Volunteers needed for trail projects in North Idaho

Idaho Trails Association is looking for hikers who are interested in helping on one-day, weekend, and week-long projects throughout the spring and summer to maintain trails in North Idaho.

No experience is needed to participate and hikers of all levels are encouraged to join. All tools and training will be provided at the start of the project. Many ITA volunteers describe their experience as empowering and a great way to meet other outdoor enthusiasts.

ITA has over 60 projects planned all over the state and 16 scheduled in the North Idaho region for 2022. Among the upcoming projects are:

Priest Lake, May 14-15

Volunteers are invited to join ITA officials on a weekend project along the western shore of Priest Lake. The group will camp together near the trailhead Friday and Saturday night, spending the days cutting out logs and brush on this trail along the north western shore. The trail follows the lake and is an easy walk with very little elevation change and picturesque views. Volunteers will camp together near the trailhead Friday and Saturday night, enjoying the views of the Selkirks from the shore. Seven to 12 volunteer spots are available.

Difficulty rating: easy: Trail work is performed near or a short distance from a trailhead. Work is typically performed with a larger group. Minimal gear may be carried.

Mickinnick Trail, Sandpoint, June 4

On National Trails Day, ITA volunteers will head to the popular 3.5-mile locally built hiking trail. Mickinnick gains 2,200’ to reach a beautiful viewpoint far above the city of Sandpoint. Volunteers will cut out logs, do tread work, improve drainage, and clear brush from the trail.

Difficulty rating: moderate: Day trip trail work is performed a small to medium distance from a trailhead. Steep incline. Volunteers will carry a daypack and tools.

Road considerations: Mickinnick Trail Head is off Woodland Drive in Sandpoint

Navigation Trail Backpacking 101, Priest Lake, June 11-12

ITA will hold its first “backpacking clinic” to give both new and experienced backpackers a chance to get together and share ideas on how to better enjoy this sport. ITA will provide backpacking meals and volunteers will be carrying all their gear. The project will include an overnight backpack 2.5 miles to Plowboy Campground on the scenic west shore of Upper Priest Lake.

Upper Priest Lake can only be accessed by boat or by foot and is surrounded by old growth forest. Several leaders will provide guidance, tips, and tricks on how to have more fun while backpacking in Idaho’s wild areas. We’ll also do trail work on Navigation Trail #291 removing logs and brush and improving the trail tread and drainage. Six to 10 volunteer spots are available.

Difficulty rating of moderate: Minimal elevation gain on hike but we will be carrying our packs and tools.

Estimated Drive Time to Meeting Spot: about 1 hour from the town of Priest River, paved all the way to the trailhead.

If there are no volunteer spots available, click “Sign Up” to get on our waitlist for this project!

To sign up for these projects and see the rest of ITA’s North Idaho schedule, go online to idahotrailsassociation.org/projects.

Idaho has over 10,000 miles of non-motorized hiking trails on public lands throughout the state. These trails are an irreplaceable resource that contributes to the outdoor recreation opportunities and great quality of life in Idaho, said ITA officials.

If there are no volunteer spots available, click “Sign Up” to get on our waitlist for this project. For more information on other volunteer opportunities visit https://idahotrailsassociation.org

For more information on hike visit ww.alltrials.com

Unfortunately, funding for the care and upkeep of Idaho’s hiking trails is far short of what is needed to keep them open and usable. Idaho Trails Association was formed in 2010 to help deal with this challenge, Kelly Hewes communications director at ITA said.

ITA is a nonprofit that works with volunteers, organizations, and government partners to preserve Idaho’s incredible trail system through education, maintenance projects, and public lands advocacy. All of ITA’s projects are completed with the help of volunteers who are passionate about preserving Idaho’s trails for ongoing recreation and future generations.