Location: Northeastern OR
Challenging. 8 mi backpack w/ 2500′ gain. Daily hikes of ~2-6 mi w/ 1000′ gain
Backpacking with pack support. Tent camping
This is a medium/high elevation project: 5,500′-7,500′
Help the USFS tackle a heavy log out and restore a section of trail near Minam Lake.
Service Project Details
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Give back to the iconic Eagle Cap Wilderness on this rewarding backcountry project! Work will focus on heavy logouts along two trails beyond the stunning Minam Lake. Crosscut saws and other hand saws will be used throughout most of the trip. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to restore a section of trail along the Minam River below Frazier Pass, using tools such as Pulaskis, pick mattocks, McLeods, and shovels.
Base camp is located below Minam Lake and offers tranquil meadows and easy access to the river. The hike to camp is a moderate to challenging 8 miles with approximately 2,000 feet of elevation gain. From lush fern-filled forests to rocky alpine lakes, the scenery is exceptional. Each workday, volunteers will hike 1–3 miles one way to reach the work sites. Crew members will gain significant experience using crosscut saws, as well as performing swamping and tread rehabilitation.
Two Pan Trailhead is approximately a one-hour drive from our meeting location in Enterprise, Oregon. The trailhead is accessible by passenger vehicle; however, AWD or 4WD is recommended, as the final 12 miles are on a gravel road. Some volunteers may have the opportunity to ride in a Forest Service vehicle. Carpooling is encouraged, as this is a popular trailhead.
This trip offers a unique opportunity to repair and restore a beloved, high-use area of the Eagle Cap Wilderness, including trail sections that haven’t seen logout work in years. The work will be physically demanding and deeply rewarding, with valuable hands-on instruction from Forest Service rangers. We hope you’ll join us!
This is a medium/high elevation project: 5,500′-7,500′
Project Leaders: Ross Holloway and Tom Driscoll
Check out the photo gallery from past projects at Eagle Cap Wilderness, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
Agency Website
Itinerary:
Saturday, August 22nd- The Volunteer group meets at midday at a time/place TBD. The group will go through check-in, introductions, orientation, and will help stage gear if necessary for the packers.
Sunday, August 23rd. The group will wrap up with the pack team and begin their backpack into basecamp. All volunteers will help set up camp in preparation for the work week ahead.
Monday, August 24th. Workday.
Tuesday, August 25th. Workday.
Wednesday, August 26th. Day off.
Thursday, August 27th. Workday.
Friday, August 28th. Workday.
Saturday, August 29th. Break down camp, backpack out, goodbyes, and depart.
Nearest Cities
Enterprise, OR
Nearest Airports
Boise International Airport (BOI) – ~239 miles away
Portland International Airport (PDX) – ~327 miles away
Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) – ~328 miles away
Free Time Details
Volunteers can spend the day at Minam and/or Blue Lakes, as well as a hiking opportunity up to scenic Frazier or Ivan Carper Passes. They can also view wildlife, photography, relax, etc.
Accommodations
Backpacking with pack support. Tent camping
Difficulty
Challenging. 8 mi backpack w/ 2500' gain. Daily hikes of ~2-6 mi w/ 1000' gain
Task Details
Swinging, digging, shoveling, hauling, pushing, leveraging, bending over, lopping, etc.
Equipment List
View Equipment List