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Mountain Majesty and Nature’s Peace in the Backcountry of the Beautiful Bitterroot National Forest, MT (Backpacking Trip)

July 30, 2025 @ 5:00 pm - August 6, 2025 @ 1:00 pm

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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.

We highly recommend prior backpacking experience to participate on this trip.

There is no trail experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

Register

Host

Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation

Accommodations

Primitive Tent Sites

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.

Project Rating

Strenuous

Minimum Volunteer Age

16

Maximum Group Size

10

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.

Travel

Missoula International Airport in Missoula, MT is the closest airport. Airport pickup is not provided but carpooling can be arranged upon confirmation of the trip.

Location

Bitterroot National Forest
Big Creek Trailhead, Victor, MT 59875 United States + Google Map