Project Name: Copper Creek – Youth
Dates: June 21 – June 27
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.
Along Idaho's Rapid River Wild and Scenic River, ITA will host a weeklong youth trail project for ages 14–18, focused on improving the Copper Creek and Trail Creek Trails. These routes climb out of the Rapid River corridor into the surrounding mountains, offering rewarding views of big terrain. The crew will meet at the Rattlesnake Trailhead, where Heaven's Gate Outfitters will provide pack support to transport food and some personal gear into a Heaven's Gate Outfitter camp. This camp—home to one of ITA's earliest youth projects—offers a scenic base with easy access to swimming and fishing in Rapid River just a short hike from camp.
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: Rattlesnake Trail #166, Rapid River Trail #177, Copper Creek Trail #190, Trail Creek Trail #185.
Itinerary: This is a Sunday–Saturday project. Parent and volunteer engagement begins with a pre-trip Zoom meeting for all volunteers well ahead of the project. On Sunday, the crew will hike in and establish a backcountry base camp. Trail work will take place Monday through Friday, with the crew working from camp and returning each afternoon, and a potential mid-week rest or exploration day. On Saturday, the outfitter will arrive and the group will pack up camp and hike back to the trailhead for pickup.
Food Provided by ITA: Yes – Cook
Gear Packing List: Gear Checklist for Pack Supported Projects, Food Provided
Crew Leader: Taylor Mailly and Ted McManus
Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: 20 minutes from Riggins
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
