by Rees Hughes
Weekend on the Lost Coast with the Bigfoot Trail Alliance
Since launching trail crews in 2019, the Bigfoot Trail Alliance (BFTA) has tackled tough wilderness terrain in the Yolla Bollys, Marbles, Siskiyous, and Trinity Alps. While these week-long outings offer incredible experiences, they can be physically demanding and time-intensive.
A New Model: Shorter, Accessible Adventures
To attract a broader range of volunteers, BFTA introduced long weekend trips in 2024 and committed fully in 2025 with a series of outings across the Klamath Knot. These trips centered around campgrounds like Bluff Creek, West Low Gap, and Let’er Buck, offering a basecamp model that supports day hikes and trail work.
Heat Wave Detour: From Bear Creek to the Lost Coast
The final weekend trip of the spring season was planned for Bear Creek Trail near Ripstein Campground. But with triple-digit heat looming, leader Jacob Shinners rerouted the crew to BLM’s Lost Coast and Chemise Mountain Trails, a cooler, coastal alternative near Shelter Cove.
Three Miles of Trail and a Campfire Circle
Ten volunteers joined forces to clear and maintain a three-mile stretch of trail, brushing overgrowth, logging out fallen trees, and reshaping tread. Evenings were filled with shared meals (thanks to Jacob and his mom, Kathleen), stories around the fire, and makeshift sleeping arrangements ranging from tents to a converted school bus.
A Community of Trail Stewards
As always, the people made the trip. Volunteers ranged in age and background—geologists, artists, software engineers, teachers, nurses, and land stewards—coming together to contribute their strengths. Jacob summed it up best: “Meeting good people and creating friendships” is at the heart of BFTA outings.
An Invitation to the Trail
Even those new to trail work found the experience welcoming. As Amy, a first-time participant, noted: “Jacob’s thoughtful leadership made it fun and accessible. Everyone brought something unique, and the teamwork was inspiring.”
🛠️ Sign up for a future trip today and help keep the Bigfoot Trail wild, walkable, and welcoming for all.
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