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.

Experience one of the String of Pearls of the Great Burn Recommended Wilderness! This trip was added late due to a need from the Forest Service following staffing cuts. Can we count on you to step up to the plate? During the trip, we will be working on the steep, rutted trail that heads down to Dalton Lake. Hard work equals high reward as in the evenings, we will have plenty of opportunity to swim, fish, and observe pika and mountain goats.

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 Dalton Lake is just over 5 miles, the elevation gain and loss is not something to overlook. However, during the project, there won’t be much hiking to/from the project site.

Work

Strenuous. Work will consist of digging new tread and possibly installing check steps and water bars. Hand tools may include Pulaskis, McLeods, pick mattocks, and shovels.

Itinerary

Day 1 | We’ll meet at the Hoodoo Pass trailhead at 0900 MST. Our hike to Dalton Lake will be via the Stateline #738. After lunch and camp set up we’ll brief about the project and goals for the weekend. 5.5 mi. Elevation gain: 1,700ft. Elevation loss: 1,400ft.

Day 2 | Trail work will begin after breakfast. We will be working up the trail from Dalton Lake. There will be time to enjoy the area and swim if desired.

Day 3 | We will continue where we left off the previous day, retreading and installing check steps and waterbars.

Day 4 | We will wrap up any work that needs finished, pack up camp, and say one last goodbye to the lake before heading back to the trailhead in early afternoon. 5.3 mi. Elevation gain: 1,400 ft. Elevation loss: 1,700ft.

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.

Head on up to Copper Lake with our Restoration Program Director. Copper Lake is a lesser known, hidden jewel along the Stateline. During this trip, you will learn and carry out vegetation monitoring as well as complete some hand pulling. Join us, and take a dip in the lake after a day of hard work!

Trailhead: Copper Lake #265, Superior RD, Lolo NF

Closest Town: St. Regis, MT

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

Difficulty

Hiking

Easy. The lake is only 1.25 miles from the trailhead with 600ft of elevation gain. There will be opportunities for stops along the way.

Work

Moderate. Work will include monitoring vegetation plots and hand pulling noxious weeds. Hand tools will include trowels, weed pullers, and pruners.

Itinerary

Day 1 | The group will meet at the Copper Lake trailhead at 0900MST (with options to carpool from Missoula). Following the hike in, we will set up camp and brief about the project and objectives. The group will complete monitoring plots and hand pulling with plenty of time in the afternoon or evening to explore or go swimming.

Day 2 | We will finish up any work that’s left in the morning then pack up camp and head out. We intend to be back at the trailhead by lunch. 

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.

Trip is limited to 8. Please submit your application by May 31, 2025. Registration fee is waived for this trip.

GBCA is excited to offer this trip in partnership with Here Montana. This trip will be centered around cleanup of Great Burn’s most popular area while getting to know the Great Burn mission, why protecting places like the Great Burn is important, becoming comfortable in the backcountry, and getting out to experience a wild place that’s not too far from Missoula. We will be camping at lakes, so if you’re interested in fishing make sure to have your MT license!

In addition the group will engage in outdoor leadership development. Participants will gain hands-on experience in teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving in dynamic outdoor settings. They will develop key leadership skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and risk assessment while navigating real-world scenarios in the backcountry.

The program will focus on:

• Team Building & Team Awareness – Strengthening group cohesion through trust exercises, group discussions, and collaborative decision-making. Participants will learn to recognize and utilize individual strengths within a team to enhance overall effectiveness.

• Situational Leadership – Understanding different leadership styles and learning how to adapt based on group needs, environmental conditions, and available resources.

• Wilderness First Aid & Risk Management – Covering the basics of first aid, injury prevention, and emergency response to ensure safe and responsible backcountry travel.

• Stewardship – Encouraging responsible outdoor ethics, sustainable recreation practices, and environmental stewardship, reinforcing the role of outdoor leaders in preserving natural spaces.

• Personal Growth & Leadership Reflection – Encouraging participants to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience, and reflect on their leadership experiences to develop confidence and adaptability in outdoor and everyday settings.

This combination of hands-on service work and leadership training will provide participants with a well-rounded outdoor experience, equipping them with valuable skills they can carry forward in their outdoor adventures and beyond.

Dalton, Pearl, and Heart Lakes are popular lakes that lie within the Great Burn recommended wilderness area along the Montana/Idaho border. We will access the lakes from the Stateline trail. The group will learn how to conduct backcountry campsite inventories, clean up around the lakes, do some wildlife surveys, and help pull weeds. Those who want to fish or swim will have plenty of time to enjoy the water.

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

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

Difficulty

Hiking

Moderate to Strenuous. The mileage on day one if over 5 mile and includes a decent amount of elevation gain, however this trip is aimed towards beginner backpackers. There will be plenty of points to rest during the hike. After day one, it’s all downhill.

Work

Moderate. Work will include cleaning campsites of any trash as well as reducing fire rings and conducting wildlife surveys. Maintenance will be conducted on the pit toilets. Hand tools may include a shovel, drill, and a pick.

Itinerary

Day 1 | The group will meet at the Heart Lake trailhead at 0900 and carpool up to Hoodoo Pass to start the hike. After a safety briefing, we will hike in to Dalton Lake on the Stateline #738 trail. After arriving at Dalton, we will set up camp and have time to explore the area, complete a pika and goat survey, and swim. A campfire lesson will be given on the History of the Great Burn and map reading. 5.5 mi. Elevation gain: 1,700ft. Elevation loss: 1,400ft.

Day 2 | The group will reduce campsite impacts around the lake and pack out any trash. Following cleanup at Dalton Lake, we will pack up camp, hike to Pearl Lake, and repeat. We will finish the day by hiking down to Heart Lake to set up camp. A campfire lesson will be given on mountain goat safety, hygiene in the backcountry, and meal prep. 1.5 mi. Elevation gain: 400ft. Elevation loss: 900ft.

Day 3 | The morning will be spent cleaning campsites and reducing fire rings around Heart Lake. Maintenance will be completed on the pit toilets as needed. We will pack up camp and arrive to the trailhead around 1400. 3.0 miles, Elevation gain: 100ft. Elevation loss: 1,200ft.

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 in the Meadow Creek Upper North Fork Inventoried Roadless Area. On this trip, we have the grand opportunity of working to help 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.

Trailhead: Trail Lake #156, Superior RD, Lolo NF

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 crew will brief us on the plan for the trip.

Day 2 | Work on Trail Lake #156 with the USFS trail crew.

Day 3 | Work on Trail Lake #156 with the USFS 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.

We are excited for another year of partnering with Idaho Trails Association on this week-long trail improvement 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 long overgrown (Bruin Hill #490).

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: Fish Lake #419, North Fork RD, Nez Perce-Clearwater NF

Closest Town: Superior, MT

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

Difficulty

Hiking

Strenuous. The hike in to camp is 5.5 miles with 1,500ft elevation gain and 100ft elevation loss. Each day, from camp, the crew will hike up to the Stateline to work on the trail. The start of work is 0.6 miles from camp with 650ft elevation gain.

Work

Strenuous. Work will primarily be focused on logging out the trail. 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.

Trip is limited to 8. Please submit your application by June 30, 2025. Registration fee is waived for this trip.

GBCA is excited to offer this trip in partnership with Here Montana. Whether or not you’ve been on a trip with us and you’re looking for something more challenging than what we’ve offered in the past, this is the trip for you! This trip is aimed at people who have experience with longer hikes or backpacking. We will be completing campsite inventories and restoration work at Siamese Lakes. During our adventure, the group will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Great Burn, why protecting these places is important, and local flora and fauna. Let’s get out and experience a wild place that’s not too far from Missoula. We will be camping at a lake, so if you’re interested in fishing make sure to have your MT license!

In addition the group will engage in outdoor leadership development. Participants will gain hands-on experience in teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving in dynamic outdoor settings. They will develop key leadership skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and risk assessment while navigating real-world scenarios in the backcountry.

The program will focus on:

• Team Building & Team Awareness – Strengthening group cohesion through trust exercises, group discussions, and collaborative decision-making. Participants will learn to recognize and utilize individual strengths within a team to enhance overall effectiveness.

• Situational Leadership – Understanding different leadership styles and learning how to adapt based on group needs, environmental conditions, and available resources.

• Wilderness First Aid & Risk Management – Covering the basics of first aid, injury prevention, and emergency response to ensure safe and responsible backcountry travel.

• Stewardship – Encouraging responsible outdoor ethics, sustainable recreation practices, and environmental stewardship, reinforcing the role of outdoor leaders in preserving natural spaces.

• Personal Growth & Leadership Reflection – Encouraging participants to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience, and reflect on their leadership experiences to develop confidence and adaptability in outdoor and everyday settings.

This combination of hands-on service work and leadership training will provide participants with a well-rounded outdoor experience, equipping them with valuable skills they can carry forward in their outdoor adventures and beyond.

Siamese Lakes are popular lakes that lie within the Great Burn recommended wilderness along the Montana/Idaho border. The group will learn how to conduct backcountry campsite inventories, clean up around the lakes, do some wildlife surveys, and help pull weeds.

Trailhead: Clearwater Crossing #101, Ninemile RD, Lolo NF

Closest Town: Alberton, MT

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

difficulty

Hiking

Strenuous. The hike in will be quite long with a decent amount of elevation gain. There will be several opportunities for breaks, and we anticipate allotting a majority of the day to the hike. Luckily, this means the hike out will be mostly downhill!

Work

Moderate. Work will include completing campsite inventories, cleaning up trash, conducting wildlife surveys, and pulling weeds. Hand tools may include: shovels, weed pullers, loppers, and hand saws.

itinerary

Day 1 | With the option of carpooling from Missoula, we will meet at the Clearwater Crossing trailhead the evening of 8/29 around 1700MST. We will do an “Unpack the Pack” and gear check around the campfire with dinner and s’mores!

Day 2 | We will start our hike early in the morning to try to beat the heat. We will take West Fork Fish Creek #101 to Siamese Lakes #114. It’ll be long mileage, but a good trail. We will camp at Lower Siamese Lake. 11.5 mi. Elevation gain: 2,800ft. Elevation loss: 300ft.

Day 3 | We will complete campsite impact inventories at Lower and Upper Siamese Lakes. This will involve a trash cleanup as well as reducing fire rings and social trails. There will be time to swim or fish at Upper Siamese Lake. Camp at Lower Siamese Lake. 0.5 mi.

Day 4 | We will finish up any work that’s needed in the morning and pack up camp to head out. We will hike back to the trailhead with hopes to arrive in the early afternoon. 11.5 mi. Elevation gain: 300ft. Elevation loss: 2,800ft.

Join us for our fourth year 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 Schley Mountain trailhead. There won’t be much hiking involved, but lots of hard work and views from Schley Mountain itself!

Trailhead: Schley Mountain #110, Ninemile RD, Lolo NF

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 log out the Schley Mtn trail. The entire section we will work on is 2.5 miles.

Work

Strenuous. Tris trip involves heavy trail work including brushing, logging out, and realigning tread. Hand tools may include: shovels, picks, mattocks, McLeods, Pulaskis, loppers, hand saws, and more. Volunteers may have the opportunity to use a crosscut.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Meet at the Schley Mountain 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 in the early afternoon.

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.

Help Ranger Joelle clean up and get prepared for the 2026 season. GBCA is joining with Women Who Explore for the third year on this trip. Heart Lake is a beautiful alpine lake, but so easy to access that it sees an increasing amount of use and sometimes abuse each year. Join us on this weekend outing to meet a bunch of awesome women explorers, eat some good food, and help us keep the backcountry clean!

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: We will hike in to Heart Lake from the Stateline #738 trail. This 4 mile trek has some steep elevation gains, but a lovely descent to the lake. We will hike out the Heart Lake #171 trail which is downhill to the trailhead.

Work

Easy to Moderate: We will be cleaning up campsites, reconstructing some damaged fire rings and performing any necessary pit toilet maintenance.

Itinerary

Day 1 | We will meet at the Heart Lake #171 trailhead at 0900 and shuttle to the Hoodoo Pass trailhead. We will hike in to Heart Lake, set up camp, and begin our cleanup.

Day 2 | After breakfast and tea, we will finish any work that needs to be done. We will pack up camp and hike out via the Heart Lake #171 trail with hopes of arriving to the trailhead 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.