Idaho Hikers & Backpackers - Where Friends and Nature Meet

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NiRmbjmhrLKuU9lZFhe-qjLwnfFDT3Htbfz0sEs9b_0/edit?usp=drivesdk

Details:

• Date: Sept 28
• Time: 7 PM
• Location: Zoom (link on event page). We recommend you download the zoom app for best performance.

Come ready to share ideas, give input, and help shape an awesome fall season. Looking forward to seeing you there!

If you like to get a jump start, complete this google document beforehand with your ideas:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hKL_y5jyYyPd_6CrU0WUCZsXMKju2Aq__-tzdCiuitA/edit?usp=sharing

Thank you
IHB team

A mandatory online pretrip meeting attendance is required. Sign up here:

Hell’s Canyon is know for snakes and poison ivy. Therefore, see gear suggestions below.

Join the Idaho Hikers & Backpackers for an unforgettable 4-day, 3-night backpacking adventure along the famous Snake River Trail in Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America.
October is one of the best times to visit Hells Canyon: cooler hiking temperatures, fewer crowds, fall colors, and excellent opportunities to see wildlife such as bighorn sheep, mule deer, bald eagles, and golden eagles.
We’ll begin at Pittsburg Landing and follow the Snake River through dramatic canyon scenery, camping beside the river each night and exploring some of the most scenic sections of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.

# 🥾 Itinerary

### Day 1 — Saturday, October 10

Upper Pittsburg Landing → Kirkwood Ranch
📏 ~6 miles
We'll hike approximately 6 miles to the Kirkwood Ranch area and establish camp.

### Day 2 — Sunday, October 11

Kirkwood Ranch → Bernard Creek
📏 ~14.7 miles
⚠️ This is our longest day.
We will have an early 7:30 AM departure to maximize daylight and allow plenty of time for breaks and route-finding.
This section includes significant ups and downs despite following the Snake River.

### Day 3 — Monday, October 12

Bernard Creek → Little Bar
📏 ~10.2 miles
We'll continue along the Snake River Trail, enjoying the canyon scenery and additional opportunities for wildlife viewing.

### Day 4 — Tuesday, October 13

Little Bar → Upper Pittsburg Landing
📏 ~10.5 miles
We'll hike back to Upper Pittsburg Landing and complete the trip.

### 📊 Trip Totals

• Total distance: ~41.4 miles
• Total elevation gain: ~5,500 feet
• Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
• Difficulty: Level 4/5

Distances are approximate and may vary depending on GPS measurements and the exact route taken.

***

#

Difficulty: Idaho hikers and Backpackers defines 1-5 levels of difficulty.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/16TZaqHA0EDCydQvPg0m_Dz3AJWcp-lhz9jgUxipFSOU/edit?usp=drivesdk

# Gear & Preparation

Come prepared for cool fall temperatures, changing weather, and remote wilderness conditions.
Because of the presence of rattlesnakes and poison ivy, consider:

• Long hiking pants
• Appropriate hiking boots or trail shoes
• Trekking poles
• Gaiters if desired
• Gloves for protection when moving through brush
• A complete backpacking sleep system appropriate for October temperatures
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Navigation system/GPS plus backup navigation
• First-aid kit
• Adequate water capacity and water treatment
• Emergency shelter/gear

This trip is a level 4/5 trip
Level 4:
Physical ability standard (excellent+):

• You exercise 5-6 times per week, sometimes for over 3 hours. Or a minimum total of 10 hours per week. At least twice a month you put in full 8-10 hour days of activity.
• Hiking 12-14 miles on wilderness trails with up to 3000 feet of elevation gain with a 35 - 45lb overnight pack (can vary depending on the trip) is fine for you.
• Hiking on steep off trail and uneven terrain with an elevation gain of up to 5000 feet while carrying a lightweight pack should be ok for you . You can handle a class 2-3 scramble if that is part of the trip.

Experience level (proficient):

• You are knowledgeable on your gear. You can quickly set up and take down your tent.
• Your base weight is below average ( approx. 5-10 lbs).
• You can adjust to different types of weather conditions.
• You may have special skill sets such as map and compass, first aid training, knot tying, or survival skills.
• You are comfortable with route finding and off trail hiking.
• You could organize a backpack at this or lower levels.

Trail description: Trips may have significant elevation gain, weather challenges, and maybe multiple days. You may exceed 15 miles per day. There may be some scrambling (class 2-4) and a helmet may be required. Examples: Seven Devils loop, White Clouds loop, Grand Sawtooth loop, some winter backpack trips

Pace: 2.5-3.5 mph. A consistent, brisk pace with minimal stopping, typically on well-maintained trails. Breaks every 1.5-2 hrs.

I understand that during my participation in this Outing, I may be exposed to risks and hazards, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent and cannot be eliminated without diminishing the Outing.
These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel, location, and weather.
I agree that the Organizer (s) has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip leaders or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries are involved in adventure travel such as this Outing and I accept that I must exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards.
I understand that on this Outing there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries to which I may be exposed.
To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY the Organizer from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by the negligence of the Organizer or other participants in any way connected with this Outing. I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS the Organizer (s) from any claims, losses, Injuries and Damages caused by my own negligence while a participant on the Outing.
I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. I have read the Outing description and this Release of Liability in its entirety and I freely and voluntarily assume all risks of such Injuries and notwithstanding such risks, I agree to participate in the Outing. I have read, I understand, and I agree to this Release of Liability by signing up

https://youtu.be/YEKbVt5uIQg?is=VWpLIqpjuB8-AajB

Saturday:

• Meet at the at 10 am at the Bruneau Canyon Overlook (directions) Hang out or join us for a 10 mile round trip easy hike on jeep roads then down into the Bruneau Canyon to see the beautiful Bruneau river. Bring a lunch/snacks/water.
• if you want to skip the hike and come later, that’s fine too. Let me know your plans.
• Return to the camping area and cook dinner (you will need a stove)
• Last year will showed a scary movie - working on this; otherwise, maybe we can play some board games or participate in a skit.
• Night hike ~ 2 miles on jeep roads down the Path of Doom, AKA Idaho Centennial trail. Please bring a headlamp or flashlight. Enjoy the moon!
• We will have a costume party with prizes
• Go home or spend the night. You can sleep in your car/trailer/or there is primitive dispersed camping. No RVs. The area has a toilet but no water. YOU MUST BRING ALL THE WATER YOU NEED FOR THE EVENT.
• Bring a chair, layers, hot drinks, and blankets.

Sunday

• If you want, you can drive 45 minutes with me to the JC Strike Reservoir for a short day hike. Suggest bringing a pair of binoculars as there is chance to see hawks and other birds.

Suggested Ghost Busting gear

• Head lamp + extra head lamp or flash light
• Gaiters - prevent poky things.
• Halloween themed custom that you can hike in.
• Warm clothes, blankets - it can get chilly.
• Stove, Tent and sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees if you are staying overnight in a tent.

About the area
The Owyhee desert is located in Southern Idaho, bordering Nevada to the south and Oregon to the west. These hills and canyons are filled with evil spirits and ghastly creatures. We will enjoy a Gibseus moon - a nearly fully lit moon.

Last minute sign-ups/cancellations:

I put a significant amount of time planning to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. Please inform the organizer as soon as possible with any cancellations 3 pm before the meet up. No shows/no communication is unfair to others who are on the waitlist and makes planning difficult for the organizer. Please review our no-show policy. If you are sick, please stay home and hike with us another time. I reserve the right to take photos and videos of group members

I understand that during my participation in this Outing, I may be exposed to risks and hazards, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent and cannot be eliminated without diminishing the Outing.
These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel, location, and weather.
I agree that the Organizer (s) has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip leaders or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries are involved in adventure travel such as this Outing and I accept that I must exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards.
I understand that on this Outing there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries to which I may be exposed.
To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY the Organizer from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by the negligence of the Organizer or other participants in any way connected with this Outing. I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS the Organizer (s) from any claims, losses, Injuries and Damages caused by my own negligence while a participant on the Outing.
I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns. I have read the Outing description and this Release of Liability in its entirety and I freely and voluntarily assume all risks of such Injuries and notwithstanding such risks, I agree to participate in the Outing. I have read, I understand, and I agree to this Release of Liability.
Thanks
IHB team