2026 Volunteer Trips
Experience the Burn’s Wild spaces with expert leaders, learn more about its history and landscape, and give back to the land we love. Check out our upcoming trips, complete with dates, locations, difficulty levels, and itineraries. Trips fill up fast, so register now to save your spot!
Find your gear list here.
Looking for a self-guided recreational experience? Plan your visit to the Great Burn!
Cache Creek Trail Improvement w/ The Rocky Mountaineers
Join us for our fifth year of partnering with the Rocky Mountaineers on a trail improvement project. You do not have to be a member of the group to sign up, however, we can bet that you’ll want to be after a trip with these awesome folks! We are lucky to have such a hardworking group so passionate about maintaining trails. This year, we will be car camping from the Cache Creek trailhead. Each day, we will be working up the drainage, working to brush and repair drainages along the way.
Trailhead: Cache Creek #317, Ninemile Ranger District, Lolo National Forest
Closest Town: Lolo, MT
**All volunteer trips are subject to change due to ever-changing fire activity.
Difficulty
Hiking
Easy. Our work begins right at the trailhead as we brush and maintain the Cache Creek trail. A majority of the trail is at creek gradient and there are no steep climbs.
Work
Strenuous. This trip involves heavy trail work including brushing, cleaning drainages, and realigning tread. Hand tools may include: shovels, picks, mattocks, McLeods, Pulaskis, loppers, hand saws, and more.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Meet at the Cache Creek trailhead at 0900 MST. The group will get camp set up and be briefed on the project at hand. We will begin working on clearing and repairing the trail. After a full day’s work, we’ll head back to the trailhead for a night of car camping.
Day 2 | Continue working to clear and brush the trail.
Day 3 | Continue working to clear and brush the trail.
Day 4 | Finish up any work that needs to be done in the morning. Pack up camp and head out around lunchtime.
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.
Weitas Creek Trail Improvement
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.
Windy Bill Trail Improvement w/ ITA
We are excited for another year of partnering with Idaho Trails Association on this week-long trail improvement project along the Idaho Centennial Trail. Volunteers will work alongside GBCA and ITA staff to clear a portion of the Idaho Centennial Trail that has been neglected and eroding for many years (Windy Bill #531).
This trip is stock-supported to assist in bringing in group gear, tools, and food. Be prepared to carry your personal camping gear in with you.
Trailhead: Scurvy Mountain #524, North Fork Ranger District, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest
Closest Town: Pierce, ID
**All volunteer trips are subject to change due to ever-changing fire activity.
Difficulty
Hiking
Strenuous. The hike in to camp and to the work location includes a good amount of elevation gain with minimal switchbacks.
Work
Strenuous. Work will primarily be focused on logging out the trail and installing waterbars. Volunteers will use a cross cut saw and variety of hand tools to complete this project.
For more specific trip info and registration, visit ITA’s website. You can view the trip itinerary and register directly through the ITA website. There are 4 spots reserved specifically for GBCA volunteers.
Trail Lake Trail Improvement
Join us for a trip to Trail Lake, a wonderful sub-alpine lake along the MT/ID Stateline that you just may not know about. Located just north of the Great Burn Recommended Wilderness, Trail Lake is located in the Meadow Creek-Upper North Fork Roadless Area. This is our second year working to reclaim the lost trail heading from the lake up to the Stateline. This is an exciting and unique project, so don’t miss out! Trail Lake has a self-sustaining population of brook trout, and fishing is encouraged, be sure to have your MT license!
Trailhead: Trail Lake #156, 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 to Moderate. There is a descent amount of elevation gain on the short hike in to the lake, but after day one, we will be doing little hiking during our work days.
Work
Strenuous. This trip involves heavy trail work including brushing and building tread. Hand tools may include: shovels, picks, mattocks, McLeods, Pulaskis, loppers, hand saws, and more.
Itinerary
Day 1 | We will meet at the Trail Lake trailhead at 0800 MST (with the option of carpooling from Missoula). After a safety meeting, we will begin our hike in to Trail Lake to set up camp. The USFS/MCC crew will brief us on the plan for the trip.
Day 2 | Work on Trail Lake #156 with the trail crew. Tasks will include corridor clearing, brushing, and tread improvement.
Day 3 | Work on Trail Lake #156 with the trail crew.
Day 4 | We will finish up any needed work with the trail crew in the morning. We will pack up camp and be back to the trailhead around 1300 MST.
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.
Lochsa Station Stewardship
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.
National Trails Day
Join us for our third annual celebration of National Trails Day! We will be working to clear a section of the Lewis and Clark #25 trail just west of the Lochsa Lodge starting from where we left off in 2025. Work will include logging out and brushing this National Historic Trail. There will be opportunities throughout the day and after work to learn about the history of the area and the significance of this special trail. Come out for the day and get your hands dirty, then join us after for food and drinks at the Lochsa Lodge. Give back to the trails that give so much to you.
Trailhead: Wendover Campground, Lewis and Clark #25, Lochsa-Powell RD, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest
Closest Town: Lolo, MT
**All volunteer trips are subject to change due to ever-changing fire activity.
Difficulty
Hiking
Moderate. The Lewis and Clark trail gains a moderate amount of elevation as it travels up from the Lochsa River corridor. Some sections may be steep, but trail work will help to keep the pace nice and steady.
Work
Moderate. We will be doing trail work that involves swinging hand tools, digging tread, and possibly reconstructing drainages.
Itinerary
Meet at Wendover Campground at 0900MT to start the day. The USFS will brief us on the project and objectives of the day. We plan to work until 1600MT with the option of working longer. Following the work day, we will be meeting at Lochsa Lodge to share trail tales and have some food and drinks, where you’re welcome to join us.
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 $10, 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.
MEET YOUR TRAIL LEADERS
a gear list for your trip
This checklist is meant to be a general guide, not comprehensive list. Everyone packs differently, and you know yourself best! If you run cold, throw a beanie or a pair of gloves in your pack. If you sweat a lot, you might want to change your socks more frequently than the person next to you. If you’re going out for 1 night vs 5, you’ll need more things!
GBCA will provide:
Breakfast, dinner, and cooking equipment.
Group water filter, as well as dishwashing equipment.
The trip leader will also carry bear spray, InReach, and a first aid kit with them at all times.
Before leaving the trailhead, trip leaders will assess trip participant gear and leave redundant gear at the trail head. Items like water filters, sunscreen, trowels, bug spray, and camp stoves can be shared.
Clothing
Avoid cotton clothes as they hold onto moisture. Cotton is a great breathable material when it’s dry, but once it’s wet it’s going to stay that way. If possible, bring quick drying, synthetic layers to wear during the work day.
Wool is also a good alternative to cotton, as it retains heat even when wet. Packing warm clothes in July or August might sound crazy, but the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and nights are often chilly.
Toiletries
It’s important to bring supplies that will make you comfortable when using the bathroom outside…but it’s even more important to mitigate the impact our waste has! Having a well made toilet kit helps us do that. If you bring toilet paper or wet wipes out with you, bring a small Ziplock bag to pack out used material.
Periods in the backcountry can be daunting, but with a little prior planning they’re easy to manage! Here’s a great guide from our friends at Leave No Trace on how to manage periods when camping: LNT Period Guide.
If you are missing any of the suggested gear, reach out and see if we have any extras! Gear rentals are also available at the University of Montana Campus Recreation Department, REI, and The Trail Head downtown location.
MORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
BECOME A FRIEND OF THE BURN
Make any recurring donation, and opt in to receive action alerts, volunteer information, newsletters, and other opportunities to get engaged to become a Friend of the Burn. You’ll join hundreds of others who are showing support for permanent protection of this special place, so that it can stay Wild and available for generations to come.
ADVOCATE FOR THE BURN
Great Burn advocates play an essential role in helping shape awareness and public perception around our Mission Area. Advocates submit comments and speak up to land management agencies regarding plans, projects, or permanent protection decisions in the Great Burn and Mallard Larkins landscapes.
VOLUNTEER FAQS
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
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Volunteers under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Use your best judgment when choosing a trip, keeping in mind the project’s difficulty rating and the length of travel.
National forests must revise their plans every 15 years, but that doesn’t always happen. The Lolo National Forest plan hasn’t been updated since 1986, meaning forest plans can have a significant impact for decades.
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All Great Burn volunteer trips are free, with a refundable $50 deposit. The GBCA will return your deposit at the start of your trip or if you cancel your reservation at least three weeks before the start date. To keep trips accessible, financial assistance is available. Email us at volunteer@greatburn.org.
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Dogs are allowed in some areas across the Burn, but we don’t currently allow dogs on volunteer trips.
TRIP DETAILS
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Volunteers are required to provide their own backpacking gear, snacks, and lunch items. Our recommended packing list can help guide your choices. Trip leaders will assess all volunteer gear and leave redundant gear at the trailhead. Items like water filters, sunscreen, trowels, bug spray, and camp stoves can be shared.
GBCA trip leaders will provide or carry:
Breakfast, dinner, and cooking equipment — tell us about your dietary restrictions when you sign up so that we can accommodate them
A group water filter and dishwashing equipment
Additional bear spray
An InReach communication device
A First-Aid kit
Hand tools, eye protection, and gloves, depending on the project
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A lot of time and effort go into planning our volunteer stewardship trips, so please make sure you plan on attending! However, we understand that life happens, and sometimes, you may not be able to make it.
In that case, your deposit will be fully refunded up to three weeks before your scheduled trip. Otherwise, your deposit will be counted as a donation to GBCA. All trips are subject to cancellation due to changing weather and wildfire conditions.
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Yes! You should receive two emails after you register: a confirmation message and a message from our volunteer coordinator with more information on your specific trip in the days following your registration. GBCA trip leaders will contact participants one to two weeks before your scheduled trip.
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Yes! Whether you’re a student in need of community service hours or need to complete court-ordered community service for a non-violent offense, you can earn your hours on a volunteer project. Email us at volunteer@greatburn.org for details.
POLICIES
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Each volunteer group has a Garmin InReach device and is required to check in daily with GBCA admin. In the event of an emergency or if a volunteer needs to be reached while in the field, please contact GBCA Executive Director Hayley Newman at hayley@greatburn.org or 406-546-2329.
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At GBCA, we are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all volunteers and members of our staff. The GBCA is committed to maintaining a work environment free from all forms of discrimination regarding its employees, contractors, donors, volunteers, customers, or any other person.
The specific forms of discrimination prohibited by GBCA policy are those based on race, sex, gender, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sexual preference, physical or mental disability, marital status, and political beliefs.
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Alcohol: Volunteers over the age of 21 participating in a GBCA volunteer stewardship trip are welcome to bring a small amount of alcohol ONLY if it is consumed responsibly. Alcohol should only be consumed after work hours and in a manner in which you can work the following day. Please avoid glass bottles.
Firearms: Firearms and other weapons are strictly prohibited on GBCA stewardship trips. Trip leaders carry bear spray, and GBCA encourages volunteers to carry their own.
Marijuana and other drugs: Marijuana is now legal in Montana, but it is still ILLEGAL in Idaho and on federal lands, including Forest Service lands, where all GBCA-led stewardship projects and trips take place.
Other illegal drugs are also prohibited on GBCA trips. Anyone participating in a trip is a Forest Service volunteer under a working agreement. Drug use violates that agreement and could leave you liable for any injury, loss, or other issue that occurs.
Have additional questions?
Please email us at volunteer@greatburn.org.
Make any recurring donation, and opt in to receive action alerts, volunteer information, newsletters, and other opportunities to get engaged to become a Friend of the Burn. You’ll join hundreds of others who are showing support for permanent protection of this special place, so that it can stay Wild and available for generations to come.
BECOME A FRIEND OF THE BURN
