Project Name: Magruder Ridge
Project Dates: August 13-17
The Bitterroot National Forest has been working for many years with different partner groups to restore the Nez Perce Trail. An ITA crew on the Observation Point Project will work on the first few miles of trail and this crew will pick up where they left off and continue working along the ridge. Stock support will be available to bring gear and water to establish a base camp near Magruder Mountain (7405’). From here the crew will work on clearing logs and establishing trail tread as the trail follows the ridge up and over Magruder Mountain, before swiftly descending toward the Selway River. This trail was affected by fire in the area last year, and the work we do will help keep this trail from rutting out or eroding away.
With panoramic views of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness to the north and the Frank Church- River of No Return Wilderness to the south, this is a great project for those wanting to hike high into the mountains without having to carry a heavy pack!
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: Nez Perce Indian Trail #13
Itinerary: This is a 5-day project. Meet at the trailhead early Wednesday morning, recommended to camp nearby the night before. Hand off gear to the packer, hike into base camp, clearing trail as needed on the way in. Continuing work the next few days, returning to backcountry base camp in the evenings. Gear picked up and brought back to vehicles Saturday evening or Sunday morning (to be coordinated with the packer).
Food Provided by ITA: No
Crew Leader: Gregg Rettschlag and Alisa Rettschlag
Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: 2.5 hours from Darby, Montana
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 for you, volunteers may apply for scholarships to purchase gear they need through the Splattski Outdoor Access Fund.
Volunteer Spots Available: 6 of 12
If there are no volunteer spots available, click “Sign Up” to get on our waitlist for this project!
Waitlist Signups: 0
