Looking down Russian Creek
The Bigfoot Trail
is a long distance hiking trail through the Klamath Mountains of northwest California and, briefly, southwest Oregon. The trail begins in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness and ends near Redwood National and State Parks at the Pacific Ocean near Crescent City, CA. The establishment of this route will lead to a deeper understanding and awareness for this little known corner of California—in essence promoting greater future sustainability for this botanical wonderland. The major focus along the trail is conifer diversity, passing 32 species along the 360 miles. Also, en route, one traverses six wilderness areas, one National Park, and one State Park.
Of the 360 miles, approximately 100 miles (160 km) are along seldom used Forest Service roads while the remaining segments are backcountry trails, either in wilderness or on National Forest land. The Pacific Crest Trail briefly coincides with the Bigfoot Trail in the northern Marble Mountain Wilderness and north of Seiad Valley to the edge of the Red Buttes Wilderness. Due to the strenuous nature of the trail and the fact that some section have been un-maintained for many years it is not a trail that can be hiked quickly. Experience using map and compass as well as the ability to read the landscape are necessary for a successful thru-hike. The Bigfoot Trail was originally proposed by Michael Kauffmann in 2009 as a suggested route to navigate the Klamath Mountains from south to north as well as a long-trail to introduce nature lovers to the biodiversity of the Klamath Mountains region.
Visit Conifer Country to learn more about regional conifer diversity
Visit the official site for the Bigfoot Trail Alliance and follow the progress of the trail.
