2026 Upper Priest River Trail

Boardwalk to the Falls: Puncheon Construction in the Panhandle

August 28 - August 30

2026 Upper Priest River Trail

Boardwalk to the Falls: Puncheon Construction in the Panhandle

August 28 - August 30
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Project Name:  Upper Priest River 

Project Dates: August 28-30  

Just south of the Canadian border, this trail system begins in one of the largest remaining tracts of intact old-growth forest in the Pacific Northwest. During this three-day project, we’ll hike the Continental Trail to reach the Upper Priest River Trail, where we’ll focus on repairing and improving several backcountry puncheons. 

We are actively looking for someone with building experience to advise the building portion of the project. Please contact us if you or anyone you know may be interested at trails@idahotrailsassociation.org. 

This project, we will be working in partnership with the Backcountry Horsemen of Priest River, helping to strengthen and restore these essential structures, which provide safe passage for hikers and stock users. Our work will include dismantling worn sections, installing new materials, and replacing some puncheons entirely, while improving the surrounding tread to ensure the puncheons remain durable and sustainable for years to come. 

More Information can be found on  All Trails  

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. 

Trail: Upper Priest River Trail #308, Continental Trail #28 

Itinerary: This is a three-day project. Arrive at the Upper Priest River trailhead on Thursday evening if possible. The crew will begin working on Friday morning. We will finish on Sunday afternoon.  

Food Provided by ITA: No   

Gear Packing List:  Gear Checklist for Car Camping, Bring Your Own Food   

Crew Leader: Melodie Viafranco 

Estimated Drive Time from Closest Town: 2 hours from Sandpoint, Idaho  

Trail Map: Click for trail map and elevation profile  

Refundable deposit: $25 

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 2/5 Moderately Strenuous Upper Priest River Trail climbs steadily uphill, gaining 1,000 feet of elevation in miles. Carrying day packs and tools. See the linked map for the elevation profile. 

Project Work: 3/5 Moderately Strenuous – Repeated digging or sawing, the potential for some heavy lifting. Carrying tools and day packs up to five miles each day.  Volunteers can pick trail duties based on comfort and ability level and are encouraged to work at their own pace. 

Volunteer Spots Available: 11 of 15
If there are no volunteer spots available, click “Sign Up” to get on our waitlist for this project!

Waitlist Signups: 0

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