2023 South Fork Blackmare Creek

Volunteer Trail Work Project

2023 South Fork Blackmare Creek

Volunteer Trail Work Project

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Volunteers will spend a week in the rugged Idaho backcountry working on opening the South Fork Blackmare Cutoff trail. The crew will be packed into a base camp near Blackmare Creek and work up the trail each day. Surrounded by jagged ridges between Blackmare, White Rock, and Square Top peaks, this trail leads to Blackmare Lake, about five miles from camp.  

Trail:  South Fork Blackmare Cut Off #302 

Itinerary:  Sunday– meet at Poverty Flat Trailhead off the South Fork Salmon Road. Pack into base camp. Monday-Friday– work up the trail, with a day off mid-week to relax and explore. Saturday– hike back out to the trailhead, heading home. 

Crew Leaders: Gregg Rettschlag and Kirsten Severud 

More Information:  Blog from Last year’s trip  

Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town:  1 hour 15 minutes from Cascade  

GAIA Map:  South Fork Blackmare Creek 

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  

Hike: 3/5 Moderately Strenuous
3.5 miles of a steady uphill hike into camp with 2,400 feet of total elevation gain. Volunteers will have to carry days packs with some personal gear and tools, but pack support will be available for most of the gear. For the hike into the project site, there is a slight elevation gain and distance hiked will get longer each day as we work further from camp. See the linked map for the elevation profile.

Project Work: 3/5 Moderately Strenuous
Lots of brushing and sapling removal with a few big logs, handful of smaller ones. Digging and swinging tools for tread work needed to ensure proper width and slope.

Volunteer Spots Available: 1 of 8
If there are no volunteer spots available, click “Sign Up” to get on our waitlist for this project!

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