Project Name: Observation Point
Project Dates: August 3-9
Access an incredibly wild and remote area of Idaho’s expansive Wilderness areas by car! This project is located along the Magruder Corridor. This famous scenic backcountry byway splits the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness to the north and the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness to the south. Each year adventurous travelers make their way across from Darby, Montana to Elk City, Idaho, stopping to hike, camp and marvel at the panoramic views along the way.
We’ll camp at the primitive Observation Point campground, where ITA will provide a camp kitchen and food for the week. Just up the road is the Nez Perce Indian Trail where we’ll remove logs and address drainage issues. This section of trail comes up from the Selway River and back down to the Little Clearwater River, but we’ll stay up high as we work the first few miles accessed from the trailhead.
Later in the season, the Magruder Ridge crew will be packed into a backcountry base camp to pick up where this crew leaves off. The Forest has been working for many years with different partner groups to restore the Nez Perce Trail through this area. With the added urgency from a wildfire that impacted the area last year, it’s important a crew goes in this year to clear downed trees and address any drainage issues present.
At your own risk and with proper preparation and research beforehand, you may consider completing the Magruder Corridor after the project while you’re already halfway there! Please note, the road gets worse from here before it gets better.
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 Trail Connector #7, Nez Perce Indian Trail #13
Itinerary: This is a Sunday-Saturday weeklong project. Meet at Observation Point Campground Sunday to set up camp. Work Monday-Friday, rest day as needed. Saturday morning, clean up camp and head home.
Food Provided by ITA: Yes – If you are interested in being a volunteer camp cook for this project please reach out to alex@idahotrailsassociation.org
Crew Leader: Leslie Anderson and Joe Anderson
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
Volunteer Spots Available: 3 of 12
If there are no volunteer spots available, click “Sign Up” to get on our waitlist for this project!
Waitlist Signups: 0
