South Fork Lolo Creek Trail Reestablishment

Dates: June 18-25

Trailhead: South Fork Lolo Creek #311, Lolo National Forest Road 2160

trail length: 11.8 miles

Location: Lolo National Forest and Bitterroot National FOrest, Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness

Basecamp: backcountry primitive

MILES TO BASECAMP: Approx 6, with potential to bump camp to access the work

Rating: strenuous

Description:

The South Fork Lolo Creek Trail #311, located just off U.S. Highway 12, offers access to the northern reaches of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness from the Lolo National Forest. Following the impacts of the 2017 Lolo Fire and the 2024 windstorms, the trail is obstructed by downed trees and overgrown vegetation. This volunteer project will build on the work SBFC began in 2024 to clear the trail up to its junction with the Bass Creek Trail #4, opening a continuous thru-route through the Bitterroot.

Volunteers will be cutting logs and fallen trees, brushing vegetation, improving water drainage, and restabilizing the trail tread. The hike-in will include several creek crossings, which may require crossing on logs or using a rope line. Participants should also be prepared to climb over or under fallen trees when hiking on the trail.

This is a strenuous project. Pack support will be provided by the U.S. Forest Service to carry in tools, equipment, group gear, and food. However, participants will need to carry their own personal gear and items (see packing list).

SBFC will provide breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks.