Reclaiming the Trail: Two Weeks of Wilderness Stewardship in the Yolla Bolly–Middle Eel Wilderness

This June, the Bigfoot Trail Alliance led a major effort to reopen key segments of trail in the remote and rugged Yolla Bolly–Middle Eel Wilderness. Working from the Ides Cove Trailhead, the official start of the Bigfoot Trail, our dedicated crew of volunteers set out to restore access to trails long impacted by fire, weather, and time.

Over the course of two weeks, 28 volunteers donated a combined 1,680 hours of labor in the heart of the Mendocino National Forest, with support from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, legendary horsepacker Ken Graves, and the Backcountry Horsemen of California.

Trail Work Highlights

• 6.8 miles of trail reopened and maintained
• 139 fallen logs removed from the trail, including:
  • 42 small logs (<12″)
  • 75 medium logs (12–24″)
  • 22 large logs (24″+)
• Extensive brushing and corridor clearing to ensure a clear 6-foot-wide by 8-foot-high passage
• Drainage restoration and rock work to reduce erosion and protect trail integrity
• Tread repair and redefinition, especially in fire-impacted areas where the original trail had vanished

Rebuilding After Fire

Recent wildfire had erased sections of the trail corridor, leaving behind sloughed tread, overgrown brush, and unstable slopes. Our crew worked with care and purpose to re-establish the trail, often reconstructing it entirely by hand with Pulaskis, McLeods, and shovels—tools wielded with determination and heart.

Tools and Teamwork

Equipped with crosscut saws, hand tools, and a passion for wilderness, the crew operated safely and efficiently. No injuries were reported, and all participants followed rigorous safety protocols, wearing PPE and working in teams to manage hazards.

A Collective Effort

This project would not have been possible without the support of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Ken Graves and his pack support, and the steadfast partnership of the Backcountry Horsemen of California. Their logistical help ensured food, tools, and supplies reached our remote camp, allowing us to focus on the work at hand.

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Every log cut and tread rebuilt is an act of stewardship—restoring the Bigfoot Trail for future hikers, connecting people to the wild, and honoring the enduring spirit of this wilderness.