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Mountain Majesty and Nature's Peace in the Backcountry of the Beautiful Bitterroot National Forest

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ORGANIZATION: American Hiking Society

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Join American Hiking Society for a week of building & maintaining trails in exciting locations across the country. Volunteer Vacations foster public land stewardship and provide volunteers the opportunity to give back to the trails they love, meet new people, and have a great time doing it! Crews consist of 6-15 volunteers accompanied by a crew leader. Volunteer Vacations involve backpacking or day hiking and accommodations vary from primitive campsites to bunkhouses or cabins. Tools and supervision are provided by the host agency or organization. Experience nature up close. Travel to new destinations. Meet other outdoor enthusiasts. Take a vacation that nourishes your body & your spirit. Get Out. Give Back.

Project Specifics:

A backpacking adventure with the planning done for you!

Come enjoy the magnificent mountains, the serenity of wilderness, the miracle of spring flowers, majestic big game, and the sounds of birds here in the Bitterroot Mountains! Explore nature and support trails in this 1.6 million acre forest on this project near Missoula, Montana!

This project will take place in the heavily glaciated, rugged Bitterroot Mountains of southwestern Montana. The Bitterroot Valley is one of the most spectacular scenic corridors in Montana. Trails traverse deep canyons and sharp ridges formed by glaciers into the heart of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.

American Hiking Society volunteers will work with experienced wilderness stewards from the Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation to maintain the Holloway Lake Trail #393. Project work will consist of clearing trails using crosscut saws, axes, and handsaws, brushing back overgrown vegetation, cleaning drains and water bars, removing social trails, and improving the drainage of the trail tread.

On the day off in the middle of the week volunteers can choose to swim, fish, relax at camp, or further explore the area on foot.

Hiking/Access

Basecamp will be at Peterson Lake, a backpacking distance of about 4.8 miles. From the trailhead at 5800’ elevation, the trail gradually ascends a series of switchbacks to a natural spring, gaining about 1500’ in elevation over the course of 2 miles. The trail then drops about 900’ as it traverses along Sweeney Ridge to the campsite at Peterson Lake, situated at about 6500’. The trail is narrow along the ridge, and primarily passes through forested land cover with a few sections of exposed, rocky ridge providing views down and across the Bitterroot Valley. Volunteers will need to carry their personal gear and a portion of the food/tools/cooking gear to base camp.

Area and Attractions

This project will take place in the heavily glaciated, rugged Bitterroot Mountains of southwestern Montana. The Bitterroot Valley is one of the most spectacular scenic corridors in Montana. Trails traverse deep canyons and sharp ridges formed by glaciers into the heart of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.

Accommodations Description

The crew will be car camping at the Holloway Lake Trailhead on the first night. There are no facilities and due to limited parking, carpooling is highly encouraged (your crew leader will help coordinate). The backcountry campsite has no amenities; the group will dig a latrine and filter water from the lake. Pack support will be provided to carry group gear, food, and most, if not all, tools. Volunteers will carry their gear. We recommend that volunteers bring a personal water filter. Volunteers need to bring their own tent and personal camping gear; sheets, bedding or sleeping bag; and towels.

Trip Cost: $425 per person

Find More Information & Register Here: https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/bitterroot-national-forest-selway-bitterroot-wilderness-mt-volunteer-vacations-2025/

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About American Hiking Society

Location:

8403 Colesville Rd,Suite 1100, Silver Spring, MD 20910, US

Mission Statement

As the national voice for America's hikers, American Hiking Society promotes and protects foot trails and the hiking experience.

Description

Our nation’s trails need your help! Join American Hiking Society for a week of building & maintaining trails in exciting & diverse locations across the country.

Volunteer Vacations foster public land stewardship and provide volunteers the opportunity to give back to the trails they love, meet new people, and have a great time doing it!

Crews consist of 6-15 volunteers accompanied by a crew leader. Trips involve backpacking or day hiking and accommodations vary from primitive campsites to bunkhouses or cabins. Tools and supervision are provided by the host agency or organization.

Take a vacation that nourishes your body & your spirit.

Get Out. Give Back.

CAUSE AREAS

Environment
Environment

WHEN

Wed Jul 30, 2025 - Wed Aug 06, 2025

WHERE

Big Creek Trailhead RoadMT 59875

(46.42482,-114.26505)
 

SKILLS

  • Outdoor Recreation

GOOD FOR

  • People 55+

REQUIREMENTS

N/A

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