This trip is open to BIPOC community members only. GBCA is excited to offer this trip in partnership with Here Montana. Bonanza Lakes are special, lesser traveled lakes in the Sheep Mountain-Stateline Roadless Area. Join us on this trip for the opportunity to learn about GBCA’s stewardship programs and do your part in giving back to this special place! We will start at Cascade Pass along the Stateline Trail and work our way to Bonanza Lakes. Along the way, we will handpull pick up any litter, inventory weed populations, and maintain backcountry campsites around the lakes. Volunteers will have the opportunity to engage in afternoon activities such as learning about the history of the area, practicing LNT principles, and engaging in outdoor leadership. If you are interested in fishing at Bonanza Lakes, be sure to have your MT license!

Trailhead: Cascade Pass #738, 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

Easy. The hike into Bonanza Lakes has a minimal amount of elevation gain and loss. The trail is in good condition.

Work

Easy. Work will include inventorying and hand pulling weeds and cleaning up campsites. Cleaning up on the hike in will allow for frequent breaks. 

ITINERARY

Day 1 | We will meet at the Cascade Pass trailhead at 0900MT. After a trailhead briefing, we will work our way up the trail while cleaning up any litter and inventorying noxious weed populations. At the lake, we will set up camp and clean up campsites. There will be plenty of time in the afternoon for swimming and fishing. 2.5 miles, 350ft elevation gain, 450ft elevation loss.

Day 2 | After breakfast, we will pack up camp and finish up any work that needs to be done. We will be back to the trailhead between mid morning and lunchtime. 2.5 miles, 450ft elevation gain, 350ft 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.

This area is a popular destination for both backpackers and day hikers, and is located on the Superior Ranger District. GBCA has a long history restoring the sensitive sub-alpine meadows around Pearl Lake, which has dealt with pesky noxious weeds in the past. This volunteer group will head out and hand pull selected species, as well as monitor and clean campsites around Pearl Lake. There’s also a good chance you’ll catch sight of the local mountain goat herd!

Trailhead: Hoodoo Pass, Stateline #738, Superior RD, Lolo NF

Closest Town: Superior, MT

**All volunteer trips are subject to change due to ever-changing fire activity.

Difficulty

Hiking

Moderate to Strenuous: Although the hike to and from Pearl Lake is just over 5 miles, the elevation gain and loss is not something to overlook.

Work

Moderate: Work will involve hand pulling weeds while being exposed to the sun. Hand tools may include trowels, weed pullers, and pruners.

Itinerary

Day 1 | We’ll meet at the Hoodoo Pass trailhead at 0900 MST. From here, the group will decide whether they want to finish the trip at this trailhead, or shuttle themselves from Heart Lake. Arrangements will be made accordingly. Our hike to Pearl Lake will be via the Stateline #738. After lunch and camp set up we’ll survey the campsites around Pearl Lake. 5.3 mi. Elevation gain: 1,700 ft, Elevation loss: 1,300 ft.

Day 2 | Work will continue in the morning with monitoring and improving the meadows above Pearl Lake. There will be time to enjoy the area and swim if desired.

Day 3 | We will pack up and hike out with the route dependent on the decision made on Day 1 with plans to be to the trailhead around noon. Hoodoo Pass: 5.3 mi. Elevation gain: 1,300 ft. Elevation loss: 1,700ft. Heart Lake: 4.0 mi. Elevation gain: 200 ft. Elevation loss: 1,800ft.

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.

Join us for a trip of work and discovery at the Lochsa Historic Ranger Station. Volunteers will have the unique experience of camping on the Ranger Station grounds while learning more about the history and area from GBCA's board member and volunteer host, Sarah Bates. During the project, volunteers will connect with restoration crew members to complete vegetation monitoring and hand pulling noxious weeds. We will also focus on clearing and brushing the Lochsa Downriver #2 trail, working from the Ranger Station. 

This will be a front country trip. Volunteers will set up tents around the Ranger Station and have access to their vehicles throughout the trip.

Trailhead: Lochsa Historic Ranger Station

Closest Town: Kooskia, ID

Difficulty

Hiking

Easy. Work will begin from the Ranger Station along the Lochsa Downriver #2 trail which follows the river gradient.

Work

Moderate/Strenuous: Work will consist of pulling weeds, completing vegetation monitoring plots, and clearing and brushing the trail. While there is no intense cardio activity, work can be strenuous on hot summer days. 

Itinerary

Day 1 | Meet at Lochsa Historic Ranger Station at 1000MT. The group will get oriented to the location, get set up, and have lunch. After lunch, volunteers will work with our restoration crews hand pulling and monitoring invasive weed populations near the Station. 

Day 2 | Work will begin on the Lochsa Downriver #2 trail starting from the Ranger Station. Activities will include log out, brushing, and some drainage work. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity for a tour of the Historic Ranger Station. 

Day 3 | We will continue working on the Lochsa Downriver #2 trail, working out from where we left off the day before. Enjoy fishing or swimming in the Lochsa River following the work day.

Day 4 | We will wrap up any work, gather tools, help Sarah with any maintenance around the station, and be on the road by lunch time.

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.