Come out for the unique opportunity to work alongside our GBCA and USFS trail crew as well as stay in the old Weitas Creek Guard Station. Volunteers will help to log out and brush a section of the nearly 30 mile Weitas Creek trail near the North Fork of the Clearwater River. During the project, the group will be guided by the trail crew and get a peak into the life of seasonal workers. Work will involve armoring a bridge sill to prevent erosion, and working on other trail structures. Although we’ll be in the backcountry, we’ll have the luxury of staying at the Guard Station, which has both a cookhouse and bunkhouses. Weitas Creek is also a Blue-Ribbon cutthroat trout stream, so if you like to fish, don’t forget your ID license!
Trailhead: Weitas Creek #20, North Fork Ranger District, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest
Closest Town: Pierce, ID
Difficulty
Hiking
Moderate: The Guard Station is 8 miles from the trailhead, however the trail has minimal elevation gain/loss as it follows the creek gradient a majority of the way.
Work
Strenuous: Work will involve swamping, brushing, and cleaning/repairing drainages. Hand tools will include McLeods, Pulaski, shovels, loppers, and hand saws.
Itinerary
Day 1 | The group will meet at Weitas Creek Campground at 0900PT. After a trailhead briefing and safety talk, we will begin our hike to the Guard Station. At the Guard Station, we will set up camp and get oriented with the area. We will begin trail work if time allows. 7.5 mi. Elevation gain: 1100ft. Elevation loss: 700ft.
Day 2 | The group will work alongside the trail crew, assisting with a variety of tasks. After work, there will be plenty of time for swimming, fishing, or relaxing with a book.
Day 3 | Work will continue with the trail crew, working further up or down the trail.
Day 4 | After breakfast and tea, we will pack up camp and complete minor cleaning and maintenance of the Guard Station. Hiking out of the trail, we expect to arrive at the trailhead around 1400PT. 7.5 mi. Elevation gain: 700ft. Elevation loss: 1100ft.
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.