2026 Alpine Way (Full)

Backpack into the Sawtooths: Restore Remote Sections of the Alpine Way Trail

August 19 - August 23

2026 Alpine Way (Full)

Backpack into the Sawtooths: Restore Remote Sections of the Alpine Way Trail

August 19 - August 23
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Project Name: Alpine Way 

Project Dates: August 19-23 

Volunteers will spend five days camping in the backcountry, nestled beneath some of the highest peaks in the Sawtooth Range, working on the Alpine Way Trail. Starting at Redfish Lake trailhead, we'll backpack five miles into Marshall Lake and set up a base camp here. With big trees, a lake to cool off in, and beautiful scenery, this is a great base camp to work out of!  

The first few miles from each trailhead see more regular maintenance but the middle section, less accessible by car camping crews, is harder to reach and here's where ITA can step in to help. ITA worked two miles on Alpine Way from camp last year and this year we'll return to reclear and push forward! We'll focus on log out, with some brushing and tread work as needed. Lots of fun crosscut work is expected!  

More info on All Trails  

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: Alpine Way Trail #528 

Itinerary: This is a five-day project. We'll start hiking Wednesday morning to our base camp at Marshall Lake. Over the next few days we'll continue cutting along the trail, moving camp once if work allows. Sunday, pack up and head back to cars to go home!  

Food Provided by ITA: No  

Gear Packing List: Gear Checklist for Backpacking Projects 

Crew Leader: Jenny Turner and Dagmar Rapp  

Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: 15 minutes from Stanley 

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 reservations. 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.  

Hike: 3/5 Moderately Strenuous – Five miles with 1500 feet of elevation gain to Marshall Lake. Carrying all personal gear and tools. As far as backpacking in the Sawtooth's goes, this trail has mild elevation gain, but there is still an uphill climb into camp! See the linked map for the elevation profile. 

Project Work: 3/5 Moderately Strenuous – Lots of saw work, brushing, and some tread work. Potentially some longer hikes into the worksite as we push further out, but the Alpine Way Trail has minimal elevation gain and loss

Volunteer Spots Available: 0 of 12
If there are no volunteer spots available, click “Sign Up” to get on our waitlist for this project!

Waitlist Signups: 0

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