Project Name: Pistol Creek
Dates: August 17-23rd
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 to a base camp near Foresight Creek. From here we’ll focus on tread repair, working through a difficult-to-find section of trail that has been flagged out by the Forest Service. This area will also always have big trees to cut out and brushing. 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.
Last year the crew had a successful project, cutting out giant logs, brushing and repairing tread on the Pistol Creek and Little Pistol Creek Trails. The Forest Service and the Selway Bitterroot- Frank Church Foundation have assisted in working on trails in this area for the last few years also. Working together we can make good progress opening this area back up for all! These trails are used by hunters, boaters, horse packers, 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 #229
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:
Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: Flying from 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: 2
