This fly-in project will give ITA volunteers unique access to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and its tributaries in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.
From McCall, we will fly into Pistol Creek Ranch, where we will be packed by Pistol Creek Ranch pack stock to a base camp at the confluence of Pistol and Little Pistol Creeks. From here we’ll work on tread repair, brushing and log out. Mid-week, we may bump camp higher along Little Pistol Creek to access the area past Trigger Creek, where avalanche debris makes access difficult. At the end of the week, we’ll return to camp along the Middle Fork the night before flying back to McCall.
Next year, ITA is tentatively planning to keep working from the top down on Little Pistol Creek. These trails are used by hunters, boaters, equestrians and backpackers wanting to explore the Middle Fork of the Salmon and the Frank Church Wilderness!
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: Pistol Creek Trail #228, Little Pistol Creek Trail #4229
Itinerary: This is a Sunday-Saturday weeklong project. Sunday, fly out of McCall and pack up to the first camp. Work all week, bumping camp if needed. Friday afternoon, return to camp near the airstrip for Saturday morning pickup and fly back to McCall.
Food Provided by ITA: No
Crew Leader: Michelle Florence and Glenn Florence
Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: Flying from McCall
Trail Map: Click for trail map and elevation profile to the first camp, and here for to the second.
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 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.
Volunteer Spots Available: 1 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!