VOLUNTEER TRAIL CREW · STEWARDSHIP EVENT
2026 Lemhi Pass Volunteer Project
Three days of trail maintenance on a historic stretch of the CDT at Lemhi Pass, on the Montana–Idaho border outside Salmon, Idaho.
- DATES: August 21 – 23, 2026
- LOCATION: Lemhi Pass Trailhead, MT
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- CREW SIZE: 14 Volunteers + 2 Staff
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
Trail work on a historic divide
Straddling the Montana–Idaho border, Lemhi Pass offers sweeping views of the valleys to the east and west. For centuries, Shoshone people, and later the Blackfeet, used this pass as a vital travel corridor across the Divide. In 1805, the Lewis and Clark expedition became the first documented Euro-American party to cross here into present-day Idaho.
Join CDTC and our local friends at Salmon Valley Stewardship for a long weekend of trail maintenance in this history-rich landscape. Volunteers will work on the CDT heading north from Lemhi Pass, focusing on corridor brushing, drainage, and tread maintenance. We’ll arrive at the Lemhi Pass Trailhead Thursday evening or early Friday morning, work through Sunday lunch, and say our goodbyes from camp.
CDTC provides experienced and trained leaders, tools, safety equipment, group kitchen gear, and water for the entirety of the project. Food is provided beginning with breakfast on the 21st through lunch on the 23rd. No experience necessary, and attendance for partial projects is accepted.
Project Area (approximate)
Volunteer roles needed
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🍳 Crew Chef (1) Plan and cook three meals a day for the crew. CDTC provides all kitchen gear, food, and a chef stipend. Now recruiting! |
⚒️ Trail Crew Member (5) Help with corridor brushing, drainage, and treadwork. Training and tools provided on-site. Hike-in is moderate.
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A note on difficulty
Difficulty is rated Moderate.
We calculate this by considering miles traveled per day, elevation gain and loss, camping location, and the kind of work involved. This is our best guess — if you’re unsure whether the project’s a good fit, please reach out.
What's provided
Our staff will provide all of the following for you to use during the weekend:
What you should pack
Our team has put together a recommended packing list for frontcountry camping trips like this one. Download the PDF version or review the list below:
Project Packing List
Frequently asked questions
How Can I Join Project?
We use a volunteer management software called Neon One, when you follow a registration link from our website it will redirect you to Neon’s site to register. You will be able to create an account so you can log in in the future without having to resubmit your information.
How Can I Prepare for My Project?
It’s hard to anticipate everything you’ll need, depending on the weather, location, and personal preferences…but here’s a start!
What equipment is provided?
No tools necessary! We’ll have a range of tools and equipment for the project, and CDTC will also provide needed safety Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): hard hat (if needed, gloves, eye protection. You are welcome to bring your own gloves, eye projection, etc. if you prefer!
What does it cost to volunteer?
Totally free! You just need to get yourself to our worksite. Please keep in mind that while these events are free we would appreciate advance notice of you no longer being able to join a project, as we use registration numbers in several factors. Such as, how much food to buy and what, how much work we can expect to get done, etc.
Do you provide food? What about dietary restrictions?
- We provide food on all projects. For a Friday- Sunday project, we provide, Breakfast, lunch and dinner Friday and Saturday and provide Breakfast and lunch on Sunday.
- Our team is well versed in various dietary needs and restrictions. We can accommodate most diets but please think about risk factors or supplying your own food if you have a severe allergy.
Can I Bring My Pet?
We love our furry friends, but please leave them at home. If you have a service animal, please let us know when you register.
What’s a crew chef?
Crew chefs are volunteers whose job is to… chef! The crew chef feeds the trail crew a hearty Breakfast, lunch and dinner. CDTC Crew Chef Training is required to be a crew chef. CDTC can help provide ideas, recipes and a shopping list. Food is paid for by CDTC, as a reimbursement to the crew chef.
Are children allowed?
Kids, under the age of 18, are welcome to join with a parent, depending on the project work. Please reach out to [email protected] if you have further questions.
Prohibited Items
We’re happy to have you join a project, but please refrain from*:
- Possession or use of firearms, except with volunteer packers who’ve been
approved by the Forest Service - Consumption of alcoholic beverages in excess
- Possession or use of any illegal drugs, including Marijuana as it is illegal on
federal land on which all of our projects take place - Fighting, use of derogatory language, intimidating behavior, discrimination, sexual harassment, or violent or threatening behavior
*These actions could result in dismissal from the project.
Not sure if this project is right for you?
Sierra LaBonte, our Montana Regional Representative, can answer any question — big or small.