Project Name: Moose Ridge
Project Dates: June 13-19
A backcountry adventure in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness will bring the crew high above the Selway River to work on 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. 51 Ranch Outfitters will provide pack support to move gear up to a base camp. From here the crew will work on clearing the Moose Ridge Trail, working north and south from base camp as time allows. Finally, the crew will backpack back to the river, before getting picked up and flown back to civilization on the last day!
This section of the ICT may be some of the toughest for hikers to navigate on the whole 1000-mile trail because of downed trees and thick brush after 2017 wildfires burned much of the area. Opening this section is not just a benefit for long-distance hikers (who greatly appreciate our efforts), but these trails would be used by horse packers, hunters, and backpackers once clear! 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 last several years. This project immediately follows the ITA Ditch Creek project, where that crew will help ensure the trail is open for us to get to camp! Between the two projects, ITA will make a big impact on one of the most overgrown sections of the ICT!
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: Moose Ridge #562
Itinerary: This is a Saturday to Friday weeklong project. Fly out of McCall early Saturday morning. Packed up to base camp for the week. On Thursday, backpack back to Shearer to prepare for a Friday morning flight back to McCall.
Food Provided by ITA: No – This project is eligible for backpacking food per diem. More information here
Gear Packing List: Gear Checklist for Backpacking Projects with Pack Support
Crew Leader: Clay Jacobson
Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: Flying out of McCall, Idaho
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!
Waitlist Signups: 4
