2023 Cabin Creek (Full)

Volunteer Trail Work Project

2023 Cabin Creek (Full)

Volunteer Trail Work Project

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This is a fly-in trip into some of the most remote country in the lower 48 for a week of backpacking and trail work along Big Creek. The crew will fly into the Cabin Creek backcountry airstrip, in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and split into two groups to head opposite ways, up and down the Big Creek Trail. Crews will spend the week working back towards Cabin Creek, clearing and brushing the trail. The goal is to clear the trail between Monumental Bridge upstream of Cabin Creek and the confluence with the Middle Fork Salmon River downstream. 

Trail: Big Creek Trail #196 

Itinerary: Meet in McCall early Sunday morning and fly into Cabin Creek.  Work in either direction, clearing trail and bumping camp. The crew will meet back on Friday afternoon and fly back to McCall Saturday morning. (Swapping out with the Coxey Creek crew!) 

Crew Leaders: Alisa Rettschlag and Gregg Rettschlag  

More Information:  Cabin Creek History 

Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: Flying out of McCall with Sawtooth Flying Service 

GAIA Map:  Monumental Bridge Crew    Middle Fork Crew  

Refundable deposit: $50 

Why do I need to pay a deposit? We’ve had trouble with people backing out of trips at the last minute which can really affect the productivity of the overall project. By charging a refundable fee, volunteers are less likely to cancel their reservation. Refunds will not be given to volunteers that do not show up or cancel their reservation. Exceptions will be made for medical reasons or unforeseen circumstances. Volunteers can choose to donate the deposit to ITA. All donations are tax-deductible and will go towards maintaining trails throughout Idaho. If you require assistance in paying for this fee, please contact us at trails@idahotrailsassociation.org and we will waive the cost. 

Difficulty Rating: 

You should have some 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.  

Hike: 4/5 Strenuous
Carrying gear and tools the whole way (12-13 miles one way depending on which way you go out of Cabin Creek) with ups and downs, approximately 2,000 feet elevation gain. See the linked map for the elevation profile. 

Project Work: 3/5 Moderately Strenuous
This project will be removing logs, cutting brush, removing rocks and sloughs and overall improving the trail tread. This is ponderosa pine/Douglas fir country so the trees will be big and complex.  You can expect a wide range of weather conditions in late May; please pack accordingly.

Volunteer Spots Available: 0 of 8
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This project is currently full, but we are accepting waitlist submissions. If you have received a waitlist password (different from member password), you may sign up using the button below. Or click here to join the waitlist for this project and we’ll let you know if a spot opens up!

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