Project Name: Hells Canyon – Sheep Creek
Project Dates: September 13-17
This unique project will take volunteers on an adventure from mountain top to canyon bottom! Starting at Windy Saddle Trailhead high in the Seven Devils, the crew will descend an incredible 6300 feet in elevation all the way to the Snake River in Hells Canyon. From here, a jet boat will take us to Pittsburg Landing, and we'll shuttle all back to vehicles and head home.
The trail follows the East Fork of Sheep Creek at its origins just under the saddle, taking a detour along the canyon walls and into the Lightning Creek draining, before joining back up with Sheep Creek and following it all the way to the Snake River. Volunteers will backpack and work down, bumping camp along as they go. There are some great camps along the route, and this trail is used by hunters, backpackers, and people day hiking from the top down or bottom up! This is a great opportunity to experience all the Hells Canyon Wilderness has to offer, top to bottom!
Check out this ITA Trail Spotlight for Sheep Creek!
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: Sheep Creek Trail #53
Itinerary: This is a five-day project. Car shuttle logistics are still to be determined, and crew leaders will specify meeting time and location in their pre-trip emails. Meeting Sunday, starting work. Bumping camp along, getting to the Snake River by Wednesday afternoon for a Thursday pickup and drop to Pittsburg.
Food Provided by ITA: No
Gear Packing List: Gear Checklist for Backpacking Projects
Crew Leader: Rodney Waller and Melanie Vining
Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: About 1.5 hours from Riggins
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.
Volunteer Spots Available: 2 of 8
If there are no volunteer spots available, click “Sign Up” to get on our waitlist for this project!
Waitlist Signups: 0
