Project Name: Indian Creek – Youth
Dates: July 12 – 18
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 fly-in youth project offers a rare opportunity to experience Idaho's backcountry from the air while contributing to meaningful trail stewardship along the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Youth crew members will spend a week living and working in the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, focusing on reopening sections of the Indian Creek Trail. The trail follows Indian Creek through open meadows and past natural hot springs, tucked beneath the rugged peaks of the Salmon River Mountains. This corridor is an important access route for wilderness users exploring the Middle Fork and surrounding backcountry.
The crew will depart from McCall and fly into the Indian Creek backcountry airstrip, then hike to a base camp near the river. Each day, participants will work up the Indian Creek Trail clearing brush and removing downed trees using hand tools, including crosscut saws. Conditions vary year to year, but youth should expect physical work and increasing trail challenges the farther the crew travels from camp. Fly-in projects are limited, and priority is given to ITA Youth Program alumni.
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 ourFAQs, reach out to your crew leader, or contact ITA staff at trails@idahotrailsassociation.org if you have questions.
Trails: Indian Creek Trail #225
Itinerary: This is a Sunday-Saturday weeklong project. Volunteers and a parent/guardian will join a pre-trip Zoom meeting before the project. On Sunday, fly out of McCall and set up camp along the Middle Fork of the Salmon. Work all week, starting up Indian Creek and then continuing based on water crossings. On Saturday morning, fly back to McCall forpick up.
Food Provided by ITA: Yes – Backpacking
Gear Packing List: Gear Checklist for Backpacking Projects
Crew Leader: Jess Evett and James Grantham
Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: Flying out of McCall
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
You should have 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.
Volunteer Spots: 8
