Heart Lake is a beautiful high elevation lake, but it is so easy to access that it sees an increasing amount of use and sometimes abuse each year. Over the years, GBCA has worked with the Forest Service to install two pit toilets at Heart Lake to help mitigate human waste issues. They have been very successful, and it’s come time to dig new holes! Join us on this trip to meet a bunch of fellow outdoor lovers, eat some good food, and help relocate the existing pit toilets. We will be camping at Heart Lake, so if you’re interested in fishing, make sure to have your MT license!
Trailhead: Heart Lake #171, Superior Ranger District, Lolo National Forest
Closest Town: Superior, MT
**All volunteer trips are subject to change due to ever-changing fire activity.
Difficulty
Hiking
Moderate. Our hike to Heart Lake is only 3 miles, but has a moderate amount of elevation gain.
Work
Moderate to Strenuous. We will be digging two large holes for pit toilet relocation. This will involve using tools such as shovels, post hole diggers, rock bars, pick mattocks, and more.
Itinerary
Day 1 | We will meet at the Heart Lake #171 trailhead at 0900MT. After a short trailhead briefing, we will hike into Heart Lake, set up camp, and begin digging one latrine hole. 3 mi. Elevation gain: 1200ft, Elevation loss: 60ft.
Day 2 | We will continue work on relocating the pit toilets, digging throughout the day and taking breaks as necessary. In the afternoon, there will be time to fish and swim.
Day 3 | We will have breakfast, pack up camp, finish any work that needs to be done, and head back to the trailhead by lunchtime. 3 miles, 60ft elevation gain, 1200ft elevation loss.
Great Burn Conservation Alliance trips are free. Each volunteer will be required to make a 100% refundable deposit to secure a trip spot. The cost of the deposit is $50, which will be returned if you cancel at least 3 weeks before your scheduled trip or once you attend the trip. A lot of planning goes into these trips and we need to make sure you’re committed! If you are unable to make a deposit, please reach out to volunteer@greatburn.org.