By Melanie Vining, ITA Executive Director In trail work, there is no “Done with a capital D”, but there are finish lines. Often, we clear sections of trail and, at weekend or week’s end, leave knowing we contributed but that there is more to be cleared to get to that next lake, trail junction, peak, etc. So, we set goals that span multiple years. One recent such finish line ... Read More

Dear Trail Lovers, We're kicking off our Annual Membership Drive to raise $65,000 in support of Idaho’s trails on December 1 and going through the end of the month. With your help, we can make 2025 an incredible year for preserving and maintaining the places we all cherish. Whether you give $30, $60, $100, or more, your generosity helps keep Idaho’s trails open and welcoming to everyone. And if ... Read More

Congratulations to our north Idaho Volunteer of the Year, Ken Dueis, for his great work in helping co-lead his first projects this summer for Idaho Trails Association. "Ken is a high energy, very active volunteer with ITA. During 2024, he worked on multiple projects up north, served as Deputy Crew Leader on several, and volunteered for more in other parts of the state. In addition, he helped scout trails ... Read More

by Bryce Campbell, ITA Crew Leader. Bryce was part of  ITA’s three week Wilderness Immersion Project in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness this past summer. Here are some of his thoughts on his experience in the Wilderness. When reflecting on my ITA immersion experience from this past summer, a quote from The Little Prince came to mind: “C'est le temps que tu as perdu pour ta rose qui fait ta rose ... Read More

Both Anne and Alisa were part of  ITA's three week Wilderness Immersion Project in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness this past summer. Here are some of their thoughts on their experience in the Wilderness. Sensory Recalibration by Anne Favorite, Immersion Crew Member Looking to reboot, recharge? Then get yee to the wilderness! Lose yourself in service to others, mending the ancient pathways of the wild. Reviving historical trails through vigorous efforts ... Read More

Our Trail Spotlight highlights day trips to multi-day hikes across Idaho. Trail conditions can change quickly- swollen rivers can become impassable, windstorms can knock trees down across trails, and snow can come earlier than expected. Please take these recommendations as a jumping off place and do additional research to understand current conditions and  keep yourself safe if you choose to hike this trail. Physical guidebooks and maps are always good to ... Read More

Don was awarded the 2024 North Idaho ITA Crew Leader of the Year! He has been leading crews for many years and is always willing to take on the longer weekend and weeklong projects. When changes to the locations of trail projects inevitably arise, his ability to roll with the punches is much appreciated. “Don is an overall great guy and leader! I always enjoy partnering with him on ... Read More

Our Trail Spotlight highlights day trips to multi-day hikes across Idaho. Trail conditions can change quickly- swollen rivers can become impassable, windstorms can knock trees down across trails, and snow can come earlier than expected. Please take these recommendations as a jumping off place and do additional research to understand current conditions and  keep yourself safe if you choose to hike this trail. Physical guidebooks and maps are always good to ... Read More

by Melanie Vining, Executive Director Ok, so this could be the title of an article at the end of pretty much any summer lately. Snowpacks melting earlier, heat waves lasting longer and fall rains coming later are the new normal in the West, but with the west central Idaho Lava Fire almost out my backdoor and a recent trip to Salmon, which took me through the Wapiti Fire burned ... Read More

Trail work is rewarding. It’s why we do it. We get to see the immediate fruits of our labor and know we are contributing to both an immediate and a longer term, larger cause, keeping access to public lands open and allowing others to experience the mental and physical nourishment of the outdoors, but there’s another reward I feel, increasingly, is just as important: friendship. A few weeks ago, ... Read More