Project Name: Marsh Creek – Youth (All-Boys)
Dates: July 23–26
ITA's Youth Trail Crew Program provides opportunities for youth ages 14-18 to learn about the outdoors while building and maintaining hiking trails in a safe, teamwork-oriented environment.
This season, ITA will host an all-boys youth backpacking trail work project in the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness. The crew will hike several miles into the backcountry, carrying gear and supplies to a camp along Marsh Creek. Along the way, participants will experience rushing streams, rugged forested canyons, and sweeping mountain views. Daily trail work will focus on the trails past Big Hole, including the Bear Valley Trai #010 and Middle Fork #001. This section has been impacted by past fires, fallen trees, brush, and occasional rockfall, making trail maintenance both important and rewarding.
Trail work will include clearing fallen logs, brushing, light tread work, and scouting sections of the trail to ensure safe access. With guidance from crew leaders, youth will also take part in all aspects of backcountry camp life, including setting up and breaking down tents, preparing meals with a volunteer cook, managing water and sanitation, and tracking tools. Volunteers will learn and follow Leave No Trace principles and project safety expectations while building confidence, outdoor skills, and teamwork in a remote wilderness setting.
ITA's youth projects are completely free for volunteers to join, and all food is provided. Gear can be borrowed from ITA if needed with advance notice, or youth may apply for scholarships to purchase gear they need through the Splattski Outdoor Access Fund.
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 ourFAQs, reach out to your crew leader, or contact ITA staff at trails@idahotrailsassociation.org if you have questions.
Trails: Marsh Creek Trail #237, Bear Valley Trail #010, Middle Fork Trail #001
Itinerary: This is a four-day backpacking project. Volunteers and a parent/guardian will join a pre-trip Zoom meeting before the project. Meet Thursday morning at Lola Creek Campground or near the trailhead to load gear, hike into backcountry camp, and set up camp. Friday and Saturday will be full trail workdays on the Marsh Creek Trail, returning to camp each evening. Sunday, break down camp, hike out, and be ready for pick up in the early afternoon.
Food Provided by ITA: Yes – Backpacking
Gear Packing List: Gear Checklist for Backpacking Projects
Crew Leaders: Ray Arguello and Bill Griffin
Estimated Hike Time from Trailhead to Camp: 4–5 miles with backpacks and trail tools
Trail Map: Click for trail map and elevation profile
Youth Trip Selection:
Youth trip sign-ups will be open until March 22nd. Although early sign-ups will be prioritized, ITA leadership and staff may adjust the final crews to maximize trip experience and provide opportunities for the greatest number of youth participants. To help facilitate trip assignments, please sign up for your preferred trip and include alternate trips you could participate in, should the preferred trip not be available. You will receive notification of trip assignment via email prior to March 31st.
Difficulty Rating:
Volunteer Spots: 10
