Location: Superior National Forest, MN
Challenging. Backpacking, portaging, canoeing experience, etc.
Backpacking via canoes.
This unique and challenging project will focus on improving the condition of the portage trails, taking place in the northeast section of the Sioux Hustler hiking trail.
Service Project Details
This unique and challenging project will focus on improving the condition of the portage trails, taking place in the northeast section of the Sioux Hustler hiking trail. Work will include removing small trees from trails with hand saws and loppers, and removing larger downed trees with a crosscut saw. Because of the remote location of the job site for 2025, volunteers should be prepared for 1.5 days of travel to and from the base camp for the week. Depending on the route, volunteers should expect ~8-9 hours of paddling and 5-8 portages (the longest being ~1 mile) for oneway travel spread over 1.5 days. Volunteers will be expected to help transport group gear and canoes during the project.
Volunteers for this project must:
- have relevant canoeing experience
- be able to portage a canoe (2-person) from one portage to the next (solo or with another person)
- be able to carry ~35 lbs packs from one portage to the next
- be able to paddle fair distances in a variety of weather conditions
- have good balance and sure footing (entering and exiting the canoe)
Check out the photo gallery from previous projects in this stunning wilderness.
Project Leaders: Aidalicia Swertfeger and Cathy Bricker
Agency Website
Itinerary:
Saturday, September 6th. The volunteer group meets at midday at a time/place TBD. The group will go through check-in, introductions, orientation, and will caravan to a camp for the night.
Sunday, September 7th. Travel day: the group will help transport gear to the portage staging area and will begin the paddling journey. The group will set up a temporary camp for the night.
Monday, September 8th. The group will break down camp and continue their paddling journey to the base camp for the week. The group will set up basecamp and begin work if time allows.
Tuesday, September 9th. Workday
Wednesday, September 10th. Day off
Thursday, September 11th. Workday
Friday, September 12th. Break down camp, and begin the paddle back. The group will set up a temporary camp for the night.
Saturday, September 13th. Break down the temporary camp and begin the paddle back. Goodbyes, depart.
Nearest Cities
Ely, MN
Nearest Airports
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) – ~250 miles away
Duluth International Aiport (KDLH) – ~109 miles away
Hector International Airport (FAR) – ~278 miles away
Free Time Details
Hiking, viewing wildlife and vegetation, relaxation.
Accommodations
Backpacking via canoes.
Difficulty
Challenging. Backpacking, portaging, canoeing experience, etc.
Task Details
Carrying, sure footed, good balance, paddling, portaging, bending, cutting, hauling, swinging, digging, throwing, pushing, lifting, etc.
Equipment List
View Equipment List