Project Name: Ditch Creek
Project Dates: June 7-13
Deep in the beautiful Selway Bitterroot Wilderness, we'll work up the Ditch Creek Trail to the Moose Ridge Trail, one of the most remote sections of the Idaho Centennial Trail. We'll fly from McCall into Shearer, a backcountry airstrip along the Selway River. The trail may be clear from earlier season's efforts, but the crew may need to camp at Shearer and work up Ditch Creek for a day to ensure the trail is passable to stock. Once clear, 51 Ranch Outfitters will provide pack support to move gear up to a base camp along Ditch Creek. The crew will work up Shearer Ridge and Ditch Creek, cutting out logs and clearing trails, possibly moving camp once during the week depending on the number of down trees we find, and then backpacking out to catch a flight home.
ITA, the Forest Service, and Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation have all put time into re-opening and maintaining this section of trail over the past several years, and on this project we will re-clear and build on the work completed last year. This project will also ensure that pack support from 51 Ranch will be available to the next ITA crew the following week, who will be packed further up to work on the Moose Ridge Trail, which is part of the ICT. Between the two projects, ITA will make a big impact on trails in this incredible area!
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: Ditch Creek Trail #523, Shearer Ridge #547
Itinerary: This is a Sunday-Saturday weeklong project. Fly out of McCall early Sunday morning. Possible to camp at Shearer for a day, then work with the outfitter/packer to move camp up the trail 5 miles. Friday, hike back to Shearer to prepare for a Saturday morning flight back to McCall.
Food Provided by ITA: No
Gear Packing List: Gear Checklist for Backpacking Projects with Pack Support
Crew Leader: Ray Arguello
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.
Volunteer Spots Available: 0 of 6
If there are no volunteer spots available, click “Sign Up” to get on our waitlist for this project!
Waitlist Signups: 2
