From June 18–24, the Bigfoot Trail Alliance welcomed 14 volunteers into the heart of the Russian Wilderness for a unique family stewardship trip along the Bigfoot Trail. Supported through a partnership with the Klamath National Forest, the week demonstrated that trail stewardship can bring generations together while making a meaningful contribution to our public lands.
Our crew included seven youth and seven adults (ages 7 to 53), proving that caring for wilderness trails is an experience that can inspire people at every stage of life. Beginning at the Deacon Lee Trailhead, we packed into the wilderness and established camp before spending the week restoring the Bigfoot Trail from the Pacific Crest Trail junction down the Russian Creek drainage.
The work was both rewarding and challenging. Volunteers cleared fallen trees, rebuilt damaged tread, and lopped encroaching brush, improving access for hikers while helping preserve this remarkable section of trail for years to come. Just as importantly, the week created opportunities for young people to learn wilderness skills, practice teamwork, and develop a lasting connection to public lands.
By the end of the trip, the crew had accomplished:
- Trail Restored: 8 miles
- Trees Removed: 44
- Tread Rebuilt: 0.5 miles
- Trail Lopped: 0.5 miles
- Volunteer Hours: Approximately 596
Evenings around camp were filled with shared meals, stories, swimming in Russian lake, and the simple joy of unplugging from daily life. For many of the younger participants, this was their first opportunity to experience the satisfaction that comes from leaving a place better than they found it.
The Bigfoot Trail Alliance is grateful to the Klamath National Forest for its continued partnership and to every volunteer who dedicated their time and energy to this project. Together, we are not only restoring trails—we are cultivating the next generation of wilderness stewards.
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