Tucked deep in the Klamath Mountains near Orleans, California, the Bluff Creek Trail offers hikers and naturalists a wild and historic path into one of the most biodiverse regions in the western United States. This trail, which parallels the legendary Bluff Creek (Bigfoot!), is more than a passage through rugged backcountry—it’s a corridor through time, tracing the footsteps of Indigenous Peoples, early colonizers, and those who’ve long revered the forested canyons of northwest California.
Originally established to provide access for fire crews and backcountry patrols, the Bluff Creek Trail has since become a hidden gem for adventurous hikers and Bigfoot Trail thru-travelers alike. Yet, like many lesser-known trails, it has faced the slow decay of neglect—overgrown brush, sluff-covered tread, and the wear of time and weather.
That’s where the Bigfoot Trail Alliance (BFTA) stepped in—with generous support from the Orleans Ranger District of the Six Rivers National Forest.
Spring 2025 Trail Work Trip to the Bluff Creek Trail
Thanks to funding and logistical support from the Orleans District, BFTA volunteers returned to the Bluff Creek Trail this spring with loppers, saws, and shovels in hand—determined to clear the way for the next generation of hikers and stewards. Four volunteers joined trip leader Jacob Shinners, donating a total of 48 hours of time.
- Brushing Effort: Volunteers brushed the entire length of the trail, with the first and last half-mile requiring the most attention. Overhead vegetation was especially dense and was carefully cleared to restore safe passage.
- Tread Restoration: Nearly three-quarters of a mile of tread was repaired, especially in the upper sections. Crews removed accumulated sluff and re-contoured the trail to improve stability and walkability.
- Slide Repair: One notable section had suffered a root ball slide. The crew cleared debris, re-cut the tread, and reestablished solid footing through the impacted area.
Before and After along Bluff Creek – Photos by Jacob Shinners.
This effort is a testament to what’s possible when federal agencies and nonprofit trail stewards work hand-in-hand to care for our shared public lands. The Bigfoot Trail Alliance extends its gratitude to the Orleans Ranger District for making this important work possible.
Ready to hike it? Lace up your boots and hit the trail. And as always—leave it better than you found it.
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