Clearing the Way to Marble Valley
In early June 2025, a Bigfoot Trail Alliance elite trail crew set out to clear the scenic stretch of the Bigfoot Trail, supported by the Klamath National Forest, aiming to open the upper reaches of the Wooley Creek drainage from Lover’s Camp. Their ultimate goal was to crest the snowy saddle and descend into one of the most remote and wild corners of the Marble Mountains. But nature had other plans.
Heavy snowpack still blanketed the higher elevations beyond Marble Valley, making passage over the saddle into Wooley Creek treacherous for a crew carrying tools. Undeterred, the team pivoted and turned their attention to what they could do—and they did a lot.
Over 4.5 miles of trail from Lover’s Camp to Marble Valley were cleared, including the removal of 56 downed logs. One particularly memorable obstacle was a massive 46-inch cedar log, now cleanly cut and no longer a barrier for hikers. In addition to log removal, the team also repaired numerous water bars that had been channeling snowmelt down the trail, transforming it into temporary creeks.
With snow halting their original plans, the crew also cleared the Little Marble Valley Trail (0.4 miles), the popular 1.5-mile route to Sky High Lakes, and the 0.3-mile loop that circles back to Marble Valley. They spent long hours sawing logs half-buried in snow, adding to the challenge—and the uniqueness—of this backcountry effort.
This trip highlights the adaptability and dedication of the Bigfoot Trail crew. While Wooley Creek will have to wait, hikers heading into Marble Valley, Sky High Lakes, and surrounding trails will now find a much clearer path. We’re proud of this work and grateful for our trail team’s perseverance in the face of spring snow and rugged terrain.
📍 Marble Valley
- 7 Miles Cleared
- 56 Logs Removed
- 46″ Cedar Log
Interested in supporting our work or joining a future outing?
- Learn more and sign up at bigfoottrail.org/volunteer
- Support the cause at our website
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