2026 Indian Creek

Fly-In to Indian Creek: Backcountry Volunteer Adventure

September 27 - October 3

2026 Indian Creek

Fly-In to Indian Creek: Backcountry Volunteer Adventure

September 27 - October 3
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Project Name: Indian Creek

Dates: September 27-October 3

On this fall fly-in project ITA volunteers will spend a week in the backcountry opening the Indian Creek Trail. This trail follows the creek through meadows and hot springs and sits below several peaks of the Salmon River Mountains. These trails are used by hunters, boaters, horse packers, and backpackers wanting to explore the Middle Fork of the Salmon and the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. An ITA crew will be here earlier in the year to address the first few miles, and we’ll continue where they left off and push further into the wilderness!

We’ll will fly into the Indian Creek backcountry airstrip along the Middle Fork. From here pack support is tentatively available to bring us further up trail, to a base camp about 3.5 miles up the trail near the Middle Fork of Indian Creek. In years past, the trail was passable but very brushy, and the further up trail the more crosscut work is to be done! At the end of the week, we’ll backpack down to the Middle Fork for our flights back to civilization.

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: Indian Creek Trail #225

Itinerary: This is a Sunday-Saturday weeklong project. Sunday, fly out and hike up to base camp along Indian Creek. On Friday afternoon, return to camp near the airstrip for Saturday morning pickup and fly back to Cascade.

Food Provided by ITA: No

Gear Packing List: Gear Checklist for Backpacking Projects

Crew Leader: Mark Sugden and Terry Paterson

Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: Flying out of Cascade

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

Hike: 3/5 Moderately Strenuous – 3.5 miles with only 500 feet elevation gain into camp. Hiking while carrying heavy packs and tools, with pack support only for the hike 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. You can expect a wide range of weather conditions in late September, please pack accordingly.

Volunteer Spots: 8

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