Project Name: Hida Point Loop
Project Dates: August 23-29
This fly-in project will drop volunteers deep in the backcountry for a week of backpacking and trail work in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Starting from Chamberlain backcountry airstrip, we'll backpack north along the Chambelain Trail, working towards Hida Point. As work and time allow, we hope to continue working and bumping camp along the Arctic Point, White Bird Meadow, Hida Ridge, and Harlan Meadows trails.
These trails connect to form a loop through meadows, up and over ridges, through burned areas and lush green trees. ITA has been working on clearing trails in this area for many years now, with no shortage of downfall each year. This crew will be continuing off the work of the Wilderness Immersion projects in 2023 and 2025. All parts of this loop have been touched by ITA in the last few years, and this crew hopes to connect all the work! This is a great opportunity to work in a very remote area of the Frank Church and help preserve a remote trail system.
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: Chambelain Trail #1, Arctic Point #25, White Bird Meadow #29, Hida Ridge #27, and Harlan Meadows #28 trails.
Itinerary: This is a Sunday-Saturday weeklong project. Meet at the McCall airport early Sunday morning to fly in. Begin hiking and clearing from the airstrip, carrying all tools and personal gear. Work, bump camp as needed. Return to the airstrip by Friday evening. Saturday morning, picked up by the plane to head back to McCall.
Food Provided by ITA: No
Gear Packing List: Gear Checklist for Backpacking Projects
Crew Leader: Alisa and Gregg Rettschlag and Dan Appel
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.
Volunteer Spots Available: 0 of 8
If there are no volunteer spots available, click “Sign Up” to get on our waitlist for this project!
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