Project Name: Trapper Creek – Youth

Dates: June 11 – June 14

ITA’s Youth Trail Crew Program provides opportunities for youth ages 14-18 to learn about the outdoors while building and maintaining hiking trails in a safe, teamwork-oriented environment.

This four-day project will be ITA’s only boat-in youth project in north Idaho. Participants will travel by boat to Trapper Creek Campsite on the northeast end of Upper Priest Lake and camp right along the shoreline. The campsite offers beautiful lake views, a sandy beach, and opportunities for swimming and fishing after workdays. From camp, the crew will work on a three-mile section of trail heading north toward the road on a route that has not been maintained in some time and will likely require extensive brushing.

The Trapper Creek Trail is an important connector that completes a full loop around Upper Priest Lake by linking to the Navigation Trail. It is also part of the Idaho Centennial Trail (ICT), a nearly 1,000-mile route spanning the state that ITA helps maintain. Throughout the weekend, youth will focus on brushing, cutting logs, and general trail clearing while learning safe tool use, teamwork, and trail work fundamentals. Crew members will also share responsibility for camp life and practice Leave No Trace principles while enjoying a remote, wilderness-style camping experience.

ITA’s youth projects are completely free for volunteers to join, and all food is provided. Gear can be borrowed from ITA if needed with advance notice, or youth may apply for scholarships to purchase gear they need through the Splattski Outdoor Access Fund.

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.

Trails: Upper Priest Lake Trail #302

Itinerary: This is a four-day project. Volunteers and a parent/guardian will join a pre-trip Zoom meeting before the project. Meet Thursday afternoon at the Lionhead Campground in Priest Lake State Park to boat into the project site. Friday and Saturday will be full workdays. Sunday, break down camp, boat out, and be ready for pick up at Lionhead Campground in the early afternoon.

Food Provided by ITA: Yes – Cook

Gear Packing List: Gear Checklist for Backpacking Projects

Crew Leaders: Taylor Mailly and Miles Butler

Estimated Hike Time from Trailhead to Camp: Short boat ride, camping on Priest Lake

Trail Map: Click for trail map and elevation profile

Youth Trip Selection:

Youth trip sign-ups will be open until March 22nd. Although early sign-ups will be prioritized, ITA leadership and staff may adjust the final crews to maximize trip experience and provide opportunities for the greatest number of youth participants. To help facilitate trip assignments, please sign up for your preferred trip and include alternate trips you could participate in, should the preferred trip not be available. You will receive notification of trip assignment via email prior to March 31st.

Difficulty Rating:

Volunteer Spots: 12