2023 Bernard Creek

Volunteer Trail Work Project

2023 Bernard Creek

Volunteer Trail Work Project

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On the border between Oregon and Idaho, the Snake River winds through the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. We’ll take a jet boat with all our gear from Hells Canyon Dam downstream to where we’ll camp for the week at Bernard Creek. This is a primitive backcountry campsite on the Snake River. ITA will bring group camping gear, including kitchen gear and a large group tent. Boise State students and staff with ITA crew leads will spend the week working on the Bernard Creek Trail, which heads straight up the canyon to Dry Diggins Ridge.  We can also head north from camp and work along the Snake River Trail towards Sheep Creek.  Hells Canyon has an incredible history, diverse wildlife, and remarkable scenery.

Trails: Bernard Creek Trail #58 and Snake River National Recreation Trail #102

Itinerary: Crew to meet at Hells Canyon Dam at  Sunday to be jet boated into camp. Sunday set up camp and learn trail/ tool basics, with a little trail work. Monday-Friday work up Bernard Creek and along the Snake River Trail. Day off during the week to relax/explore. Sunday, pack up camp in the morning, with the boat picking us up and taking us back to Hells Canyon Dam.

Crew Leader:  Leslie Anderson

More Information: Non-ITA Trip report from April 2021 of the Snake River Trail.  Hells Canyon Overview from the Forest Service Website

Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: Hells Canyon Dam is 3.5 hours from Boise, and 2 hours from Baker City.

GAIA Map:  Bernard Creek   Snake River Trail

Difficulty Rating

Hike: 3/5 Moderately Strenuous
Typically less than four miles hiking each day, but with a steep incline up the Bernard Creek Trail. During the week we can switch to work on the Snake River Trail, which is much less steep. See the linked maps for the elevation profile.

Project Work: 3/5 Moderately Strenuous
Mostly brushing, with infrequent digging and swinging tools. Potential for some tread work and rock fall removal. Bending or kneeling for light saw work or brushing. Carrying tools and day packs short distances. Volunteers can pick trail duties based on comfort and ability level and are encouraged to work at their own pace. The weather in March can be unpredictable, please pack accordingly!

Volunteer Spots Available: 8 of 15
If there are no volunteer spots available, click “Sign Up” to get on our waitlist for this project!

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