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.

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.

This trip is open to BIPOC community members only. 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!

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

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.