with people backing out of trips at the last minute which can really affect the productivity of the overall project. By charging a refundable fee, volunteers are less likely to cancel their reservation. Refunds will not be given to volunteers that do not show up or cancel their reservation. Exceptions will be made for medical reasons or unforeseen circumstances. Volunteers can choose to donate the deposit to ITA. All donations are tax-deductible and will go towards maintaining trails throughout Idaho. If you require assistance in paying for this fee, please contact us at trails@idahotrailsassociation.org and we will waive the cost.
Difficulty Rating
You should have some experience with backpacking and be in good hiking condition with broken-in and tested gear. This is a remote backcountry project so injuries such as sprains and blisters or even extreme fatigue from not being properly conditioned can quickly become a big safety issue. If you are unsure about the proper gear or about preparing for a trip, please reach out to trails@idahotrailsassociation.org.
If having the right gear to be safe and comfortable is a limiting factor, volunteers may apply for scholarships to purchase gear they need through the Splattski Outdoor Access Fund.


Volunteer Spots Available: 6 of 12
If there are no volunteer spots available, click “Sign Up” to get on our waitlist for this project!
Waitlist Signups: 0