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The Trip

This trail reconstruction service trip in the Selkirk Range will be a rewarding experience in a wild and beautiful part of Idaho. The Bonners Ferry Ranger District of the Panhandle National Forests extends from the Purcell Range and the Montana state line on the east to the rugged Selkirk Range on the west, and adjoins the Canadian border to the north. We will be based on one of the most dramatically scenic ridges in the Selkirks. The hike to our ridgetop base camp gains approximately 3,000' in seven miles. The Selkirk's rugged mountains and ridgelines offer spectacular vistas and opportunities for enjoyable day hikes. A variety of wildlife inhabit the area, including moose, white tail and mule deer, black bear, marmots, and pikas, along with diverse bird species. Though the Selkirks are located within grizzly habitat, we haven't had a history of bear encounters. We'll follow the Forest Service's guidance to hike and camp safely in bear country.

Idaho mountain weather is variable. August days are generally sunny and warm, with substantially cooler temperatures in the evening. Rain in the mountains is always a possibility, so sturdy rain gear is important. There are no poisonous bugs or snakes, and there's no poison ivy or poison oak. Mosquitoes are a predictable nuisance, however.

The Project

The planned project is reestablishing the trail to Fisher Peak, a 7,580' summit along a ridge that comprises the highest point in the Idaho Selkirks. There is always a possibility that the work project might change due to weather or other issues. The work is strenuous and the walk to job sites may be up to 1.5 miles each way. We will construct short sections of re-routed trail, build rock walls and erosion control structures, and fill in eroded trail sections. We will use various tools including Pulaskis, rock bars, and shovels. The Forest Service will provide all tools and train us in their safe use. Volunteers will be required to wear long pants, boots, and gloves while working. The trail crew from the Bonners Ferry Ranger District will work together with our group for most of the trip, continuing a partnership with the Sierra Club that has extended for over 30 years.

Itinerary

Pre-Trip: For those arriving by air, the Forest Service will provide a shuttle service from the Spokane Airport at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 11. Later, at 4 p.m., we'll all get together for a pre-trip orientation meeting at the Bonners Ferry Ranger Station, where a Forest Service representative will greet us, discuss the upcoming work, and answer any questions. We'll be able to conveniently camp on the Ranger Station lawn the night before the hike in, though no showers will be available there. Participants may also choose to stay at local hotels or other camping areas.

Day 1: The morning of Sunday, August 12, the Forest Service will provide transportation from the Ranger Station to the trailhead, where we will get an early start on our seven-mile hike into base camp. We should arrive by early afternoon, with time to set up camp and relax a bit before dinner.

Day 2: On our first trail reconstruction work day, we'll learn the basics.

Day 3: On our second work day, we'll work on improving our skills.

Day 4: Today will be our free day to hike, sightsee, just kick back and relax, or perhaps see if we can find a lake or two.

Day 5: On our third work day, we'll work on mastering the finer points of trail reconstruction technique.

Day 6: On our fourth work day, we'll likely be feeling like experienced pros, but it'll be time to wrap up our project.

Day 7: This morning we'll hike out down our newly improved trail. We should arrive back at the trailhead in the early afternoon. In the evening, we'll celebrate our accomplishments with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Convenient camping will be available again tonight on the Ranger Station lawn.

The morning after our trip ends (Sunday, August 19), the Forest Service will provide an early-morning shuttle for those of us who are flying out of the Spokane Airport, which will arrive at the airport at 11 a.m.

Getting There

The Forest Service will provide transportation from the Spokane Airport on arrival day, the Saturday before the trip. Participants arriving by air will need to be ready to meet the shuttle by 1 p.m. for the 3-hour drive to Bonners Ferry. On departure day, the Sunday after the trip, the Forest Service shuttle will aim to arrive at the airport by 11 a.m., so you'll want to be sure to allow adequate check-in time while booking your return flight. Airport limousine service is occasionally available, but is not recommended since it is quite expensive and not known for reliability. Car rental is an option, but this typically requires that the rental car remain parked in town or at the trailhead for the trip's duration. For those driving, the Forest Service complex is located on the south end of Bonners Ferry just off Highway 95. A large "Smokey the Bear" sign marks the entrance.

Accommodations and Food

Strenuous exercise and hard work burn a lot of calories, and the Forest Service cook will provide us with ranch-hand-style meals. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated -- please indicate your food preferences in your application. The forest ranger/cook is famous for her abilities; this will not be your typical backpacking food. Since there is no convenient source of water at the base camp, water will be brought in for us by the Forest Service team.

While we're on the trip, the Forest Service will provide food for our Sierra Club group, starting with dinner on the hike in (day 1) through lunch on the hike out (day 7). Participants are responsible for providing their own breakfast and a pack-along lunch on day 1, and meals after our hike out on day 7, starting with dinner. We'll plan this as a no-host farewell dinner at a local restaurant. There are also limited facilities at the Ranger Station that may be used to prepare simple meals.

Trip Difficulty

The hike in to base camp should be considered moderate since we won't have to carry our food or cookware. The hike out should be a bit easier since it's downhill, but it will be just about as long as the hike in! The work itself will require some heavy lifting and should therefore be considered strenuous.

Equipment and Clothing

You will need to bring work clothing and camping equipment. You'll receive an equipment list well in advance of the trip. The Forest Service will provide and transport materials, tools, and equipment to the worksite. August weather in the Selkirks is typically warm and sunny during the day, but quite cool at night. As in most parts of the Rockies, rain is likely sometime during a trip of this duration, so rain gear is necessary. You will be responsible for packing in all your personal gear.

References

Maps:

• The USGS topographic maps that cover the area where we're going are Pyramid Peak, Smith Falls, Copeland, and Farnham. Fisher Peak is located on the north 1/4 of the Pyramid Peak quad. The ranger station is open Monday-Friday, so you'll only be able to get maps and guides there if you're planning to arrive early.

Conservation

Since its founding in 1892, The Sierra Club has worked to preserve and restore the natural environment we all share on this planet. Thousands of grassroots-level volunteers spearhead our efforts to conserve and sustain resources, both in our own backyards and on a global scale. Through direct experience in the outdoors, Sierra Club outings enable participants to better understand, advocate, and participate in the environmental conservation goals of the Club.

Idaho's roadless areas have been the focus of wilderness vs. development controversy for many years. We'll see up close how these issues play out in the area we're visiting, and learn about current efforts to preserve these wild areas.

Trip Price

See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

Staff

Steven Veit lives in California's Napa Valley, and in addition to hiking, climbing and skiing in the nearby Sierras, has extensive backcountry experience in other mountain ranges of the world, including the Rockies (US and Canada), Cascades, Alaska Range, Alps, and Himalayas. He believes that service trips are a great way to get to know a natural area while doing something useful to preserve and maintain it.

E-mail: sveit@pacbell.net

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General Notes About Sierra Club Trips

• Carbon Offsets
• Carpooling
• Electronic Devices
• Equipment
• How to Apply for a Trip
• Leader Gratuities
• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
• Medical Issues
• Non-discrimination Statement
• Participant Approval
• Reservation and Cancellation Policy
• Seller of Travel Disclosure
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Feedback
• Wilderness Manners