Project Name: Indian Creek
Dates: May 25-31
This fly-in project will give ITA volunteers unique access to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and volunteers will spend a week in the backcountry opening the Indian Creek Trail. This trail follows the creek through meadows and hot springs and sits below several peaks of the Salmon River Mountains. These trails are used by hunters, boaters, horse packers, and backpackers wanting to explore the Middle Fork of the Salmon and the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness!
From McCall, we will fly into the Indian Creek backcountry airstrip. From here we’ll work a day from the river up the Indian Creek Trail. Depending on conditions, pack support from Pistol Creek Outfitters may be available to bring us further up trail, or we may backpack up along. Last year the trail was passable but very brushy. Fresh downfall and crosscut work is expected with the further up trail the more work is to be done! At the end of the week, we’ll return to camp along the Middle Fork the night before flying back to McCall. Pack support will be available to haul out crew gear if the crew is far enough up the trail to warrant it.
The Forest Service and the Selway Bitterroot-Frank Church Foundation, as well as ITA, have all assisted in working on trails in this area for the last few years. Working together we can make good progress opening this wild area to all after years of deferred maintenance! Later this year ITA will organize another project further up the trail to address downfall and slides.
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: Indian Creek Trail #225
Itinerary: This is a Sunday-Saturday weeklong project. Sunday, fly out of McCall and set up camp. Work all week, bumping camp along as needed. Estimated backpacking no more than 10 miles up trail. Friday afternoon, return to camp near the airstrip for Saturday morning pickup and fly back to McCall.
Food Provided by ITA: No
Crew Leader: Pam Bond and Dagmar Rapp
Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: Flying out of McCall
Trail Map: Click for trail map and elevation profile
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.
If having the right gear to be safe and comfortable is a limiting factor, volunteers may apply for scholarships to purchase gear they need through the Splattski Outdoor Access Fund.
Volunteer Spots Available: 0 of 8
If there are no volunteer spots available, click “Sign Up” to get on our waitlist for this project!
Waitlist Signups: 5
